Chile's Kast Defends Reform Plan, Calls for Constructive Congressional Debate

Chilean President José Antonio Kast on June 1, 2026 urged Congress to engage in a "good debate" on his government's sweeping reforms to security, economic reactivation, and reconstruction, emphasizing urgent citizen concerns. In his first public accountability address before Congress, the right-wing leader pledged to unblock the electricity tariff system, cut bureaucracy, and modernize small and medium mining. His administration has already submitted a National Reconstruction and Economic Development Plan that includes tax adjustments, anti-crime measures, and tighter immigration controls, including a "Return Plan" to incentivize voluntary departure of illegal migrants. Kast's call comes as his approval ratings have slipped amid a sharp fuel price surge tied to the war in Iran and the recent dismissal of his security minister and spokeswoman. Despite political divisions, he insisted that institutional debate and voting would allow significant progress in the months ahead.