Chile’s President Boric Vows Accelerated Climate Action, Tougher Stance on Israel in Final Term Stretch

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric pledged to accelerate clean energy initiatives and adopt a tougher stance on Israel during the final nine months of his presidency, as outlined in his final annual address on June 1, 2025.

In a nearly three-hour speech to Congress in Valparaiso, Boric announced plans to introduce a law banning imports from what he described as "illegally occupied territories," while supporting Spain’s call for an arms embargo on Israel. The move follows Boric's recent recall of military officials from Chile’s embassy in Israel and the summoning of its ambassador over the Gaza conflict.

On the energy front, Boric unveiled an "accelerated decarbonization" bill that aims to bring forward Chile’s goal of a carbon-neutral electric grid from 2040 to 2035. The legislation will encourage investments in renewable energy and phase out coal-fired power plants. He also highlighted a long-anticipated bill to streamline environmental permitting for new projects, which could reduce approval times by up to 70%, benefiting mining and clean energy sectors.

Boric reaffirmed plans to expand lithium mining through state-owned copper company Codelco, signaling support for Chile’s role in the global clean energy supply chain.

The president acknowledged criticism over unmet campaign promises, particularly around constitutional reform and broader social changes. “Have we achieved everything with the depth we wanted? No,” Boric admitted, “but we have made progress, considering the conditions under which we governed.”

Boric’s address covered a range of issues, including crime, infrastructure, the economy, and abortion rights, but his foreign policy remarks and environmental agenda drew the most intense reactions from lawmakers across the political spectrum.

This speech sets the tone for the remainder of his presidency, focusing on climate action, streamlined investment, and foreign policy realignment.