SANTIAGO - Jose Antonio Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric.

The 60-year-old lawyer and former congressman vowed to "preserve the independence of the nation" and "uphold the Constitution and the laws" during an inauguration ceremony.

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Kast took the oath of office and received the presidential sash from president of Chile's Senate Paulina Nunez.

The new president will have to tackle challenges in public safety, irregular migration, economic growth, and state reforms, according to analysts.

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Kast made two unsuccessful runs for the presidency in 2017 and 2021, and this time defeated rival candidate Jeannette Jara in a Dec 14 presidential runoff by garnering the most votes ever in Chile's history.