Chile's political landscape is shifting as ultraconservative candidate José Antonio Kast emerges as the frontrunner in the presidential election, while New Zealand faces a public health scare with the recall of play sand due to asbestos contamination. Kast, who is set to compete against Communist candidate Jeannette Jara in a runoff on December 14, has garnered significant support following the first round of voting, where concerns over crime and immigration dominated the campaign. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s education sector is responding to safety concerns as schools temporarily close to assess the risks associated with recalled products.

Election Results in Chile
José Antonio Kast, a far-right lawyer, advanced to the second round of Chile's presidential election after securing approximately 24% of the vote in the first round held on Sunday. Jeannette Jara, the candidate from the Communist Party, received around 26% of the votes. The results indicate a divided electorate, with right-wing candidates collectively capturing nearly 30% of the votes, positioning Kast as the clear favorite for the runoff. His campaign promises include strict measures to combat crime and immigration, resonating with voters concerned about public safety.

Support from Right-Wing Candidates
Kast received endorsements from other right-wing candidates, including Johannes Kaiser and Evelyn Matthei, who emphasized the need for a shift away from the current government led by Gabriel Boric. Their support underscores a broader trend in Chilean politics, where security and immigration issues have taken center stage. Kast's proposed policies include the construction of barriers along the northern border to deter migrants, reflecting a hardline stance that mirrors global populist movements.

Asbestos Recall in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed a voluntary recall of colored play sand after tremolite asbestos was detected in several products. The recall was initiated following testing in Australia that revealed similar contamination. As a precaution, multiple schools have closed, and over 150 educational facilities have sought guidance from authorities. Schools like Clearview Primary in Rolleston and Tuia Burnside Primary in Christchurch have announced temporary closures to ensure safety and conduct thorough testing for asbestos.

Public Health Response
Health officials in both New Zealand and Australia have advised against using the affected sand products, although they noted the risk of airborne asbestos is low. Despite this, schools are taking no chances, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. Parents have been encouraged to contact health services with any concerns regarding potential exposure. The swift action taken by educational institutions reflects a proactive approach to public health and safety in the wake of the contamination scare.

Wrap-up
As Chile prepares for a pivotal presidential runoff amid rising concerns about crime and immigration, New Zealand grapples with the fallout from an asbestos recall that has led to school closures. Both situations highlight the importance of public safety in political and educational contexts, as leaders and officials respond to the pressing needs of their communities.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team