A Challenging Debut
President José Antonio Kast is preparing for his first State of the Nation address this Monday, June 1, at Congress, entering the event against a backdrop of public discontent over the economy and mounting political pressure from the opposition. According to the Plaza Pública Cadem poll, 59% of respondents expect the president to announce direct measures to lower the cost of living for families, making it their top priority—surpassing demands for reduced public spending (30%) and attracting foreign investment (22%).
Support for the administration appears fragile ahead of the ceremony. While BioBioChile reports that the president enters the event with a 31% approval rating according to Pulso Ciudadano, the weekly Cadem survey places his support at 38%, with a monthly average for May closing at 39%—a three-point drop since March. This erosion of support is particularly visible among lower-income sectors, where approval fell by 14 points; among regional residents, with a 15-point decline; and among those identifying with the political center, a segment that saw a 15-point drop since March.
Opposition Criticism
The opposition has sharpened its rhetoric leading up to the presidential address. Senator and Socialist Party leader Paulina Vodanovic demanded that the executive branch "finally start governing." Vodanovic questioned the management of the administration's first 90 days, noting that the president’s initial promises, such as the so-called "90-day challenge," had devolved into "metaphors and hyperbole." The senator emphasized that the country requires a "clear roadmap" to allow for democratic oversight of government progress.
From the Communist Party, Deputy Nathalie Castillo lashed out at Kast’s communication style. "Chile doesn't need more literary figures to explain what is happening. Families need certainty, concrete answers, and a government that honestly takes responsibility for the consequences of its decisions," Castillo stated, as quoted by La Tercera. The legislator also criticized budget cuts, warning that the adjustments could infringe upon social rights and affect programs that thousands of families rely on.
Security and Social Policy
In a recent interview with El Mercurio, President Kast defended his administration and the ministerial reshuffle carried out before his 90-day mark, asserting that regarding security, "the plans are in place." The president categorized behaviors such as defaulting on student loans (CAE) or fare evasion on the Metro as "acts of incivility," arguing that budget cuts would not affect social rights. This classification was rejected by Deputy Luis Cuello (PC), who questioned whether fundamental items like pharmacy funding or school infrastructure could be labeled as such.
Polls indicate that beyond the cost of living, citizens' priorities for the presidential address include tougher sentences for organized crime (36%), reducing healthcare waiting lists (45%), and ending the lottery system for school admissions (48%). Despite the dip in the polls, 57% of those surveyed by Cadem say they have a high or significant interest in following the State of the Nation address. Regarding other agenda items, 72% of respondents expressed support for the Universal Daycare bill, viewing it as a necessary measure to boost female employment.
