Kast Announces cabinet Appointments as Chile Prepares for Shift in Leadership
Santiago, Chile - January 21, 2026 – Chile’s President-elect, Jose Antonio Kast, unveiled his cabinet selections on Tuesday, signaling the direction of his governance as he prepares to assume office on March 11th. The appointments, which include key positions in finance, mining, and justice, have already drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the deeply polarized political landscape of the nation.
Jorge Quiroz, a Duke University Ph.D. holder and principal advisor to Kast’s economic program, will serve as Finance Minister. His appointment had been previously communicated to business leaders, suggesting a collaborative approach to economic policy. Quiroz has publicly acknowledged the challenges facing the Chilean economy, characterizing it as being in “decline,” and has outlined a recovery plan centered on bolstering security, deregulation, corporate tax reductions, and fiscal adjustments. The latter point, fiscal adjustments, proved contentious during the presidential campaign and is highly likely to remain a focal point of debate.
Daniel Mas has been named head of the mining ministry, a crucial role given Chile’s position as the world’s leading copper producer and second-largest lithium producer. Mas, currently the vice president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce, brings extensive private sector experience in construction, real estate, and financial services to the position.He will also concurrently serve as Minister of Economic Development.
However, the appointments have not been without controversy. Kast has selected two attorneys, Fernando Rabat and Fernando Barros, who previously defended Augusto Pinochet, the dictator who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990. This decision has sparked outrage from human rights groups and families of victims of the dictatorship.Rabat, who represented Pinochet in an illicit funds case, will lead the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights – a department still grappling with cases related to the Pinochet era. barros, who actively worked to secure Pinochet’s release following his detention in London in 1998, has been appointed as Defense Minister.
Rounding out the key appointments, Francisco Perez Mackenna, with nearly three decades of experience leading the business holdings of the Luksic family – one of Chile’s wealthiest – will serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Trinidad Steinert,a chief prosecutor from the Tarapaca region,will head the Ministry of public Security,tasked with implementing Kast’s campaign promises to strengthen law and order.
These appointments signal a clear shift in direction for Chile, with a focus on economic restructuring, a strong emphasis on security, and a willingness to revisit historical narratives. The coming months will be critical in determining how these policies are implemented and the impact they will have on Chilean society.
Keywords: Jose Antonio Kast, Chile, Cabinet Appointments, Finance Minister, Mining Ministry, Augusto Pinochet, Human Rights, Economic Policy, Political News, Latin America.
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