Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a warning to Chile’s President-elect José Antonio Kast this Monday, urging him to refrain from actions against Venezuelan migrants in Chile. The statement came amid claims, according to Maduro, that Kast has been making regarding Venezuelan nationals.
Maduro’s Direct Address
Speaking on his television program Con Maduro+, broadcast on Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Maduro stated, “You may be a convicted and confessed Pinochetist, but be careful not to touch a hair on a Venezuelan, Venezuelans are respected. Be careful! Listen to me well, do you hear, that whoever messes with Venezuela dries up and you can dry up quickly, Mr. Kast.” He further insisted, “Leave those who are quiet, alone.”
Maduro criticized Kast’s rhetoric regarding migrants, asserting they possess “rights” guaranteed by the Chilean Constitution. He then announced a special support plan, coordinated by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Camilla Fabri, to assist Venezuelans in Chile who wish to return home through the government program Vuelta a la Patria.
Return to Venezuela and Concerns over “Nazifascism”
Maduro expressed a desire to facilitate the return of Venezuelan citizens, stating, “If I could send 100 planes to bring them all back on free tickets, I would do it tomorrow, as we are bringing back all the migrants from the United States, freeing them and rescuing them from prison.” He added that anyone wishing to return would receive the government’s full support.
Prior to his remarks on migration, Maduro claimed that “Nazifascism” seeks to “impose itself again” in Chile. Diosdado Cabello also stated that Kast’s victory was due to the “timidity” of the current Chilean President, Gabriel Boric.
Kast’s Immigration Policies
Kast, described as ultraliberal in economics, won the election in all 16 regions of Chile, securing the second-largest victory in a runoff election since the return to democracy. A central component of his platform is immigration. While he reportedly moderated his tone during the campaign, he initially focused on the expulsion of undocumented immigrants, later suggesting he would “invite them to leave” the country.
His proposed “Escudo Fronterizo” (Border Shield) plan, which shares similarities with policies enacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration, includes the construction of walls over 5 meters high, ditches, drones with facial recognition, and thermal radar. He also supports the use of state force at the border, sanctions for employers hiring undocumented workers, and prohibitions on renting housing to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vuelta a la Patria program?
Vuelta a la Patria is a government program designed to assist Venezuelans abroad who wish to return to Venezuela. It will be coordinated by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Camilla Fabri.
What is José Antonio Kast’s position on immigration?
Kast centers his immigration policy on the expulsion of immigrants in irregular situations, though he has also stated he seeks to “invite them to leave” the country. His plan, Escudo Fronterizo, includes measures like building walls and using advanced surveillance technology.
What did Diosdado Cabello say about the Chilean election?
Diosdado Cabello stated that José Antonio Kast’s victory in Chile was due to the “timidity” with which Gabriel Boric governs.
How might the relationship between Venezuela and Chile evolve under the new Chilean administration, given these initial statements and policy proposals?
