Right-wing leader José Antonio Kast took office as Chilean president on Wednesday. The transfer-of-power ceremony took place at 12 p.m. at the National Congress in Valparaíso, an hour and a half from the capital, Santiago. However, the biggest talking point were the missing figures, particularly Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The right-wing president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, also missed the event, which Vice President Félix Ulloa attended in his place. Kast will take office in a very different world from when he was elected.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald March 11, 2026 14:30 UTC