José Antonio Kast Leads Chilean Polls at 29%, Followed by Jeanette Jara and Evelyn Matthei; Kast Proposes Tax Cuts Amid Valenzuela Resignation

Right-wing candidate José Antonio Kast leads the Chilean presidential race ahead of the November election, according to multiple polls including those from Cadem and B&W. Kast holds 29% support, followed by communist party candidate Jeanette Jara at 25%, with Evelyn Matthei in third place at 14%, though Matthei's support has declined by two points recently. Political analyst Pepe Auth notes that Jara is assured a spot in the second round due to the lack of candidates to her left but faces challenges expanding her appeal beyond pro-government voters, with the Communist Party not aiding her campaign. Kast's campaign strategy emphasizes portraying his government as one of emergency, focusing on economic growth, migration, and security rather than social issues. His program proposes lowering corporate taxes, eliminating the pension reform loan, reducing the Central Bank's inflation target to 2%, cutting taxes, and privatizing the state mining company Codelco. Jara's team criticizes Kast's proposals as unrealistic and more for show than serious policy. Kast has also pledged to scrap capital gains tax on some stock sales to stimulate investment. The recent resignation of Minister Valenzuela is seen as detrimental to Jara's campaign.