Chile's President Kast launches $50 bn 'Modo Empleo' plan to create 50,000 jobs

President José Antonio Kast announced the activation of the “Modo Empleo” strategy, targeting the creation of 50,000 formal jobs by October. The plan is financed with a total of $50 billion and is coordinated through an inter‑ministerial table that includes the ministries of Economy, Labor, Women and Gender Equity, as well as the regional development secretariat (Subdere) and regional governors.

Key instruments are: a $25 billion subsidy programme administered by SENCE that will fund up to 20,000 (plus 5,000 previously committed) hiring subsidies covering up to 50% of the monthly minimum wage for four months; a $20 billion Subdere fund for regional employment projects; and $5 billion for Sercotec programmes supporting micro‑ and small‑business entrepreneurs. The first rollout focuses on the Biobío, Ñuble and Antofagasta regions. Kast called on large firms and SMEs to join the effort, stating, “We are not looking for a blame game; this is a serious problem affecting the nation and we must work together.”