Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated José Antonio Kast on his landslide victory in Chile's presidential runoff, expressing confidence in continued strong bilateral ties amid varied regional reactions.
Following José Antonio Kast's decisive win in Chile's presidential runoff—securing 58.18% of the votes against Jeannette Jara's 41.82%, as detailed in prior coverage—Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued congratulations on social media. "We congratulate the Chilean people on a peaceful and democratic electoral process. Also to José Antonio Kast, next president of Chile. I trust that both governments will continue working for the good of our countries and the region," she wrote on Sunday.
The 59-year-old Kast, a former deputy with ultraconservative views and historical ties to Pinochet supporters, takes office on March 11, 2026. His victory has drawn mixed regional responses: while Sheinbaum emphasized cooperation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro decried the result, labeling Kast a 'fascist' and warning of authoritarian winds in the Americas. Kast has aligned with far-right leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei and pledged strict policies on migration and security.