Gabriel Boric facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Gabriel Boric
Official portrait, 2022
37th President of Chile
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 March 2022
Preceded by	Sebastián Piñera
Member of the Chamber of Deputies from Magallanes
In office 11 March 2018 – 11 March 2022
Preceded by	District established
Succeeded by	Javiera Morales
Constituency	District 28
In office 11 March 2014 – 11 March 2018
Preceded by	Miodrag Marinovic
Succeeded by	District suppressed
Constituency	60th district
President of the University of Chile Student Federation
In office 19 December 2011 – 28 November 2012
Preceded by	Camila Vallejo
Succeeded by	Andrés Fielbaum
Personal details
Born	Gabriel Boric Font (1986-02-11) 11 February 1986 (age 39) Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile
Political party	Social Convergence (2018–2024) Broad Front (2024–present)
Other political affiliations	Autonomous Left (2008–2016) Autonomist Movement (2016–2018) Broad Front (2017–2024) Apruebo Dignidad (2021–2023) Government Alliance (2022–present) Unity for Chile (2023)
Domestic partners	Irina Karamanos (2019–2023) Paula Carrasco (Since 2024)
Children	1
Relatives	Vladimiro Boric Crnosija (grand-uncle)
Education	University of Chile (did not graduate)
Signature

Gabriel Boric Font (born 11 February 1986) is a Chilean politician. He has been the President of Chile since 2022. Before becoming president, he served two terms as a deputy in the Chamber of Deputies.

Boric first became well-known as a student leader. He studied law at the University of Chile. During the big student protests in 2011, he led the important student federation. From 2014 to 2022, he was a deputy for Magallanes, his home region.

In 2018, Boric started the Social Convergence party. This party was part of a larger group called the Broad Front. During the 2019 protests in Chile, Boric helped create an agreement. This agreement led to a vote in October 2020 about changing the country's constitution.

In December 2021, Boric won the presidential election. He defeated José Antonio Kast in the second round. Boric received 55.9% of the votes. After his election, he became the youngest president in Chile's history. He is also one of the youngest leaders in the world today.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Gabriel Boric was born in Punta Arenas in 1986. He has two brothers, Simón and Tomás.

His family on his father's side comes from Croatia. His ancestors moved from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to Chile in 1897. Boric still has family living in Croatia. His great-grandfather, Juan Boric, arrived in Punta Arenas around 1885. He was one of the first Croats to settle in the Magallanes Region.

Gabriel Boric's father, Luis Boric Scarpa, was a chemical engineer. He worked for a government oil company for over 40 years. His mother, María Soledad Font Aguilera, has family from Catalonia, Spain. Boric's granduncle, Vladimiro Boric, became the first bishop of Punta Arenas. Another granduncle, Roque Scarpa Martinich, was the first leader of the Magallanes Region after the military dictatorship.

School and University

Boric went to The British School in his hometown. In 2004, he moved to Santiago to study law at the University of Chile. He finished his classes in 2009. At that time, he became the president of the Law School students' union.

He planned to take his final law exam but did not pass it in 2011. He decided not to retake it. Boric has said he never wanted to be a lawyer. Instead, he hoped to become a writer. During university, he worked as an assistant for a human rights course. His professor praised him for always asking questions and thinking deeply.

Political Journey

Student Leadership

Boric as President of the University of Chile Students Federation, 2012.

In 1999 and 2000, Boric helped restart the Federation of Secondary School Students in Punta Arenas. At university, he joined a political group called Autonomous Left. In 2009, he became president of the Law Department's Students' Union. He led a 44-day protest against the dean. From 2010 to 2012, Boric was a student representative in the university senate.

In December 2011, Boric ran for president of the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh). He won the election with 30.52% of the votes. He defeated Camila Vallejo, who was the current president. As FECh president, Boric was a key spokesperson during the student protests that started in 2011. In 2012, he was named one of Chile's 100 young leaders.

Serving in Parliament

2014 (first)

2014 (second)

2018

Official portraits of Gabriel Boric as a deputy.

Boric ran in the 2013 parliamentary elections. He was an independent candidate for District 60 (now District 28). He won with 15,418 votes, which was the most in his region. This was a big win because he was not part of a major political group. On 11 March 2014, Boric became a member of the Chamber of Deputies.

In his first term, Boric worked on several important committees. These included Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples, and Labor and Social Security. He was part of the "student bench" with other young deputies like Camila Vallejo. They were important in discussions about education reforms. Boric became very popular in Chile.

