José Antonio Kast

thumb|Official portrait (2026). José Antonio Kast (born 18 January 1966) is a Chilean politician who has served as President of Chile since 2026. He previously served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and founded the Republican Party of Chile. Quotes As Candidate: 2017–2025 2017 Si Pinochet estuviera vivo, votaría por mí. Translation: "If Pinochet were alive, he would vote for me." José Antonio Kast, discussing former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, in "Kast: 'Si Pinochet estuviera vivo, votaría por mí'", T13 (November 9, 2017). Conozco a Miguel Krassnoff y viéndolo no creo todas las cosas que se dicen de él. Translation: "I know Miguel Krassnoff, and having met him, I don't believe everything that is said about him." José Antonio Kast, discussing former military officer Miguel Krassnoff, convicted of crimes against humanity, in "José Antonio Kast: «Conozco a Miguel Krassnoff y viéndolo no creo todas las cosas que se dicen de él»", El Mostrador (November 9, 2017). No creo en el matrimonio igualitario, porque creo que dos hombres no son igual que un hombre y una mujer. Dos hombres no pueden procrear. Translation: "I don't believe in same-sex marriage, because I believe that two men are not the same as a man and a woman. Two men cannot procreate." José Antonio Kast, in "José Antonio Kast: 'No creo en el matrimonio igualitario'", BioBioChile (July 17, 2017). 2021 Nunca voy a ser partidario del aborto, en ninguna instancia. Soy defensor de la vida. Translation: "I will never support abortion under any circumstances. I defend life." José Antonio Kast, discussing abortion legislation during his presidential campaign, in "Kast reitera rechazo al matrimonio igualitario: 'Es entre un hombre y una mujer'", 24 Horas (November 23, 2021). 2025 Les quedan 128 días a los inmigrantes irregulares para dejar el país. Translation: "Undocumented immigrants have 128 days left to leave the country." José Antonio Kast, discussing his proposed immigration policy during a presidential debate, in "Migración, violencia en liceos y Punta Peuco: Las 12 frases de los candidatos que marcaron el debate", Emol (November 4, 2025). President of Chile: 2026–2030 No ganamos esta elección para vivir en un palacio ni para ocupar un cargo, ganamos esta elección para trabajar por los chilenos, para los chilenos. Translation: "We didn't win this election to live in a palace or to hold office; we won this election to work for Chileans, for Chileans." José Antonio Kast, in his first presidential address from La Moneda, "S.E. el Presidente de la República, José Antonio Kast, se dirige por primera vez al país desde el Palacio de La Moneda", Presidencia de la República de Chile (March 11, 2026). El mensaje es claro y directo: los chilenos van a recuperar su libertad, y los delincuentes y narcotraficantes la perderán para siempre. Por primera vez, el Estado va a decir en su propia Constitución que proteger a su gente no es una opción más, sino una obligación. Translation: "The message is clear and direct: Chileans will regain their freedom, and criminals and drug traffickers will lose theirs forever. For the first time, the State will declare in its own Constitution that protecting its people is not merely an option, but an obligation." José Antonio Kast, presenting his government's security agenda, quoted in "'Los chilenos van a recuperar su libertad' y 'habrá algunos que querrán oponerse': Las 10 frases del discurso de Kast", Emol (August 6, 2026). No vamos a quitar ningún derecho adquirido, sino que a trabajar en base a las normas establecidas en materia laboral. Translation: "We are not going to take away any acquired rights, but rather work within the established labor regulations." José Antonio Kast, discussing labor policy in an interview with "Presidente José Antonio Kast: Si las críticas son a causa de prejuicios, quienes las emiten son opinólogos", Cooperativa (August 31, 2026). External Links Category:1966 births Category:Conservatism in Chile Category:Presidents of Chile Category:Catholics from Chile Category:Living people