President José Antonio Kast used the Renovación Nacional General Council to launch a political offensive against the administration of former President Gabriel Boric, claiming the country was left in critical condition following his term. Kast used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to his 'mega-reform' and to lay out his electoral roadmap for the next six years.
Kast described the inherited indicators for employment, growth, education, and health as a 'disaster.' According to CNN Chile, the President stated that the country lost its status as a regional power under Boric's leadership: “There are no more floors in the basement to descend to. We were a regional power in South America, and they left us destroyed.”
Criticism of the opposition and the Junaeb debate
The President also addressed criticisms from the current opposition regarding the 'mega-reform' and the budget adjustments proposed by Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz. The controversy erupted following the release of a memo sent by Quiroz, which includes budget reallocations for 42 programs and the potential discontinuation of 15 others, including the School Feeding Program (PAE) under the Ministry of Education.
Regarding this, Kast dismissed opposition accusations that suggest cuts to Junaeb's food programs. According to Cooperativa, the President maintained that the situation at the institution was unsustainable, accusing the opposition of engaging in 'political persecution' by making a scandal out of every detail.
Furthermore, the President lashed out at attacks from opposition sectors that label the reform as a measure to benefit the elites. “They are returning with the typical slogan: 'this reform is for the rich.' But the only ones who got rich were some of their own friends,” the President stated, according to Cooperativa.
Electoral strategy and unity within Renovación Nacional
Beyond attacking the previous administration, Kast outlined his ambition to ensure the continuity of his political project in upcoming elections. According to El Mostrador, the President expressed his intention to triumph not only in the 2029 presidential election but also in the municipal, gubernatorial, and regional council elections scheduled for 2028.
“I hope (...) to be able to achieve a victory not only presidential, but also in the upcoming municipal elections, as well as in the elections for governors, regional councilors, and council members,” the President told the RN membership.
Regarding relations within his own coalition, Kast acknowledged the existence of internal disagreements within Renovación Nacional but described them as natural for any institution. According to El Mostrador, the President emphasized that "being part of the government does not mean we cannot have differences," stressing that unity must remain the priority to prevent the rise of extremist ideologies.
Finally, the President expressed an openness to refining the 'National Reconstruction' initiative. According to Cooperativa, Kast thanked Renovación Nacional for its legislative support and noted that the approval to move forward with legislation was a timely step for the advancement of his government project.
