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Chile’s Kast names new security minister in cabinet shuffle

By Thomson Reuters May 19, 2026 | 8:03 PM

SANTIAGO, May 19 (Reuters) – Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast on Tuesday ​replaced the people ‌who held two key roles in his government, naming Martin Arrau as ‌security ​minister and ⁠Claudio Alvarado as ⁠spokesperson.

Alvarado, who is currently interior minister, will retain that portfolio alongside ​his new role. Arrau leaves his ⁠post as public ⁠works minister. That ​position will be taken ​over by Transport Minister ‌Louis de Grange, who will now head both ministries.

Kast, who was ⁠sworn in two months ago, focused on security during ⁠his ‌campaign, promising to ⁠clamp down on ​migration ‌and crime while ​boosting economic ⁠growth through deregulation, spending cuts and market-friendly policies.

(Reporting by Ricardo Figueroa, Editing by Daina Beth ​Solomon)