Chile President José Antonio Kast's first 100 days: cuts and aging reforms

President José Antonio Kast has completed a turbulent first hundred days in office, marked by sweeping fiscal austerity. Government spending has been cut across the board, including health and social budgets, while a major tax reform – dubbed the “megarreforma” – seeks to lower rates and broaden the tax base. The administration also faced a historic rise in fuel prices, a rapid cabinet reshuffle on May 19 that installed security chief Martín Arrau, and a sharp drop in approval ratings, with polls showing support sinking near 30 %.

At the same time, the government has begun to address Chile’s rapidly aging population. Older adults now comprise nearly 20 % of the population and are projected to reach over 31 % by 2050. Their unpaid work contributes an estimated $11.36 billion to GDP, but chronic illness and long health‑care waiting lists hinder their economic participation. Kast’s agenda includes the UN‑aligned National Policy on Positive Aging, a newly approved dignified aging law, the “Plan Zero” initiative to transfer 2.5 million pending health cases to private providers with a $770 million one‑time investment, and the “Golden Generation Plan” that aims to professionalise caregivers, expand day‑centres and introduce flexible senior employment statutes.