Story perspectives

Chile's Kast Appoints Controversial Anti-Abortion Minister

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jose Antonio Kast, Chile's far-right president, appointed Judith Marín as the women and gender equality minister.
Marín is anti-abortion and supports traditional family values, questioning the ministry's future.
Kast formed a cabinet primarily from right-wing figures, including two lawyers who represented former dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Fernando Rabat was named justice minister and defended Pinochet in an embezzlement case.
Kast will be sworn in on March 11 for a four-year term.

History

Historical Context

Augusto Pinochet's military coup in Chile on September 11, 1973, overthrew the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende, leading to a brutal dictatorship that lasted until 1990. Pinochet's regime was marked by severe human rights abuses, with over 3,000 people killed or disappeared. Today, the resurgence of far-right politics in Chile, exemplified by Jose Antonio Kast's cabinet, raises concerns about the future of social policies and women's rights.

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Story summary

Jose Antonio Kast, Chile's far-right president, appointed Judith Marín as the women and gender equality minister.
Marín is anti-abortion and supports traditional family values, questioning the ministry's future.
Kast formed a cabinet primarily from right-wing figures, including two lawyers who represented former dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Fernando Rabat was named justice minister and defended Pinochet in an embezzlement case.
Kast will be sworn in on March 11 for a four-year term.

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