At the end of the second round of elections in Chile, the willingness of both governments to strengthen bilateral cooperation characterized the reaction of the Spanish authorities. As published by Europa Press, the Spanish Foreign Ministry, led by José Manuel Albares, released a statement congratulating José Antonio Kast on his election as the next president of Chile and highlighting the willingness to work “closely” with the future Kast government. The ministry stressed the need to “further strengthen the friendship” between the people of Spain and Chile, as well as the importance of their “strategic relationship,” arguing that this would benefit both its citizens and “the prosperity of the Ibero-American region.”
According to Europa Press, this institutional statement followed the words of the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, who used his account on the social network X to express his congratulations to José Antonio Kast and to appreciate the peaceful conduct of election day in Chile. Sánchez declared that “Chile is a country loved by the Spanish,” while emphasizing the South American country’s status as a “strategic partner of Europe.” He added that under the new government, the Spanish executive will continue to work and deepen bilateral relations with Chile.
Europa Press media reported that José Antonio Kast, conservative candidate of the Republican Party, emerged victorious in the second round of presidential elections on Sunday, receiving 58.61% of the vote, compared to 41.39% for former minister Jeannette Jara. Kast will take over as head of state, replacing Gabriel Boric and thus becoming the successor to the current president.
At the end of election day, Kast gave his first speech as president-elect. In his statements collected by Europa Press, he reiterated that he would govern for “all” Chileans and appeared open to agreements with the various political parties. Kast repeatedly mentioned the priority his government would give to security, a central theme of his election campaign, and reiterated that order is “not a whim.” He promised that the next four years would be dedicated to “rebuilding” the country, declaring “respect for those who think differently” and repeatedly calling for unity among Chilean citizens.
The reaction of the Spanish government and its Foreign Ministry underlines the importance that both countries attach to the continuity and strengthening of their strategic relations beyond internal political changes. According to Europa Press, this connection also extends to cooperation between Spain and the Ibero-American region, with a view to the shared prosperity and benefit of the societies of both nations.
On the other hand, the formal congratulations from the ministry led by José Manuel Albares included the promise of joint work to maintain historical ties and a solid bilateral relationship despite the change in Chilean leadership. Europa Press reported that the diplomatic communication stressed Spain’s willingness to “continue working and deepening relations” with the new government and highlighted the importance of political coordination and joint participation in regional and international affairs.
The official election results were released shortly after polls closed, confirming the overwhelming victory of Kast, who will take the lead in an environment characterized by a campaign focused on security and public order. According to Europa Press, the change of functions between Gabriel Boric and José Antonio Kast will be marked by attention to Chile’s internal challenges and international expectations for the country’s political and social future.
Europa Press highlighted the tone of recognition after election day, both from the Presidency of the Spanish Government and from the Chancellery, highlighting Chilean democracy. The foreign affairs statement contained the intention to “further strengthen friendship” within the framework of Spanish foreign policy towards Chile.
According to Europa Press, the takeover of José Antonio Kast will not only mean the replacement of the Chilean presidency, but also a period of possible adjustments to the bilateral agenda in response to the new political priorities and the continuity of historical relations between the two countries.
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