Latinnews
LatinNews Daily - 2 May 2025
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- COLOMBIA/REGION: Petro throws down gauntlet to mark Workers’ Day
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela claims dramatic GDP growth
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Big tent party PSD seeks to win over more governors
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol reaches new deal with creditors
Central America & Caribbean
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Persad-Bissessar takes office
- In brief: Workers' Day demands vary across Central America
Mexico
- MEXICO: US targets CJNG’s fuel theft network
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t pledges to reduce working week
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Presidential candidates present labour proposals
- In brief: Chile’s Boric hails minimum wage hike
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 1 May Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro presented the senate with the questions for his planned referendum on labour reform, as demonstrations were held across Latin America to mark International Workers’ Day.
LatinNews Daily - 1 May 2025
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- PANAMA: Opposition unites against US security agreements
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Arrest warrant against Morales lifted
- In brief: Colombia cuts interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Blame game escalates over social security agency scandal
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment continues to rise
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic and Russia boost ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Changes to US vehicle tariffs ‘beneficial’, says gov’t
- In brief: Mexico’s GDP up in Q1 despite recession fears
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Unions march against austerity
- In brief: Chile’s industrial production up in March
On 30 April opposition leaders including former president Martín Torrijos (Partido Revolucionario Democrático, PRD, 2004-2009), and civil society groups signed a joint declaration condemning agreements recently signed by Panama’s government led by President José Raúl Mulino with the US regarding security and the Panama Canal.
LatinNews Daily - 30 April 2025
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- CUBA: Prominent dissidents sent back to prison
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition divided as new election campaigns begin
- In brief: Poverty declines in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Major conservative parties to unite in federation
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts quarterly rise in production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemalan indigenous groups lift blockades amid gov’t deal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Relatives of disappeared clash with attorney general
- In brief: Mexico’s Televisa records Q1 profit drop
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t faces renewed pressure over crypto scandal
- In brief: Chile’s central bank holds interest rates amid global uncertainty
On 29 April two leading Cuban dissidents, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, were returned to prison.
LatinNews Daily - 29 April 2025
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- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Opposition claims electoral victory
Andean
- ECUADOR/REGION: Concern grows over yellow fever outbreak
- In brief: Minimum wage raised in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Foreign minister defends multilateralism in Brics meeting
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit decreases in March
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama private sector lobby warns of strike losses
Mexico
- MEXICO: Agreement reached on US water deliveries
- In brief: Mexico’s trade surplus up in March
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Tohá receives boost as Vodanovic pulls out
- In brief: Argentina’s opposition demands investigation into IMF head
On 28 April Trinidad & Tobago’s main opposition party United National Congress (UNC) led by former prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2010-2015), claimed victory in a general election which took place the same day, ending a decade of rule by the People’s National Movement (PNM).
LatinNews Daily - 28 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Armed groups step up attacks
Andean
- In brief: Venezuelan economy contracts in Q1, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former president Collor de Mello arrested for corruption
- In brief: Brazil’s mid-month inflation slows in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Judge moves against Arévalo allies
- In brief: El Salvador’s Bukele proposes minimum wage rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum backtracks on controversial telecoms bill
- In brief: Economic activity up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bidding farewell to Pope Francis
- In brief: International tourism to Argentina down in March
Washington Watch
- Rubio congratulates Ecuador’s Noboa on his election win
On 27 April six Colombian soldiers were killed in a suspected ambush by a dissident unit of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group, in the latest in a string of attacks against authorities around the country.
LatinNews Daily - 25 April 2025
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- PANAMA: Mulino under pressure over strikes
Andean
- COLOMBIA: High court suspends investigation into Petro’s campaign finance
- In brief: Shell withdraws from Colombian offshore gas projects
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Setback for 8 January rioter amnesty bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale posts year-on-year drop in net profit
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala resolves agriculture dispute with Peru
Mexico
- MEXICO: Member of famous Jalisco search collective killed
- In brief: Mexico’s Grupo Modelo unveils investment
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Peronists accuse IMF of electoral interference
- In brief: Chile’s competition authority approves Codelco-SQM deal
On 24 April Panama’s leading teachers’ association Asociación de Profesores (Asoprof) staged a second day of an indefinite strike in protest over the recently approved social security (CSS) reform, among other issues.
