Chile's incoming president, José Antonio Kast, expressed his support on Tuesday for the possibility of a U.S. intervention in Venezuela, aimed at ending the "dictatorship" of Nicolás Maduro, whom he previously described as a "narcodictator."
"We won't intervene because it's not our place, but if someone else does, it's clear that it would solve a problem for everyone: Latin America, South America, and even European countries," Kast stated during a press conference in Buenos Aires. There, he met with Argentine President Javier Milei.
The leader of the far-right Republican Party emphasized that "the situation in Venezuela is unacceptable and unsustainable." He mentioned having discussions about the issue with the presidents of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
"Everyone is well aware that what's happening in Venezuela cannot continue. Should someone decide to intervene, they would have our moral and political support," Kast asserted, amid increasing U.S. pressure on the Chavista regime.
He also accused Nicolás Maduro of obstructing the return of Venezuelans wishing to go back to their homeland, claiming the leader "prefers they stay abroad and send money."
"The Venezuelan president would rather see migrants remain overseas, sending remittances. But let me warn you: the remittances from those without proper documents won't reach him anymore," Kast said, adopting a defiant tone without specifying any concrete measures.
However, in the same press conference, he suggested the creation of a "humanitarian corridor" to deport irregular immigrants in Chile, predominantly Venezuelans, Haitians, and Bolivians.
Kast's remarks came just hours after his meeting with Milei at the Casa Rosada, during his first international visit following his victory in the second round of elections last Sunday, where he secured 58.1% of the vote against leftist Jeannette Jara.
Kast highlighted that his trip to Argentina is part of a regional tour seeking "good examples" of management, and he affirmed that he is in "complete harmony" with the Argentine leader on matters of security, economy, and immigration policy.
The two leaders agreed to coordinate efforts on border security, tackle organized crime, and promote investments.
Milei described Kast as "an ally in the defense of freedom" and confirmed his attendance at the inauguration ceremony on March 11 in Santiago, Chile.
With his statements about Venezuela and irregular migration, Kast sets the tone he intends to establish from the start of his presidency: a foreign policy aligned with Washington, focusing on combating authoritarianism and uncontrolled migration, in direct opposition to the governments of Nicolás Maduro, Gustavo Petro, and Daniel Ortega.
Insights on U.S. Intervention and Venezuelan Crisis
Why does José Antonio Kast support U.S. intervention in Venezuela?
Kast believes that U.S. intervention would help end the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro, solving a regional issue affecting Latin America, South America, and even European countries.
What actions has Kast proposed regarding irregular immigrants in Chile?
Kast has suggested creating a "humanitarian corridor" to deport irregular immigrants, who are mostly Venezuelans, Haitians, and Bolivians, from Chile.
What was the purpose of Kast's visit to Argentina?
Kast's visit to Argentina was part of a regional tour to seek "good examples" of management and to align with the Argentine president on security, economy, and immigration policy.