In 2016, his group, the Autonomous Left, split up. Boric wanted to work more with the government. He and his allies formed the Autonomist Movement. They wanted to create a new leftist group. This new group, the Chilean Broad Front, was launched in January 2017. Boric helped with Beatriz Sánchez's presidential campaign in 2017.

In the 2017 election, Boric was re-elected as a deputy. He received even more votes than before. He continued to work on important committees. In 2018, the Autonomist Movement merged with other groups to form the Social Convergence political party.

Role in the 2019 Protests

On 18 October 2019, protests began in Santiago. They were against higher public transport prices. These protests grew into the "Social Outburst," the biggest civil unrest since the military dictatorship. People also protested about the high cost of living and inequality.

Boric spoke out against the government's response. He opposed using the military to stop the protests. He also helped in the trial against the Interior Minister, Andrés Chadwick. Chadwick was found guilty of not protecting human rights.

Boric was willing to talk with other political groups to find a solution. He helped create an agreement for a new Constitution. This "Agreement for Social Peace and the New Constitution" was signed on 15 November 2019. Boric signed it as an individual, which caused some disagreement within his own party.

Presidential Campaign

Boric presents the signatures needed to run for president.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused more problems between the government and citizens. The Broad Front and another group, Apruebo Dignidad, worked together. In October 2020, 78% of voters supported writing a new Constitution. This helped unite the opposition for the 2021 elections.

Gabriel Boric pushed for all parties to work together. They formed a joint list called Apruebo Dignidad. This group became very strong in the Constitutional Convention.

Daniel Jadue, a Communist mayor, was first expected to be the left's presidential candidate. The Broad Front's first choice, Beatriz Sánchez, decided not to run. So, Gabriel Boric became an option. His party didn't have enough members to present a candidate. But a quick campaign helped him gather the needed signatures just before the deadline.

Boric celebrating his victory in the 2021 presidential election.

Boric won the Apruebo Dignidad primary election on 19 July 2021. He received 60.4% of the votes, beating Jadue. Boric also got more votes than any candidate in the other primary election held at the same time. After winning, Boric said he would work with Jadue for the general election.

In the first round of the election on 21 November 2021, Boric came in second. He got 25.82% of the vote, behind José Antonio Kast. On 19 December 2021, Boric won the final round with 55.85% of the vote. He officially became president on 11 March 2022.

Presidency (2022–Present)

Gabriel Boric during his inauguration ceremony, on 11 March 2022.

Government Team

Official photograph of the first cabinet of the Boric government.

In January 2022, Boric announced his government team, called the cabinet. It included members from different political groups and independent people. Fourteen of the 24 ministers were women. This was the first time a cabinet in the Americas had more women than men. The cabinet also had Chile's first openly LGBT ministers, Alexandra Benado and Marco Antonio Ávila. Maya Fernández, the granddaughter of former president Salvador Allende, was also appointed.

Boric also chose three former student leaders for his cabinet. Camila Vallejo became the government spokesperson. Giorgio Jackson became the secretary-general of the presidency. Nicolás Grau became the Minister of Economy.

When Mario Marcel was announced as the finance minister, the stock market reacted positively. In August 2023, Boric changed his cabinet for the third time. This happened because of low approval ratings and public concerns about crime and inflation.

Mapuche Conflict

In May 2022, Boric decided to send troops to southern Chile. This was because of increasing conflict in the Mapuche conflict region. This decision caused some disagreement with the Communist Party. Boric had previously avoided similar actions taken by the previous president.

Vote on Proposed Constitution

In September 2022, a new draft constitution was presented. This document was written between July 2021 and July 2022. The proposed constitution was rejected in a national vote. 62% of people voted against it, and 38% voted for it. Many people thought the draft was too long and too extreme.

Economy and Reforms

When Boric became president, Chile's inflation rate was very high. In April 2022, Boric announced a $3.7 billion plan to help the economy. This plan included raising the minimum wage. Although inflation briefly reached 14.1% in August 2022, it later dropped significantly. By September 2023, it was down to 5.1%.

Boric's government also reduced the standard working week to 40 hours. This change will happen gradually over five years. His government also made public healthcare free for the poorest Chileans. They raised the monthly minimum wage to about $500. A new mining tax was also passed to help local communities.