LatinNews Daily - 24 April 2025
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- GUATEMALA: Tensions set to rise as Arévalo ally arrested
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro denies drug addiction claims
- In brief: Peru and Guatemala advance with FTA
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula pushes for reform of security institutions
- In brief: Brazil’s social security head dismissed over alleged corruption
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino mulling way forward for Cobre Panamá mine
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t to challenge judicial candidates with criminal links
- In brief: World Bank cuts Mexico’s growth forecast
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: University workers strike
- In brief: Uruguay’s government expresses fiscal concerns
On 23 April Guatemalan authorities arrested Luis Pacheco, the country’s deputy energy & mining minister, on accusations of terrorism and illicit association.
LatinNews Daily - 23 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Gov’t unveils referendum questions
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s former president Vizcarra accused of corruption
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Centre-right lawmaker rejects invitation to join gov’t
- In brief: Brazilian market experts lower inflation forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Gov’t cracks down on undocumented Haitians
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum rejects IMF recession forecast
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity stagnates in March
Southern Cone
- CHILE/BRAZIL: Boric seeks regional integration with Lula
- In brief: Argentina’s economy continues to grow
On 22 April Colombia’s government announced 12 proposals for labour reform that it intends to put to voters in a referendum.
LatinNews Daily - 22 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR/VENEZUELA: Bukele offers Venezuela prisoner swap
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov’t warns of assassination plot against Noboa
- In brief: Teachers protest in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More protests against police in São Paulo
- In brief: Brazil predicts lower sugar cane harvest
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: US anti-migration advert sparks backlash
- In brief: Mexico unveils new bill to simplify bureaucracy
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Arson attack on Chinese hydroelectric project
- In brief: Uruguay’s housing minister resigns amid controversy
On 20 April El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele offered to exchange 252 Venezuelan migrants deported from the US to El Salvador, where they are being held at the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Cecot) mega-prison, in exchange for the same number of political prisoners held in Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 17 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa sets the stage with cabinet reshuffle
Andean
- In brief: Large increase in Ecuador’s tax revenue
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Annual drop in forest fires boosts green optics
- In brief: International tourism surges in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Supreme court to rule on US military presence
- In brief: New rig set to boost Guyana’s oil output
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concern over US military land transfer in border region
- In brief: Fitch affirms Mexico’s ‘stable’ outlook but notes risks
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Francos hails economy, evades scandal in congress report
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus down year-on-year
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 16 April Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa carried out a partial cabinet reshuffle that saw Sariha Moya appointed as the new finance minister, replacing Luis Alberto Jaramillo, who had only been in the role since February.
LatinNews Daily - 16 April 2025
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- PERU: Ex-president Humala sentenced for money laundering
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s GDP down in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Spat with Spain over rejected extradition requests
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t to aim for primary surplus in 2026
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: UN calls for Garifuna protection
- In brief: Dominican Republic receives record tourists in Q1
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to US tomato tariff threats
- In brief: Mexico refutes car maker Honda relocation reports
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces fresh protest action
- In brief: Argentina’s foreign reserves swell following IMF disbursement
On 15 April Peru’s former president Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) was handed a 15-year prison sentence for money laundering.
LatinNews Daily - 15 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Bukele refuses to release man deported in error
Andean
- ECUADOR: González’s fraud claims fall flat as region congratulates Noboa
- In brief: Venezuela claims rising oil production despite sanctions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Boost for far-right rioter amnesty bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula expands income tax exemption threshold
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican gov’t backs tighter building regulations following tragedy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum tries to ward off teachers' strike
- In brief: US imposes tariffs on Mexican tomatoes
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Peso floats as Bessent pledges US support
- In brief: Argentina places debt on domestic market
On 14 April, during a meeting at the White House, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele told US President Donald Trump that his government would not release a man deported in error last month and held in the country’s ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot) mega-prison.
LatinNews Daily - 14 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa re-elected with strong lead over González
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s Boluarte avoids impeachment trial over ‘Rolexgate’
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Food inflation reverses downwards trend
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in February
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Ábrego García case looms over Bukele-Trump talks
- In brief: IMF reaches new staff-level agreement with Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks resolution to US water dispute
- In brief: Industrial production up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei relaxes currency controls as IMF approves deal
- In brief: Monthly inflation continues to rise in Argentina
Washington Watch
- Region responds to US tariffs
On 13 April Ecuador’s national electoral council (CNE) declared President Daniel Noboa the winner of that day’s presidential run-off election between him and Luisa González.
