More reformist than Boric and Bachelet: Kast is the President who has pushed the most changes to the Constitution in its first months

Presidente José Antonio Kast has introduced more constitutional reforms in his first five months in office than any previous president during the same period, according to reports from Chilean media. His latest initiative, which seeks to strengthen the national security system and establish a new state of exception, marks the third major constitutional change he has pushed through Congress. This effort has generated widespread resistance across political lines. The proposed changes include provisions for drug testing as a basis for termination or incompatibility with public service roles, and the authorization of administrative expulsion measures against undocumented immigrants. These proposals were submitted under Kast’s direct authority, reflecting his administration's aggressive approach to constitutional modification. The government has already hinted at a fourth such proposal aimed at raising the threshold required for constitutional reform. Comparisons with past administrations reveal Kast's unprecedented pace. During his initial tenure, President Patricio Aylwin introduced just one constitutional amendment, focusing on local governance. Similarly, Presidents Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle and Ricardo Lagos did not propose any constitutional changes within their first year in office. Even later, under Lagos, the most significant constitutional overhaul occurred in 2005, though it was driven primarily by legislative initiatives rather than executive action. Michelle Bachelet, who led two presidential terms, initiated two constitutional amendments in her early years, one related to electoral systems and another concerning educational quality. However, both were either withdrawn or shelved. In contrast, Kast has managed to see three proposals pass through Congress, demonstrating a marked difference in legislative momentum. Sebastian Piñera, during his first term, introduced two constitutional amendments, including one regarding voting rights for overseas citizens and another that advanced election dates. In his second term, however, Piñera only managed one major reform, focused on gender equality. Gabriel Boric, meanwhile, faced challenges due to the failed constituent process and only introduced one amendment prohibiting the proliferation of retirement fund withdrawals. Kast's record surpasses even that of Bachelet and Boric, despite neither having explicitly prioritized constitutional reform in their programs. While Bachelet and Boric led left-leaning coalitions aiming to replace the 1980 constitution, Kast has pursued a different path, emphasizing security and immigration control. By the end of his second term, Bachelet signed nine constitutional amendments, but only three became law. One of these was a call for a constituent assembly, which was ultimately enacted in 2020 after being revived by Piñera following social unrest. Kast's rapid push for constitutional changes reflects a strategic shift in Chilean politics, with implications for the country's legal framework and societal norms. As his administration continues to advance its agenda, the impact of these reforms will likely shape the nation's future governance structure.