2026 Public Account: Kast Focuses Agenda on Security, Economic Growth and State Reform

In a presentation that lasted two hours and 25 minutes, President José Antonio Kast delivered his first Public Account before the National Congress, outlining the priorities of his administration just over two months after taking office.

The president defended the "Emergency Government" strategy promoted since the beginning of his term and assured that results are already beginning to be seen in areas such as security, investment, and public management. "A country is not rebuilt in three months, but we are taking charge," he stated at the close of his speech.

Public security occupied a central place in the presidential address. Kast reaffirmed his commitment to firmly confront organized crime and announced new initiatives to strengthen prison control, improve conditions for Carabineros, and advance the restoration of public order.

Among the highlighted measures is the creation of a Registry of Vandals and Incivilities, which will include sanctions and potential restrictions on access to state benefits for those who commit certain crimes or offenses related to public order.

Likewise, he announced a plan to reinforce maximum-security regimes in the country's prisons and previewed incentives to improve working conditions for future Carabineros officers.

Economy, Investment and Employment

In the economic sphere, the President defended the so-called "Mega Reconstruction Reform," currently under legislative discussion, arguing it is key to recovering economic growth and job creation.

Kast stated that the country faces a complex fiscal situation and blamed the previous administration for the levels of deficit and unemployment. According to him, more than 940,000 people are currently without work.

The president also highlighted progress in streamlining permits for investments and assured that during May, the highest amount of approved investment in over a decade was reached.

One of the most relevant announcements was the intention to promote a profound modernization of the state apparatus. The Government will send a bill to Congress to merge the Ministry of the Interior with the General Secretariat of Government, in addition to convening a commission of experts to review the ministerial structure.

The initiative seeks to reduce duplications, optimize public resources, and decrease administrative bureaucracy.

Education, Housing and Health

In education, Kast announced a bill to modify the current School Admission System, incorporating criteria related to academic merit and strengthening families' ability to choose.

Regarding housing, he committed to measures to reduce project processing times, expand middle-class access to housing programs, and enable fiscal land for new housing developments.

Concerning health, he highlighted the progress of the National Oncology Plan and actions aimed at reducing waiting lists, stating that 99% of patients awaiting care in cancer-related programs had been contacted.

Another axis of the speech was the strengthening of the family. In response to the country's low birth rate, the President announced the creation of the Chile Renace Plan, an initiative that will seek to promote policies supporting motherhood, childhood, and family formation.

He also confirmed the submission of amendments to the Universal Daycare project and announced a support bonus for vulnerable families with children under 13 years of age.

On migration matters, he previewed the implementation of the so-called Return Plan, aimed at encouraging the departure of immigrants who are in an irregular situation in the country.

Call for Agreements

During several passages of his speech, Kast called on different political forces to collaborate in building agreements to face national challenges.

The president stated that Chile is going through a decisive moment and indicated that his administration seeks to combine fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and the recovery of security as pillars for the coming years.

The Public Account concluded shortly before 2:30 PM, after which the President moved to the Cerro Castillo Palace to meet with his cabinet and evaluate the announcements made before the National Congress.