LatinNews Daily - 11 April 2025
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- ARGENTINA: General strike marks renewed opposition to Milei austerity
Andean
- ECUADOR: Campaigns close ahead of election
- In brief: Peruvian transport workers on strike over insecurity
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints new communications minister
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in February
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino rules out US military bases
- In brief: Teachers stage protests in Guatemala
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise over water treaty
- In brief: International tourism in Mexico down in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina renews China currency swap line
On 10 April Argentine workers staged a general strike that paralysed large swathes of the country and marked a renewed wave of protests against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
LatinNews Daily - 10 April 2025
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- BRAZIL/REGION: Lula affirms calls for unity at Celac summit
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Opposition coalition fractures as Doria named candidate
- In brief: Venezuela’s opposition questions declaration of economic emergency
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales rise in February
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Gov’t moving on El Salvador-inspired jail
- In brief: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
Mexico
- MEXICO: Violence continues in Guerrero despite gov’t claims
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation picks up in March
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: More protests as unions prepare for general strike
- In brief: Manufacturing and construction up in Argentina
On 10 April Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave at speech at the summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Honduras in which he criticised the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 9 April 2025
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- PANAMA: US defence secretary visits amid Canal tensions
Andean
- COLOMBIA/REGION: Petro urges unified response to tariffs
- In brief: Economic emergency declared in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Minister resigns amid corruption allegations
- In brief: Brazil’s primary deficit down in yearly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Investigations underway into Dominican nightclub tragedy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rebuffs UN enforced disappearance committee
- In brief: Car companies to remain in Mexico, says Sheinbaum
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei reaches preliminary deal with IMF
- In brief: Chile’s inflation up in March
On 8 April US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino during a three-day visit to Panama.
LatinNews Daily - 8 April 2025
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves accused of corruption
Andean
- ECUADOR: Prison guards killed ahead of election
- In brief: Inflation slows in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Indigenous movement reiterates land rights concerns
- In brief: E-commerce giant MercadoLibre boosts investment in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama Canal ports audit flags irregularities
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t blame game over music festival tragedy
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle exports drop in Q1
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei defeat sealed as judge resigns from top court
- In brief: Uruguay’s Orsi boosts ties with Panama
On 7 April Costa Rica’s Attorney General Carlo Díaz filed a formal accusation before the supreme court (CSJ) against President Rodrigo Chaves and Culture Minister Jorge Rodríguez Vives, charging them with corruption.
LatinNews Daily - 7 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: US takes fresh aim at Petro
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador receives record remittances in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More governors attend Bolsonaro rally
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus rises in March
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA/EL SALVADOR: Costa Rican minister tours Cecot mega jail
- In brief: Panama analysing impact of US tariffs
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities hail Sinaloa arrests
- In brief: Mexico imposes anti-dumping duty on steel nails from China
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Election line-up takes shape
- In brief: Paraguay’s opposition slams suspension of Itaipú talks
Washington Watch
- Rubio tours Caribbean
On 5 April Colombia’s government disputed the account put forward by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem of her 27 March meeting with President Gustavo Petro, who she said had defended criminals and criticised US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 4 April 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum buoyant despite tariff challenges
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Elections convened for August
- In brief: World Bank approves loan for education spending in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New rules imposed on Rio police operations
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales rise in March
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Opposition figures hail ‘landmark’ UN report
- In brief: Nicaragua, region mull response to US tariffs
Mexico
- In brief: GFCF continues to fall in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei suffers senate blow
- In brief: Carmaker VW announces new investment in Argentina
On 3 April Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the country’s exemption from the “reciprocal tariffs” implemented by US President Donald Trump the previous day and announced an 18-point plan to strengthen Mexico’s economy.
LatinNews Daily - 3 April 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Caution dominates regional tariff response
Andean
- ECUADOR: Drug trafficker ‘Fito’ indicted in US
- In brief: Bolivia begins transporting Argentine gas to Brazil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court rejects pre-trial detention for Bolsonaro
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production down slightly in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Mass protests against violence
- In brief: Denmark’s Maersk acquires Panama Canal railway
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s agricultural sector receives boost
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei criticised over Falklands comments
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation accelerates in March
On 2 April US President Donald Trump announced that Mexico would not be subject to his new 10% global baseline tariff, which has been levied against imports from other countries in the region, as well as higher rates of 38%, 15%, and 18% targeting Guyana, Venezuela, and Nicaragua respectively.
