Chile’s Far-Right President-Elect Kast Ignites Controversy with Pinochet-Era Appointments
Santiago, Chile – January 20, 2026 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Chile and the international community, President-elect José Antonio Kast unveiled his cabinet today, including the appointment of two lawyers who previously defended the late dictator Augusto Pinochet to critical government positions. This decision, announced during a public ceremony in Santiago, signals a dramatic shift in Chilean politics and has immediately drawn condemnation from human rights organizations.
Pinochet’s Defenders to Lead Defense and Justice
Fernando Barros, 68, will helm the Ministry of Defense, while Fernando Rabat, 53, is slated to lead the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Both men were integral members of the legal team that defended Pinochet during his arrest in London in 1998, when Spain sought his extradition on charges of crimes against humanity, and in subsequent legal battles. Kast, who openly expresses admiration for Pinochet, defended the appointments as assembling “a cabinet for an emergency government” and “a great team for difficult times.”
The Pinochet regime, which ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990, is responsible for the deaths or disappearances of over 3,000 people. While the legacy of Pinochet remains deeply divisive within Chile – some view him as a figure who brought order and security – the appointments have reopened old wounds and fueled fears of a rollback on human rights progress.
“A Real Lack of Respect”: Outcry from Victims’ Families
The announcement of Rabat’s appointment to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, revealed days prior, triggered immediate and fierce criticism. Alicia Lira, president of the Association of Families of People Executed for Political Reasons, powerfully stated, “It is a real lack of respect that someone who was part of the defense team of the most bloodthirsty dictator in Latin America can occupy this position.” The outrage underscores the deep emotional scars left by the dictatorship and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.
Kast’s Victory and the Rise of the Far-Right in Latin America
José Antonio Kast secured a landslide victory in November, winning 58% of the vote against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara. His success was largely attributed to widespread public concern over rising crime and immigration. This election marked a significant turning point, making Kast Chile’s first far-right head of state since the end of Pinochet’s rule.
Kast’s win is part of a broader trend of rightward shifts across Latin America, following similar electoral successes in Argentina, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, and Ecuador. This regional trend suggests a growing dissatisfaction with traditional political establishments and a desire for more conservative policies.
A Cabinet of Independents and Economic Focus
Despite promising a “unity government,” Kast largely bypassed consultations with the eight parties that supported his campaign, opting instead for a cabinet composed primarily of independent profiles with limited political experience. He appointed Francisco Pérez Mackenna, a former manager at the Quiñenco group, to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, hoping to leverage his business connections to attract foreign investment. Jorge Quiroz, considered the architect of Kast’s economic plan, will lead the Finance Ministry, with a mandate to implement deregulation policies aimed at stimulating economic growth.
Political scientist Rodrigo Arellano of the University of Development described the cabinet as “a firm very marked by independence, which constitutes a risky bet.” The reliance on independent figures, while potentially offering fresh perspectives, also raises questions about the cabinet’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape and deliver on Kast’s promises.
Kast, in his address, emphasized his commitment to prioritizing Chile, stating, “This cabinet is not born from quotas, calculations or pressure. It is born from a deep conviction and a common vocation: always putting Chile first.” Whether this conviction will translate into effective governance remains to be seen, but the early signals suggest a radical departure from Chile’s recent political past. The world will be watching closely as Kast’s administration unfolds, and the implications for human rights, democracy, and regional stability become clearer.
Stay informed with Archyde.com for continuous coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving political landscape in Latin America.
