President José Antonio Kast delivered his first "Cuenta Pública," or state-of-the-nation address, via a national broadcast from Valparaíso [1].

The address marks a pivotal moment for the administration as Kast seeks to establish a new governing cycle and present a comprehensive plan for his presidency [2]. By utilizing a televised format, the president aimed to reach a broad audience to define his early legislative and social priorities [3].

Kast said the event would take place during a visit to the commune of Coltauco, stating that the broadcast would occur Wednesday at 9 p.m. [1]. The timing and location of the address were designed to project a sense of national unity and transparency. In promotional efforts leading up to the speech, Kast utilized images of former presidents to frame his vision as one for everyone, or "de todos" [4].

Despite the administration's efforts to signal a fresh start, the speech follows a period of intense political friction. An opposition spokesperson said the first few months of the current term were "nefastos," or disastrous [5]. This tension underscores the challenge Kast faces in consolidating power and gaining legislative support for his proposed reforms.

The broadcast from Valparaíso served as the primary vehicle for the president to communicate directly with the public. By bypassing traditional legislative settings for the announcement, the administration emphasized a direct connection with the citizenry [1]. The address focused on the strategic goals of the government and the specific milestones the administration intends to achieve in the coming months [2].

Kast said that the address was intended to open a new cycle for the country [3]. The event concluded with a call for national cooperation to implement the administration's key plans [2].

“"De todos"”

The first 'Cuenta Pública' is a critical ritual in Chilean politics used to set the executive's agenda. By framing the address as a 'new cycle' and invoking the imagery of past leaders, Kast is attempting to pivot from a polarizing campaign identity toward a role as a national unifier. However, the sharp criticism from opposition leaders suggests that the administration's early performance has not yet muted political volatility, meaning the success of this new cycle depends on whether the outlined plans can translate into tangible legislative wins.