Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast (C, with sash) attends the inauguration ceremony at the National Congress in Valparaiso, Chile, March 11, 2026. Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric. (Agencia UNO/Handout via Xinhua)

SANTIAGO, March 11 (Xinhua) -- 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.

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.

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. ■

Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast (L) and his wife Maria Pia Adriasola arrive to attend the inauguration ceremony in Valparaiso, Chile, March 11, 2026. Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric. (Agencia UNO/Handout via Xinhua)

Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast waves after the inauguration ceremony in Valparaiso, Chile, March 11, 2026. Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric. (Agencia UNO/Handout via Xinhua)

Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast (L) shakes hands with former President Gabriel Boric during the inauguration ceremony at the National Congress in Valparaiso, Chile, March 11, 2026. Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric. (Agencia UNO/Handout via Xinhua)

Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast (C) poses for a group photo with his cabinet members ahead of his inauguration ceremony in Valparaiso, Chile, March 11, 2026. Kast took office on Wednesday as Chile's new president for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Gabriel Boric. (Agencia UNO/Handout via Xinhua)