President Boric addresses Chilean nation for final time, admitting errors and navigating tense transition to Kast administration in 2025

Santiago, Chile – Outgoing Chilean President Gabriel Boric delivered his final address to the nation on Tuesday, March 10, 2025, just hours before president-elect José Antonio Kast is set to assume office. In a candid speech, Boric reflected on his three-year mandate, acknowledging a range of errors and challenges faced by his administration.

The farewell remarks come amidst a politically charged atmosphere, marking the transition of power to a new cabinet led by Kast, a figure from the conservative right who Boric had previously defeated in the 2021 election. The handover is anticipated to be meticulously executed, despite underlying tensions between the two political factions.

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Among the key issues highlighted by Boric was his government’s handling of the 2024 scandal involving former Undersecretary of the Interior, Manuel Monsalve. Monsalve was arrested and subsequently accused of serious misconduct, including sexual abuse and rape of a staff member, an event that cast a significant shadow over Boric’s government.

The former subsecretary, who has maintained his innocence according to Chilean media reports, awaits trial. This high-profile case became a symbol of the difficulties and missteps Boric candidly addressed in his concluding remarks, emphasizing lessons learned during his tenure.

Acknowledging Mandate Shortcomings

President Boric did not shy away from a critical assessment of his time in office, explicitly mentioning that mistakes were made. His admissions resonated with a public that has closely followed the performance of his progressive government since its inception.

This introspection signals a leader reflecting on the complexities of governing a nation grappling with social demands, economic pressures, and unforeseen political crises during a period of significant change for Chile.

Navigating a Contentious Handover

The transition period itself has been marked by friction between the outgoing Boric administration and the incoming Kast team. President Boric affirmed his commitment to an “impeccable” transfer of authority, aiming for a smooth changeover despite public disagreements.

Just last week, president-elect Kast had temporarily halted transition meetings, citing a perceived lack of transparency regarding information provided by the previous government. This interruption underscored the challenges inherent in moving from one administration to a politically opposing one.

One specific point of contention exacerbating these tensions has been a major infrastructure initiative: a proposed submarine cable project intended to link the port city of Valparaíso with Hong Kong. Details surrounding its financing and strategic implications reportedly caused significant debate during the transition talks.

The Monsalve Scandal’s Lingering Shadow

The scandal surrounding Manuel Monsalve, which unfolded in 2024, represented a critical challenge to the credibility and integrity of the Boric administration. The accusations against a high-ranking official within the Interior Ministry deeply impacted public perception.

Boric’s acknowledgement of how this situation was handled indicates a recognition of the broader ramifications beyond the individual charges. It became a test of his government’s ethical standards and its capacity for accountability in a highly scrutinized political environment.

The case, which led to Monsalve’s arrest and ongoing legal proceedings, forced the government to confront difficult questions regarding vetting processes and oversight within its ranks. The public’s reaction to the scandal was immediate and intense, adding pressure to an already demanding political landscape.

This event contributed to a narrative of governmental vulnerability, compelling Boric to address public concerns directly in his final pronouncements and attempt to restore faith in public institutions.

Economic Policies and Public Discontent

Boric’s administration also grappled with significant economic headwinds, including inflation and a slowdown in growth, which fueled public discontent. His government pursued ambitious social reforms aimed at increasing equity, but these efforts were often met with resistance and economic skepticism.

Policies related to pension reform and tax adjustments, central to his platform, faced considerable hurdles in Congress. The challenges of implementing these structural changes amidst global economic instability tested the administration’s resolve and its ability to forge broad political consensus.

Boric’s Political Legacy and Aspirations

Gabriel Boric, who took office as Chile’s youngest-ever president at 40, ascended to power on a wave of progressive enthusiasm, defeating Kast in a runoff election in December 2021. His political career was initially propelled by his prominence as a student leader in 2011, where he championed calls for more accessible and equitable education. Upon assuming the presidency, Boric pledged to continue the profound societal changes demanded by Chileans during the extensive social uprising of 2019. His legacy will undoubtedly be viewed through the lens of these aspirations, measuring the extent to which his government was able to fulfill the promises of a more just and inclusive Chile, even as it contended with formidable political opposition and internal challenges like the Monsalve scandal.

Looking Ahead: Kast’s Incoming Administration

As Boric steps down, the focus now shifts to the incoming administration of José Antonio Kast. His government is expected to pursue a more conservative agenda, potentially reversing some of the progressive policies enacted or proposed by Boric. The transition will be crucial for stability and the direction of Chile’s political and economic future.