President Kast has clear ideas about what needs to be done to fulfill his campaign promises; the direction is not in doubt. Among those who voted for him, however, a certain pessimism has spread, reflected in the decline in support for his administration. And I think the problem may lie in the sequence and timing of the government's actions, which are neither known nor understood. Public safety and improving the economy are majority priorities, and the legislative agenda is moving in the right direction. But results are slow in coming, and that exasperates people.
On security, a robust agenda is close to completion, yet the sense of insecurity persists. The good news is that within the opposition there are some convinced of cooperating in the task of empowering the police, for fear of being left as an irrelevant minority. The numbers are improving, not at the speed people expect, but progress is perceived.
In the economy, the second major structural reform is moving forward, but something structural also remains to be done on employment. Nursery care (sala cuna) is close at hand, seeking greater formality, especially in female employment. No-fault severance pay would be a major measure and an opportunity for a dialogue-minded opposition. The Chile Despega plan, with 100,000 jobs over the next two years, and the housing financing measures should add to the increase in the economy's aggregate demand in 2027 resulting from the Recon… project
AI Brief
Your highlights
DIEGO MARTIN/ATON CHILE CommentsPresident Kast has clear ideas about what needs to be done to fulfill his campaign promises; the direction is not in doubt. Among those who voted for him, however, a certain pessimism has spread, reflected in the decline in support for his administration. And I think the problem may lie in the sequence and timing of the government's actions, which are neither known nor understood. Public safety and improving the economy are majority priorities, and the legislative agenda is moving in the right direction. But results are slow to arrive, and that exasperates people. On security, a robust agenda is close to completion, yet the feeling of insecurity persists. The good news is that in the opposition there are some convinced of collaborating in the task of empowering the police, for fear of being left as an irrelevant minority. The numbers are improving, not at the speed people expect, but progress is perceived. In the economy, the second major structural reform is advancing, but something structural also needs to be done on employment. Universal nursery care is close, in pursuit of greater formality, especially in female employment. No-fault severance pay would be a great measure and an opportunity for a dialogue-minded opposition. The Chile Takes Off plan, with 100,000 jobs over the next two years, and the housing financing measures should add to the increase in the economy's aggregate demand in 2027 resulting from the Reconstruction project. Thus, in citizens' perception and in reality, the promise of progress in quality of life will begin to take effect. But not everything is security and the economy; there is also politics. Low popularity scares away supporters, especially those with less conviction. Within the ruling coalition, beyond the structures, there must be an agreement: an Executive that listens more to legislators and parties, and explains its measures and strategies to them. And on the other side, private criticism and loyal legislative support. That can be improved — indeed, it must be improved. The implacable opposition is getting more and more echo in the media, and the government's defense looks weak and unmanned, with few spokespeople and many commentators. It is not just about a position or a minister, but about a shared strategy. The policies are clear: security, the economy, and employment are priorities. Education is important, and the choice of children is a moral imperative reflected in the Budget; public health is a great management challenge; and local governments and State modernization are areas for improvement. What is less defined or not known is the roadmap, the sequence, and a shared strategy. Thus, politics would return the government to a virtuous circle of renewed connection with the people and their priorities. A turning point seems necessary. By Luis Larraín, president of the Advisory Council of Libertad y DesarrolloMore on:GovernmentSecurityEconomyEmploymentEducationPoliticsNEWSLETTEROpinionSaturday, AMTense ideas, opposing views, and clear analysis: elements to reveal the issues that divide opinions and will set the agenda. By subscribing, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of La Tercera.