Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast takes office

Xinhua | Updated: 2026-03-12 10:08

Chile's President Jose Antonio Kast looks on at La Moneda presidential palace after his swearing-in ceremony, in Santiago, Chile, March 11, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]

SANTIAGO -- Jose Antonio Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric.

The 60-year-old lawyer and former congressman vowed to "preserve the independence of the nation" and "uphold the Constitution and the laws" during an inauguration ceremony.

Kast took the oath of office and received the presidential sash from president of Chile's Senate Paulina Nunez.

The new president will have to tackle challenges in public safety, irregular migration, economic growth, and state reforms, according to analysts.

Kast made two unsuccessful runs for the presidency in 2017 and 2021, and this time defeated rival candidate Jeannette Jara in a Dec 14 presidential runoff by garnering the most votes ever in Chile's history.

Photo

Watch it again: Ministers meet the press at passage interviews on March 12

Watch it again: Closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC

Watch it again: Deputies to the 14th NPC take passage interviews

Tree planting activities held across China

Justin Yifu Lin: 'AI Plus' driving China's leapfrog development

China's top political advisory body concludes annual session