Introduction
Given the widespread rejection of the current government, there is a total consensus among analysts that the next government will emerge from the right-wing opposition, after the presidential runoff.
This document takes an in-depth look at the government proposals of the three main presidential candidates from that sector for the 2026 elections: José Antonio Kast, Evelyn Matthei and Johannes Kaiser, each of whom has led the sector in the polls at some point during the campaign.
Their general visions, the strategic axes of their programs and, especially, their approaches to the concession system are addressed, with explanations and context for each relevant point.
José Antonio Kast (Conservative Right)
Overview
José Antonio Kast proposes an ‘Emergency Government’ focused on restoring public order, reactivating the economy and modernizing the State. His vision is that of a subsidiary state, which facilitates private investment and reduces bureaucracy, with an agenda of profound reforms in security, economy and public management.
Key Points
Reduction of Public Expenditure
Fiscal adjustment of USD 6,000 million in 18 months, eliminating inefficient programs and merging public services.
Pro-Investment Tax Reform
Reduction of corporate tax and tax simplification to attract investment.
Deregulation and Simplification of Permits
Digital one-stop shop with maximum deadlines and penalties for delays.
Expansion of the Concession System
Opening of hospitals, prisons, water infrastructure and social housing to concessions.
Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure
Collaboration with private companies on roads, ports, airports and public transport.
Privatization of Non-Strategic State Enterprises
Privatization of non-strategic public companies to increase efficiency.
Judicial System Reform and Security
Anti-corruption prosecutor’s office, tougher penalties and police strengthening.
Modernization of the State
Total digitalization of public services and performance evaluation.
Boosting Mining and Energy
Facilitation of permits and promotion of foreign investment in lithium and renewable energies.
Pro-Market Foreign Policy
Strengthening of free trade agreements and opening of markets.
Concession Proposals
Kast proposes an unprecedented expansion of the concession system, opening up traditionally state-owned sectors such as hospitals, prisons and social housing to private investment. The model includes tax incentives, transparent bidding processes, and the creation of a national concessions agency with technical autonomy.
Evelyn Matthei (center – center right)
Overview
Evelyn Matthei is committed to a model of order, state efficiency and economic growth, with an emphasis on tax stability and the digitization of procedures. Its program seeks to regain trust in institutions and promote investment through clear and predictable rules.
Key Points
Cut in Public Spending
Cut of USD 8,000 million, eliminating superfluous expenses and reallocating resources.
Corporate Tax Reduction
Reduction of the corporate tax from 27% to 23%.
Tax Invariability Contracts
Contracts for up to 20 years for large projects.
Digitization and Fast Track of Permits
Fast track office and total digitization of permits.
Conceivability of Lithium
Opening of lithium to private concessions under state regulation.
Security Plan
Investment in security, construction of prisons and border control.
Health and Housing
Reduction of waiting lists and acceleration of housing construction.
Public education
Strengthening of infrastructure and teacher training.
Boosting Investment and Employment
Incentives for hiring young people and women.
Legal Stability
Emphasis on legal stability and regulatory predictability.
Concession Proposals
Matthei promotes concessions as a tool for efficiency and modernization, especially in infrastructure, energy and lithium. It proposes competitive bidding processes, long-term contracts, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Johannes Kaiser (Libertarian Right)
Overview
Johannes Kaiser proposes a libertarian model with a sharp reduction in the size of the state, economic liberalization and decentralization. Its focus includes structural reforms in education, health, energy, and justice, with an emphasis on individual autonomy and private efficiency.
Key Points
Reduction of the State
Elimination of 16 ministries (9 would remain) and simplification of public administration.
Privatization of State Enterprises
Partial privatization of Codelco, ENAP and total of TVN.
Educational reform
School management by teacher cooperatives and flexible curriculum.
Differentiated Minimum Wage
Transitory minimum wage according to age and productivity.
Energy Market Liberalization
Private contracts and tariff reductions through regulatory reforms.
Decentralization
Transfer of competencies to regions and strengthening of local governments.
Integrated Security System
Police reform and strengthening of criminal intelligence.
Justice and the rule of law
Judicial reform and the fight against corruption.
Foreign Investment Promotion
Incentives to attract capital and turn Santiago into a technology hub.
Culture and Civic Education
Defense of traditional values and promotion of national identity.
Concession Proposals
Kaiser proposes public-private partnerships with majority private control in state-owned companies. In infrastructure and energy, it seeks to unblock projects through regulatory reforms and streamlining permits, promoting private contracts and operational efficiency.
Comparison on Concessions
Kast proposes the broader expansion of the concession system, including social sectors such as health, prisons and housing. Matthei also promotes concessions, but with an emphasis on efficiency and legal stability. Kaiser proposes public-private partnerships with a private predominance, especially in state-owned companies and energy, with strong liberalization of the regulatory framework.
