Original article: «Son grupos peligrosos para la democracia»: Académico Arturo Fontaine cree que Kast no debe asistir al Foro de Madrid siendo Presidente de Chile

Arturo Fontaine Warns Against President Kast’s Attendance at Madrid Forum: «These Groups Threaten Democracy»

In an interview with CNN Chile, Arturo Fontaine, a scholar at the University of Chile, expressed his belief that President José A. Kast should refrain from attending the upcoming «Madrid Forum,» an ultra-right gathering scheduled to take place in Santiago on September 3 and 4 (Centro de Eventos Casa Piedra, San Carlos de Apoquindo).

Both Kast and Argentine President Javier Milei have confirmed their participation, along with Security Minister Tomás Arrau. The Chilean government stated that the president is one of the founders of the Madrid Forum and has attended many times, thus has every right to continue doing so.

When asked about his concerns, Fontaine stated, «I view this negatively. It is good that people gather, that there is a conference and that anyone can attend, but if the president is there, it creates an impression of official endorsement, which suggests a certain complicity with these authoritarian extreme right movements.»

Fontaine, an academic and writer, finds it «very delicate to align oneself with this group, and quite unnecessary; I don’t understand the purpose of it. The President should not attend, nor should government officials. It should be a political party event,» he emphasized.

At this juncture, journalist Ximena Rincón, host of the program, inquired if the groups participating in the Madrid Forum were dangerous for democracy. Fontaine responded, «Absolutely, they are dangerous, especially for democracy, which is understood not only as electing someone but also as respecting certain fundamental freedoms.»

«This has been a concern of mine for quite some time and is an international worry. These movements gain popularity primarily through social media and begin to concentrate power in an authoritarian figure who can remain in power, like Orban for 16 years,» warned Professor Fontaine.

We will continue to provide updates.