Chile President José Antonio Kast faces boos at mayoral conference, demands respect

During the 2026 National Mayors' Meeting in Chile, President José Antonio Kast was met with shouted criticism from assembled mayors. In response, he delivered a forceful appeal, saying, “Señores alcaldes, yo les pido respeto,” and urged officials and citizens to listen to one another despite political differences.

Kast specifically referenced Mayor Matías Toledo of Puente Alto, suggesting the mayor may have missed an invitation to a municipal dialogue in La Moneda. He highlighted the impact of a 1.5 billion‑peso cut to the municipal common fund on Puente Alto, noting the city’s need for roughly 10 billion pesos to maintain services and warning of potential closures of health units and social guarantees.