Foreign Relations

President Boric spoke out against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said Russia chose war and violated Ukraine's independence. Chile supported the victims and worked for peace.

Boric's first international trip as president was to Argentina in April 2022. He met with President Alberto Fernández. Boric stressed the importance of friendship between the two countries. He also confirmed Chile's support for Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands.

On September 15, 2022, Boric delayed meeting the Israeli Ambassador. This was a protest against child casualties during conflicts. The decision caused some diplomatic tension. Chile's Foreign Minister later apologized to Israel. Boric himself did not apologize but said no one in Chile would be treated unfairly for their beliefs.

Antarctic Policy

In January 2025, President Gabriel Boric became the first head of state to visit the South Pole. He was the third head of government to do so.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric and his group visiting the South Pole in 2025.

Support for Protest Victims

Boric's government has provided financial support to people who were harmed during the 2019–2020 protests. These payments are for individuals who experienced difficulties between October 18, 2019, and June 30, 2020. There have been some questions about how these payments work with other types of support.

Approval Ratings

Boric started his presidency with a 50% approval rating. After his first 100 days, his approval dropped to 32.8%. This was the biggest drop for a Chilean President in their first 100 days since 1990. By the end of 2022, his approval stayed around 33%. Many people were unhappy with his performance. This was due to rising crime, economic problems, and changes in his cabinet.

By January 2023, his approval rating fell to 25%. In May 2023, it was 28%, with 66% disapproval. After a speech in June 2023, his approval briefly rose to 41%. However, it fell back to 28% later that month. By May 2025, Boric's approval rating reached its lowest point at 27%.

Political Views

President Sebastián Piñera receives President-elect Boric in La Moneda Palace after his election, December 2021.

Boric is a left-wing politician. He has been linked to ideas like socialism and social democracy. He believes in democracy and that it needs to change and adapt. He has said he comes from the "Chilean libertarian socialist tradition."

The Economist described Boric as part of the "millennial left." His focus is on social justice, human rights, the environment, and feminism. Boric has been called a "postmodern leader." He is seen as someone who successfully brought together different demands in modern Chilean society.

Boric has criticized Chile's economic system, which was set up during the dictatorship. He believes it continued even after Chile became a democracy again. During his 2021 election campaign, he promised to change this economic model. He said, "if Chile was the cradle of neoliberalism, it will also be its grave." He has also said that changes must be gradual and supported by many people.

After the proposed constitution was rejected in 2022, Boric took a more moderate stance. This led to some criticism from his early supporters. During his campaign, Boric supported LGBT rights in Chile. He wanted legal recognition for non-binary people and more gender identity laws.

In 2016, Boric supported a program to put 400 prisoners on probation. He believed this would help with overcrowding in prisons. He also spoke against harsh crime policies that don't offer real solutions.

Boric has criticized large pine and eucalyptus plantations. He believes they cause drought for indigenous Mapuche communities. In 2021, he promised to limit these companies if he became president. He repeated these concerns in a May 2022 interview.

In a 2023 interview, Boric said he believes capitalism is not the best way to solve society's problems. He explained that changing a country requires strong support from many people and must happen step by step.

Economic Plans

Boric has criticized the CAE, a student loan program. He believes education should be a right, not something for profit. He promised to forgive student loans and end the CAE program. Boric also wants to reduce private companies' involvement in important areas.

For healthcare, Boric wants a universal publicly funded healthcare system. He mentioned the British National Health Service as an example. He also wants to get rid of the private pension system. Instead, he proposes a public group to manage pension funds. Boric supported a law for a 40-hour working week and a higher minimum wage. He also suggested including workers and women on the boards of large companies.

Since mining is Chile's biggest industry, Boric has ideas for it. He wants a state-owned company for lithium extraction. He also wants mining companies to pay more taxes and to protect the environment. Dealing with climate change and promoting a green economy are important goals for his presidency. In March 2023, Boric's plan for a major tax reform was rejected by one vote. This reform was meant to pay for his social programs. This setback affected his pension reform project.

International Relations

Boric with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, June 2022.

Boric with President of Argentina Alberto Fernández at the 9th Summit of the Americas, June 2022.

Boric with President of the United States Joe Biden, 2022.

Boric with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida in Bangkok, November 2022.

Boric with President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília, May 2023.

Boric believes that human rights should always be protected. He thinks that violations of human rights should be condemned, no matter who commits them. He has said that just as the left should criticize human rights issues in Chile, they should also criticize restrictions on freedoms in Cuba, the government in Nicaragua, and the weakening of democracy in Venezuela.

