The Partido Nacional Libertario (PNL) has decided not to join the government of president-elect José Antonio Kast, citing that the chosen political design limits their influence in key programmatic areas. Johannes Kaiser, the party's leader, voiced support for security and economic policies but warned they will raise their voice against misguided advances. The party will adopt a stance of independence and oversight from Congress.
The Partido Nacional Libertario (PNL), led by former presidential candidate Johannes Kaiser, announced on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, that it will not form part of José Antonio Kast's government. The decision followed sustained conversations, as stated in a party communiqué: “we conclude that the chosen political design distances us from the possibility of influencing those areas in which we built our programmatic offer.” The PNL stressed it can contribute better “from a position of responsibility and independence,” defending the nation's superior interests and its principles.
Kaiser, who had previously expressed discomfort over the cabinet formation, reiterated in an interview on radio El Conquistador his wish for success for Kast: “I wish the President of the Republic the best of successes, because if he does poorly, the one who suffers is the country.” They will support issues like security and the economy but oppose initiatives that violate their convictions. “Our contribution will be to plant the flag and make clear that there are certain things we back and certain things we do not,” he explained.
From Congress, the PNL will take on an oversight role without strictly positioning as opposition. “As a party not in the government, we will do the oversight task that corresponds to any party in Congress,” Kaiser noted. However, he warned: “If it starts to advance in a way we consider wrong, we will naturally raise our voice.” This stance arises amid tensions over the lack of information on the ministerial design, which caused unease in the libertarian party.
The announcement underscores Kast's autonomy in forming his team, acknowledged by the PNL, which wishes success to the cabinet for Chile's future.
