The new Chilean government under President Jose Antonio Kast has announced the suspension of 43 rules designed to safeguard the environment, marking a pivot towards more conservative policies. This decision includes the repeal of regulations introduced in the final days of former President Gabriel Boric's term, covering issues such as power plant emissions, smelting plant pollution, and the creation of new national parks.

Kast, aiming to reduce the unemployment rate, emphasized that this move is aligned with fostering economic growth and job creation. He stated, "I understand there is concern, but I would invite you to look at what the public needs: growth, environmental protection, but above all, jobs. And this is in line with that." The Environment Ministry downplayed the potential negative impacts, issuing a statement that it is "standard practice" for new administrations to update policies.

Kast's far-right agenda promises a stark departure from the policies of his leftist predecessor, Boric. In the 2025 Chilean election, he campaigned on a platform championing deregulation to boost economic growth and foreign investment. He also pledged to rein in immigration and crime, which polls indicate are top concerns among voters.

So far, Kast's administration has taken steps to cut government spending by approximately $3 billion during 2026, in addition to the $800 million reductions outlined by Boric for the year. His government has also begun to enhance security along the northern border with Peru and Bolivia, an area commonly associated with irregular migration. Kast visited a site on Monday where heavy machinery was used to dig new trenches as a barrier to deter undocumented immigrants.

His "border shield" plan mirrors the approach of other right-wing leaders, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who have prioritized regional security. Kast said, "We have taken clear and concrete decisions to close our border to illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organised crime. We want to implement this without any delay." These actions highlight Kast's drive to reshape the country economically and socially, but raise questions about the balance between environmental protection and immigration control.

Source: www.aljazeera.com