Chile's Shifting Politics: Fear and Immigration Take Center Stage

In Chile, the political landscape is undergoing a significant shift. The country, once known for its progressive stance, is now seeing a surge in right-wing sentiment. This change is largely driven by fears over immigration and crime. At a recent rally, supporters of Johannes Kaiser, a radical libertarian candidate, gathered. The scene was reminiscent of a U. S. political event, with fans wearing MAGA-style caps and waving flags. Kaiser, the man of the hour, spoke passionately about the surge of migrants across the border. His words resonated with many in the crowd, who see immigration as a threat to their safety and way of life. The anti-migrant sentiment is not limited to Kaiser's supporters. Even Jeannette Jara, the Communist candidate from the governing coalition, has adopted a tough stance on immigration. This shift is a stark contrast to Chile's recent past, where progressive ideas were gaining traction. The change in political climate is not just about immigration. It's also about crime. Transnational gangs, like Tren de Aragua, have brought new forms of violence to Chile. This has led to a demand for a "firm hand" against crime and disorder. The political shift is also a reflection of Chile's economic and political grievances. The 2019 mass protests, known as "el estallido, " highlighted the country's social inequities. However, the anger from these protests has now been redirected towards migrants. In the current political climate, experts predict that José Antonio Kast, a conservative candidate, has a better shot at winning. His tough-on-migration platform has resonated with many Chileans. However, it's unlikely that he will clinch the 50% of votes needed to win outright in the first round. The presidential contenders have been trying to outdo each other with ruthless anti-immigrant proposals. This is a stark contrast to Chile's recent past, where progressive ideas were gaining traction. The current political climate is a reflection of the country's fears and grievances.