Chile President José Antonio Kast leads dialogue in La Araucanía amid security concerns

President José Antonio Kast headed the eighth “Presidente Presente” citizen dialogue in the cultural centre of Lautaro, La Araucanía. The event gathered senior ministers, regional officials and local politicians to address public order, housing, connectivity and education. Kast announced a tougher stance on organized crime following the recent murder of a 12‑year‑old, pledging a “strong hand” in law enforcement. He also defended two education reforms: eliminating the school‑admission algorithm known as “La Tómbola” and supporting measures that allow schools to search backpacks, ban face coverings and reinforce teacher authority.

During a separate visit to the cultural centre in Villarrica, Kast was confronted by a woman who shouted at him and refused a handshake. The exchange lasted about two minutes, after which the woman was detained for pending warrants. Kast left the venue shouting “¡Viva la libertad!”—a phrase echoed from regional political rhetoric.