Kast's Controversial Cabinet: Echoes of Pinochet Resurface

Chilean President-elect Jose Antonio Kast reveals a provocative cabinet lineup, reviving tensions over human rights. He appoints economists and two lawyers who defended dictator Augusto Pinochet. As Kast prepares to take office, his choices spark debates about Chile's economy, governance, and the legacy of Pinochet's rule.

Jose Antonio Kast, Chile's president-elect, has sparked controversy with his cabinet appointments, re-igniting debates over human rights by including two attorneys who defended the late dictator Augusto Pinochet. His selections have raised eyebrows amid rising political tensions ahead of his inauguration.

In a significant move, Kast appointed Jorge Quiroz, a seasoned economist and advisor, as finance minister. Quiroz has emphasized addressing Chile's economic decline, advocating for deregulation, tax cuts, and fiscal adjustments—topics that stirred dialogue during Kast's presidential campaign.

The cabinet also sees Kast nominating Daniel Mas, a notable figure in the private sector, as the head of the mining ministry, underscoring Chile's status as a leader in copper and lithium production. Simultaneously, appointments like Fernando Rabat, infamous for his defense of Pinochet, have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, as Kast prepares to take office on March 11.

(With inputs from agencies.)