José Antonio Kast Criticizes State of Exception, Proposes Temucuicui Access Control, Attacks Jara, and Clashes With Evópoli Leader

Chilean presidential candidate José Antonio Kast has sparked controversy with several statements and proposals during his primary campaign. Kast criticized the government's use of the State of Exception and proposed controlling access to the indigenous community of Temucuicui. He also reignited tensions by attacking fellow candidate Jara over the nationalization of copper and lithium. Kast faced broad criticism for downplaying the importance of the Chilean Congress, with officialist deputies labeling him as "authoritarian" and expressing shock at his remarks that the institution "is not so relevant." In response to comments from the president of the Evópoli party, who said it would "hurt his stomach" to govern alongside Kast, the candidate suggested the use of a "viadil," a medication. These exchanges highlight growing polarization within Chile's political landscape ahead of the presidential election.