Parisi Declines Backing Rivals in Chile’s Presidential Runoff

By Manisha Sahu | America News World
November 23,2025

Franco Parisi, the polarizing outsider who placed a surprising third in Chile’s presidential election last weekend, has swiftly become the most coveted figure in the country’s political landscape. With neither of the top two candidates securing a majority, a heated runoff is now scheduled — and both camps appear eager to win over Parisi’s loyal base of supporters. But the economist-turned-politician says he has no intention of endorsing either of them.

“Chilean presidential candidate Franco Parisi waves as he arrives for a presidential debate in Santiago, Chile.”(AP Photo)

Speaking to The Associated Press on Saturday, Parisi described a whirlwind week filled with phone calls, proposals, and pressure from both the left and right. “I’ve been contacted by government ministers, opposition leaders, party officials — everyone,” he said. “The calls haven’t stopped. Even when I was eating at a restaurant, a former Cabinet minister approached me to talk.”

Parisi, who conducted his entire campaign remotely from the United States due to legal disputes in Chile, has nonetheless built a substantial following. His online-first political movement centers on economic discontent, frustration with traditional parties, and a promise to “shake up” Chile’s political class. His unexpected success — winning millions of votes without ever setting foot in Chile during the campaign — has reshaped the dynamics of what was already one of the most unpredictable elections in decades.

A Decisive Third Place Creates a Power Vacuum

In the first round of voting, Parisi captured enough support to deny both leading contenders the outright majority needed to win. With the communist-backed candidate and the far-right challenger now advancing to the December runoff, analysts say Parisi’s voter base could determine the outcome.

But the 54-year-old says neither side should expect his endorsement.

“We are not going to support a communist candidate, and we are not going to support the extreme right either,” Parisi declared. “Both sides are centered on old politics, on ideological fights that don’t solve the real problems of citizens.”

His firm refusal disrupts the expectations of political strategists who believed he could tilt the race with a single statement. Instead, Parisi appears committed to positioning himself as an independent force — one that operates outside the conventional boundaries of Chile’s political alliances.

A Movement Without a Traditional Leader

Parisi’s campaign was unconventional from the start. Running his operation virtually from Alabama, he addressed supporters through livestreams and online rallies. Critics accused him of avoiding his legal issues in Chile, including a child support case and investigations over alleged financial misconduct. But his followers, many of whom identify with his anti-establishment message, dismissed the controversies as political attacks.

His base is diverse but united by frustration with mainstream politicians. Many of his voters are small business owners, gig-economy workers, and younger Chileans wary of both the state-heavy proposals of the left and the uncompromising conservatism of the right.

Analysts say this makes Parisi’s supporters unpredictable — a challenge for the two finalists, who are now desperately trying to understand what will motivate these voters in the runoff.

Growing Influence Amid Chile’s Political Transformation

Chile’s political landscape has been undergoing a dramatic transformation since the massive protests of 2019, which called for sweeping social and constitutional reforms. Those demonstrations exposed deep discontent with inequality, stagnant wages, and political elitism.

Parisi capitalized on this moment. His message — that Chile’s political class is hopelessly disconnected — resonated with a public increasingly skeptical of the establishment. He frequently accused both the left and right of mismanaging the economy and ignoring everyday grievances such as inflation, job insecurity, and access to credit.

His ability to attract such strong support without physically returning to Chile has now earned him a new label in the national conversation: the power broker.

Pressure on the Runoff Candidates

Both the communist-aligned candidate and the far-right contender face an uphill task in broadening their electoral appeal. The communist candidate has tried to soften his ideological image, promising pragmatic economic reforms and social protections. The right-wing candidate has attempted to present himself as a stabilizing force who can restore order and boost growth.

But Parisi’s refusal to lend support to either side complicates their efforts.

“He has essentially told his voters to make up their own minds,” said political analyst Daniela Rojas. “That makes the runoff far more unpredictable. One-third of Chile’s electorate is now floating.”

Some strategists believe Parisi’s neutrality may hurt the far-right candidate more, since both draw on similar disillusionment with the political mainstream. Others argue his supporters are too ideologically mixed to tilt definitively toward one side.

What Parisi Wants Instead

During his interview, Parisi emphasized that his priority is not to influence the runoff but to strengthen his movement for future electoral opportunities. He hinted at plans to build a more structured political force capable of competing in legislative and regional elections.

“We need a new political culture,” he said. “One that listens to people, not to old party bosses.”

He insisted that transparency, digital participation, and economic modernization would be the core pillars of his long-term project. “Chileans deserve something better. And we will keep working toward that, without bending to political pressures.”

A Nation Waiting for Answers

As Chile edges closer to the December runoff, the candidates are campaigning across the country, courting undecided voters and moderates disillusioned with both extremes. But Parisi’s non-endorsement ensures that a sizable portion of the electorate remains unpredictable.

For many Chileans, the question is not just who will win the presidency — but what role Parisi intends to play in the country’s political future.

His supporters see him as an outsider capable of shaking up a stagnant system. His critics view him as an unpredictable figure whose virtual presence undermines democratic norms. But few deny his influence: in a deeply divided Chile, Franco Parisi’s decision to stay neutral may prove one of the most consequential choices of this election.

As the country braces for a pivotal vote, all eyes — once again — are on the man who insists he wants nothing to do with either side.