Thousands of Chileans have faulted President Jose Kast’s policies voicing disatisfaction over his sharp policy shift since assuming office.
The citizens took to the streets and made a protested against Kast during the leader’s first state-of-the-nation address in a demonstration which reflected on deep divisions over his conservative agenda.
They expressed disgruntlement over what they turned environmental rollbacks as well as austerity in education, while student groups staged school takeovers and called for national strikes.
Clashes with police, including water cannon dispersals, underscored the intensity of opposition. Supporters, however, argue Kast is addressing insecurity and governance failures left by the previous government.
The protests erupted in Santiago on Monday, as students, environmentalists, and left-wing activists rallied against his government’s rollback of more than 40 environmental protections, education reforms, and tough immigration and security measures.
Critics say his agenda reverses progressive gains made under former President Gabriel Boric.
Kast, who won the December 2025 runoff with 58% of the vote, had promised an emergency government focused on security, border control, and audits of prior administrations.
His policies have triggered backlash, with opponents accusing him of authoritarian tendencies and invoking his past praise for aspects of the Pinochet era.
Chile remains polarized, with Kast’s supporters crediting him for tackling crime and immigration, while opponents insist his policies undermine democracy and social progress.
The protests highlight the country’s sharp ideological divide as his administration embarks on its most significant rightward turn in decades.