"Chile's President Gabriel Boric on Monday welcomed president-elect Jose Antonio Kast to La Moneda Palace, formally launching the transition process after Sunday's presidential runoff. Boric underscored the need for an orderly, transparent and cooperative handover of power, saying transition teams from both administrations will work closely together in the national interest. "We discussed the steps to follow to carry out an orderly handover to the next government on March 11, 2026." Boric also assured that after the end of his term, he will remain willing to collaborate for the good of his nation. "I also told him that after March 11, when it is my turn to be the former President of the Republic, I will always be available to collaborate for the good of Chile," the president said. Boric also addressed the tensions that marked the campaign, acknowledging sharp political differences but emphasising that the talks advanced in a spirit of national unity and full cooperation. "I want to highlight the positive atmosphere in which the meeting took place. We come from very different political visions, and we have been opposed. We defend principles and values that are different. However, Chile unites us. And we are part of the same destiny of the nation," he said. Boric also noted that his administration is already coordinating closely with the incoming government to ensure a smooth transfer of power and the continuity of several policies left unfinished during his term. "It will be up to the next government to continue many of the policies initiated and agreed upon in these years, which are matters of State, such as the implementation of the pension reform, the reform of sectoral permits, and the establishment of the Ministry of Public Security," Boric stated. Jose Antonio Kast, the leader of the Republican Party, became the president-elect of Chile after winning the run-off on Sunday. He received 58 per cent of the vote, compared to Jeanette Jara's 41 per cent. He will assume the presidency on March 11, 2026, beginning a new political cycle with high expectations but also challenges ahead, particularly in a fragmented Congress where his party does not hold an absolute majority."