Piñera-Morel Family Offers Unwavering Support for Chilean Presidential Candidate José Antonio Kast
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The family of late Chilean President Sebastián Piñera has publicly and unequivocally endorsed Republican candidate José Antonio Kast in the upcoming presidential election, signaling a significant boost to his campaign. The endorsement comes after a meeting on Monday between Kast and members of the Piñera-Morel family, including former First Lady Cecilia Morel and Magdalena Piñera, daughter of the late president.
A Meeting Focused on Chile’s Future
According to reports, the meeting was described as “very friendly” by a family spokesperson. A key topic of discussion centered on the potential role of the First Lady, with particular emphasis on leveraging that position to bolster education initiatives. “My mother and Pía talked a lot about the role and importance of the first lady and the social support that can be given from there to education, which is something that my family calls for a lot,” a family member stated.
The family’s support extends beyond a simple endorsement, with members expressing a firm conviction in Kast’s vision for Chile. They voiced strong opposition to his political rival, characterizing them as a candidate representing the Communist Party.
Concerns Over Communism and a Vision for Growth
A senior family member articulated a clear rationale for their support, stating, “We know that communism has brought neither progress nor democracy to any of the countries in which it has been. So today we are out of conviction supporting José Antonio Kast and we hope he wins.”
This conviction is tied to a belief that Kast’s leadership will usher in a period of positive change for Chile. The family expressed optimism that a Kast administration would foster economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of education, particularly at the primary and early childhood levels. Furthermore, they highlighted security and the fight against drug trafficking as crucial pillars of Kast’s platform. “Count on us,” they affirmed, signaling their commitment to supporting his campaign and future governance.
Addressing Past Reservations
Former First Lady Cecilia Morel addressed past expressions of reservations regarding Kast, as well as the late President Piñera’s previous statements questioning whether Kast represented the right path for Chile. She acknowledged the passage of time and the evolving political landscape. “First of all, 7 years have passed. The world has changed, Chile has changed, so what to say,” Morel remarked with a laugh.
While acknowledging existing differences between her family’s past views and Kast’s positions, Morel emphasized the importance of shared fundamental principles. “Undoubtedly, as José Antonio says, there are differences,” she conceded. “But undoubtedly the spine is what is important and something fundamental is at stake here for our country, which is the model that we want for the future. We want a free Chile, a safer Chile, a Chile with real opportunities.”
The Piñera-Morel family’s endorsement represents a significant moment in the Chilean presidential race, demonstrating a united front behind Kast and a clear articulation of their vision for the country’s future.
