In the final presidential debate organized by Anatel, José Antonio Kast and Jeannette Jara had tense clashes on topics like commuting sentences for pedophiles, irregular migration, and the 40-hour law. Both candidates pledged to resign from their party memberships if they win the December 14 runoff. The event, broadcast from TVN studios, lasted two and a half hours with nine thematic blocks.
The debate began with discussions on governability, where Kast and Jara stated they would resign from their parties if elected to La Moneda. Jara, from the PC, emphasized that the president must rise above parties, while Kast, Republican, said he would represent all of Chile.
On security, Jara rejected pardons and criticized the proposal to commute sentences for terminally ill inmates, including pedophiles, linking it to Kast's deputy José Carlos Meza. 'It doesn't seem right that the candidate and his party are promoting commutation of sentences for child violators,' Jara said. Kast denied his program includes that and accused the government of pardoning criminals: 'I would never pardon a child violator.' He did not rule out reviewing cases of conscript soldiers for human rights violations.
Migration heightened tensions. Kast proposed 92 days for 330,000 irregular migrants to leave without regularization and a humanitarian corridor. Jara defended registration: 'Those who don't register will be expelled,' criticizing Kast's 'imaginary proposals' that would require 'nine years of one plane a day.'
On the 40-hour law, Jara questioned Kast's program for suspending it in SMEs. He clarified: 'We won't touch the 40 hours,' promising to improve security so people arrive home safely.
The debate included cross-questions and closings, with Kast focusing on change and Jara on decisions for well-being.
