SEMANA: Why is it said that the right wing won the first round in Chile, or if anything, that the left wing lost strength?

Andrés Rugeles: The results of the presidential elections in Chile, in their first round, were as expected. The center-right sector has once again gained ground and momentum. This is evident in the votes obtained by the opposition candidates José Antonio Kast, Evelyn Matthei, and Johannes Kaiser, who together would represent more than 50% of the electorate, compared to a left wing that became more radicalized under the candidacy of Jeannette Jara, of the Communist Party, who obtained around 26% of the votes, constituting one of the worst results for the left wing in recent decades.

The situation becomes even more critical when observing the new composition of Parliament, a product of these elections, which would give the center-right a majority, both in the House and in the Senate.

WEEK: How long has the left been in power?

Andrés Rugeles: It is not exclusively about the time in power, but about the lack of results and the negative perception of his administration in public opinion.

The Chilean panorama reflects a decline in the progressive left, which has had difficulty finding its way after the failure of the Constituent Assembly and delivering results to a population that has expressed growing concern and discontent over public insecurity and the economy.

WEEK: Why could the left lose power?

Andrés Rugeles: I believe that the progressive left has lost its grip on power. Today, it could hardly continue in a future government.

The most recent polls indicate that President Boric has a 68% disapproval rating and a 27% approval rating, creating fertile ground for change.

I fear that candidate Jara will find it very difficult to gain the necessary support among the population in this second round, which harbors deep resentment towards the current government's continued policies, the 'specter of communism', and what this implies in terms of democracy, the economy, and international relations. Meanwhile, the opposition is emerging as the democratic option that would allow Chile to return to the path of change and progress.

We are faced with two opposing models and visions. The final verdict will be announced on December 14.

WEEK: What lessons do these elections offer for the upcoming race in Colombia?

Andrés Rugeles: This leaves three lessons that we hope certain political sectors of the country, especially the opposition, will fully understand due to their implications for the 2026 elections. First, Chile confirms that the region has shifted towards center-right governments. The pendulum has swung in emblematic cases such as Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay. The next countries in the neighborhood should be Venezuela and Colombia.

WEEK: What about the other lessons?

Andrés Rugeles: Secondly, once the results of the first round in Chile were known, the opposition candidates—Matthei and Kaiser—publicly endorsed Kast, demonstrating great political maturity and placing them in a position of enormous strength for the second round. This will require important alliances to ensure both victory and governability.

Third, the opposition in Chile has demonstrated—with the results of the first round now known—that unity is possible and imperative. Hopefully, political leaders in Colombia will understand that having more than one hundred candidates at this stage is absurd, as are the internal squabbles fueled by egos and vanity. It's a veritable Greek tragedy with a touch of parochialism, completely out of step with the current situation in the country and the urgent change it needs. Personal interests must be set aside, and a broader vision for Colombia must be adopted.

WEEK: Many compared the reaction of the Chilean center-right this Sunday to the chaos seen in Colombia in choosing a candidate...

Andrés Rugeles: The Colombian center-right has a tremendous opportunity to return to power in 2026 given the current government's failure, but this won't happen by osmosis. It requires work, unity, and proposals. Otherwise, Petro's candidate will come to power and his destructive project will advance, generating even more risks to democratic institutions, freedom, and the country's progress. The call to the pre-candidates is to act with prudence, responsibility, and unity. Many aspirants have the qualities and credentials to serve the country and can do so from other positions such as Congress, mayoral offices, governorships, and the Executive branch. There will always be opportunities for all those who wish to build a future.

I hope you take note of Kast's message last night, which, although directed at a local audience, applies to ours: “For the good of Chile and to overcome the crisis we are in, unity is fundamental. We must unite for a cause that is Chile. We must put everything at the service of a cause, not of a candidate or a party. This is the cause of Chile.”