After becoming president, Boric said Venezuela is a failed example. He pointed to the six million Venezuelans who have left their country. During his 2021 campaign, he called the 2021 Nicaraguan election unfair. He asked his allies in the Communist Party of Chile to change their statement supporting the Nicaraguan government.

Boric criticized Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. He called Bolsonaro "a danger to the environment and humanity." Bolsonaro showed a cold attitude towards Boric and did not attend his inauguration.

Regarding Bolivia, Boric wants to restart diplomatic relations. These relations were broken in 1978. He supports Argentina's view on the Falkland Islands. He also promised to help Argentina with its debt problems.

Boric said that if Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro won elections in their countries, a strong alliance could form. He strongly condemned the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chile supported United Nations resolutions asking Russia to withdraw its troops. Chile also offered help to Ukraine with clearing landmines. Boric refused requests to send weapons to Ukraine.

Boric has often supported the State of Palestine. In 2019, he called for Israel to return occupied Palestinian territories. He described Israel as a "genocidal and murderous state" that breaks international agreements. He stressed the importance of defending human rights for everyone. Boric denied being against Jewish people. He believes Israel's occupation of territories beyond the 1967 borders is against international law. In October 2021, Boric and other deputies proposed a law to ban products from Israeli settlements. In October 2023, Boric stated that Israel's actions in the Gaza war mainly affected civilians and could be a war crime.

Personal Life

Gabriel Boric has spoken openly about his mental health. He was diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder as a child. In 2018, he took time off from Congress because of his condition. Improving mental health services was a key part of his presidential campaign.

Boric grew up in a religious Catholic family. His mother was very involved in her church. Boric now identifies as agnostic. Between 2019 and 2023, he was in a relationship with anthropologist Irina Karamanos. During his campaign, Karamanos said the role of the First Lady should be updated. She took on the role and worked to change its traditional duties. In November 2023, Boric and Karamanos announced their relationship had ended.

Boric wearing a Nine Inch Nails hat, 2015.

Boric's love for rock and metal music became well-known during his campaign. He often posted about his favorite bands like Deftones, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, and Rammstein. He also enjoys other musicians like Laura Pausini, Taylor Swift, and Jeongyeon. Boric supports the football team Universidad Católica and plays Magic: the Gathering.

Boric's appearance has been noticed since he became a deputy. As one of the youngest members of parliament, he often wore casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts. In 2014, there was a small controversy when he entered parliament without a tie or formal jacket. During his presidential campaign, he dressed more formally but still didn't wear ties. He is also the first Latin American head of state with visible tattoos. His tattoos show his home region, including a map of Magallanes, a lenga tree, and a lighthouse.

On December 2, 2024, Boric announced on Instagram that he and his partner, Paula Carrasco, were expecting their first child. Carrasco is a member of the Chilean women's national basketball team and has a child from a previous relationship. In February 2025, Boric shared that they were expecting a girl. Their daughter was born on June 25, 2025.

Honors

National Honors

• Grand Master (2022) and Collar of the Order of Merit
• Grand Master (2022) and Collar of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins

International Honors

Ribbon	Distinction	Country	Date	Location	Notes	Reference
	Grand Order of King Tomislav	Croatia	12 December 2022	Santiago	Highest civil decoration in Croatia
	Grand Collar of the Order of Boyacá	Colombia	9 January 2023	Santiago	Highest civil decoration in Colombia
	Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross	Brazil	7 August 2024	Santiago	Highest civil decoration in Brazil

Electoral History

2013 Parliamentary Elections

2013 parliamentary elections for deputy of District 60 (Río Verde, Antártica, Laguna Blanca, Natales, Cabo de Hornos, Porvenir, Primavera, Punta Arenas, San Gregorio, Timaukel and Torres del Paine)

2017 Parliamentary Elections

2017 parliamentary elections for deputy of District 28 (Río Verde, Antártica, Laguna Blanca, Natales, Cabo de Hornos, Porvenir, Primavera, Punta Arenas, San Gregorio, Timaukel and Torres del Paine)

2021 Presidential Elections

See also

In Spanish: Gabriel Boric para niños

• Leaders of the 2011 Chilean protests
• Lists of state leaders by age#Youngest serving state leaders
• List of heads of government that have visited the South Pole
• Education in Chile