Chilean President's International Role Models Criticized for Lack of Substance

Chilean President José Antonio Kast's recent international engagements have drawn criticism for his choice of role models and a perceived lack of concrete policy direction. Before assuming the presidency, Kast visited El Salvador and met with President Nayib Bukele, accompanied by Trinidad Steinert, who later became Minister of Security. Images of the delegation touring Bukele's "megacárcel" (mega-prison) suggested a focus on security, but Steinert's tenure was marred by actions deemed outside her authority, causing a crisis within the PDI (Investigative Police). The Comptroller General's office found her initial requests for detailed information on detective transfers to be beyond her mandate. This early cabinet experience is characterized by a lack of thoroughness and a disregard for commitments, highlighting concerning societal models being presented to the country. Unlike previous Chilean governments that sought inspiration from successful democratic transitions, Asian economies, or European development models, the current administration is accused of identifying local crises and proposing ideologically aligned models based on isolated, context-free successes. The article questions the choice of Bukele's authoritarian government, noting El Salvador's higher poverty rates, labor informality, and worse life expectancy and infant mortality indicators compared to Chile. Similarly, referencing Javier Milei's Argentina is critiqued, citing the president's anti-corruption platform contrasted with his chief of staff's alleged illicit enrichment and a governance style fostering division and economic uncertainty. The comparison of poverty indices between Chile and Argentina is deemed problematic due to disputes over official figures. During a visit to Paraguay, President Kast lamented Chile's "economic illness" and praised Paraguay's growth model. However, the analysis points out that Paraguay's high growth rate stems from a lower comparative base, with Chile ranking significantly higher in the Human Development Index. The article concludes that Kast is still acting as a candidate rather than a president, failing to articulate a clear vision or a reliable future project for Chile, eroding public confidence.