Chile's Shift: From Protests to Borders

In Chile, politics are taking a sharp turn. The focus is now on borders and crime. This change is not just on the right. Even the left is joining in. A few years ago, Chile was different. People took to the streets. They protested against unfairness. Now, the talk is about keeping people out. Many blame migrants for crime. They say gangs from Venezuela bring trouble. This change is clear in the presidential race. Candidates are tough on immigration. They promise to build walls and prisons. Even the communist candidate talks about security first. The mood has shifted. People who once protested now fear chaos. They see migrants as the cause. This is a big change for Chile. It was once known for being safe and stable. Experts say this could help the right. José Antonio Kast is a strong candidate. He is not as extreme as others. But he is tough on immigration. This might be enough to win. The left is also changing. Jeannette Jara is a communist. But she focuses on crime, not inequality. She promises more prisons, not reforms. This shows how much Chile has changed. The protests of 2019 seem far away. The empty plinth in Plaza Italia is a symbol. It shows what was fought for and lost. The anger from those days is still there. But it is now aimed at migrants.