Weekly Report - 09 April 2020 (WR-20-14)

Ecuador’s former president Rafael Correa (2007-2017) was convicted in absentia on 7 April for aggravated bribery, specifically misusing his position to run a criminal network bent on obtaining bribes from firms to secure infrastructure works contracts.... Read More

After last week’s explosive developments [WR-20-13], tensions in Venezuela have continued to simmer.... Read More

The struggle to repatriate citizens caught out by the sudden closure of national borders has been a widespread problem in Latin America, but the reluctance of Bolivia’s interim government to assist several hundred Bolivians stranded at the Chilean border has escalated into an issue of significant national controversy.... Read More

COLOMBIA | Turning to the IMF.... Read More

Despite gaining initial support for its measured response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) health crisis, the government led by President Alberto Fernández has run into trouble in two areas: its treatment of pensioners and emergency food distribution.... Read More

Chile has transitioned abruptly from a social and political crisis – the six months of anti-government protests that started last October – to a health crisis – the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that started this March and has forced a series of lockdown measures as the authorities try to limit the spread of the deadly virus.... Read More

As Brazil’s public health emergency is intensifying, the government has also been facing criticisms over its lagging response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.... Read More

ARGENTINA | Debt crisis rolls on.... Read More

“Mexico’s economy could end 2020 with a 5% contraction, and this could be the lost sexenio if more measures are not adopted”.... Read More

President Nayib Bukele’s willingness to dispense with constitutional guarantees to address the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, even before a single case had been registered, had already raised eyebrows [WR-20-11].... Read More

The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, has joined the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres in calling for an immediate global ceasefire and to ensure that sanctions do not “impede the delivery of essential equipment and supplies” to confront the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.... Read More

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Employment.... Read More

Peru’s government seems to be enjoying a political sweet spot at the moment, with the tough coronavirus (Covid-19) isolation measures and radical moves to protect the economy generating significant popular support.... Read More

“The ‘lawfare’ doesn’t stop.... Read More