Chile President José Antonio Kast's first 100 days face mixed approval

An opinion column notes that President José Antonio Kast’s administration began a year earlier than its official start through the Office of the President‑Elect (OPE). The pre‑inaugural structure created an early “honeymoon” period, accelerating public scrutiny and leading to high turnover among senior officials, including the minister‑spokesperson. Over time the government shifted from a highly corporate‑style management to a more politically negotiated approach.

A recent Plaza Pública Cadem poll shows 44 % of Chileans approving Kast’s performance after roughly 100 days, while 53 % disapprove. His approval is above that recorded for Gabriel Boric at the same stage but still well below the early‑term ratings of former presidents Sebastián Piñera and Michelle Bachelet. The survey also identifies former president Gabriel Boric as the main opposition leader and Mayor Tomás Vodanovic as the most positively evaluated politician (64 % favorable). Public concern over the situation of Haitian children remains high, with 83 % deeming it serious and attributing responsibility primarily to the National Migration Service.