LatinNews Daily - 2 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa meets Trump ahead of 13 April polls
Andean
- In brief: Peru unveils infrastructure investment plans
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t and opposition unite behind tariff retaliation bill
- In brief: Brazil’s oil and gas production up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: UN condemns Mirebalais attack as security situation worsens
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t lowers 2025 growth forecast amid tariff concerns
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico drop
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY/BRAZIL: Tensions rise over suspected spying incident
- In brief: Chile boosts economic ties with India
On 1 April Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who is running for re-election, said he had enjoyed a “positive” meeting last weekend with his US counterpart Donald Trump to discuss various issues, including security and migration.
LatinNews Daily - 1 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: US deports more alleged TdA and MS-13 members
Andean
- PERU: Government announces ‘deregulation shock’
- In brief: Colombia holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gig workers hold nationwide strike
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras lowers diesel prices
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: FQM halts arbitration proceedings against Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: More US talks as tariff deadline approaches
- In brief: Leading Mexican private sector lobby boosts ties with Europe
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF open to early loan payment
- In brief: Sharp drop in Argentina’s poverty rate
On 31 March the US and Salvadorean governments announced that a further 17 people allegedly linked to Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), one of two main street gangs in Central America, had been transferred from the US to El Salvador’s ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot), a 40,000-capacity mega prison.
LatinNews Daily - 31 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets with top US official
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Caracas claims it is ready for withdrawal of oil licences
- In brief: Peru’s imports up in first two months of 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with Vietnam
- In brief: Brazil’s job creation up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA/COLOMBIA: Presidents meet to discuss migration and energy
- In brief: El Salvador’s quarterly growth picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment rate holds steady year-on-year
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric starts India tour amid uncertainty
- In brief: Paraguay records solid 2024 growth
Washington Watch
- US designates Argentina's former president for corruption
On 28 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum received US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to discuss migration and security issues including drug trafficking.
LatinNews Daily - 28 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Foreign minister defiant over Essequibo dispute
Andean
- In brief: IMF hails Peru’s strong recovery
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank signals bleaker economic outlook
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly primary deficit shrinks year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Martinelli granted safe passage to Nicaragua
- In brief: CAF approves new Honduras loan
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to US automobile tariffs
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico continues interest rate cuts
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Caputo reveals size of IMF deal
- In brief: Argentina’s external debt drops
On 27 March Venezuela’s foreign minister Yván Gil rejected comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who warned that Venezuela would be making a “big mistake” if it decided to launch a military attack on Guyana, its eastern neighbour.
LatinNews Daily - 27 March 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro to stand trial over coup allegations
Andean
- PERU: Fujimori’s party facing new legal threat
- In brief: National emergency declared in Bolivia due to heavy rains
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in February
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele hosts top US security official
- In brief: Rubio reaffirms ties with Jamaica on Caribbean tour
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities arrest more US targets
- In brief: Mexico’s car lobby highlights uncertainty over US tariffs
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Opposition fails in another impeachment attempt
- In brief: Pensions and child benefits increased in Argentina
On 26 March a panel of five justices on Brazil’s supreme court (STF) ruled in favour of holding a trial for former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and some of his allies who have been accused of plotting of military coup in 2022.
LatinNews Daily - 26 March 2025
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- PERU: Boluarte convenes elections for April 2026
Andean
- In brief: Three new port terminals planned in Peruvian Amazon
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court begins review of Bolsonaro coup charges
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t seeks to boost farming exports to Japan
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Murillo named co-head of military
- In brief: El Salvador’s congress approves new IDB loan
Mexico
- MEXICO: Congress upholds immunity on rape charges
- In brief: Mexico’s Ebrard continues US trade negotiations
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Gov’t faces slew of protest action
- In brief: Argentina boosts ties with France
On 25 March Peru’s President Dina Boluarte announced that general elections will be held on 12 April 2026.
LatinNews Daily - 25 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Trump announces secondary tariffs on oil clients
Andean
- In brief: New interior minister appointed in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Pressure rising on high-profile Bolsonarista lawmaker
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol secures exit financing deal
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Abinader gov’t rejects racism claims
- In brief: Honduras announces new China cooperation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Key arrest in Teuchitlán case
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity down in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei bids to reframe dictatorship
- In brief: Chile’s central bank revises up GDP forecast
On 24 March US President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorising tariffs of 25% on US imports from countries that purchase Venezuelan oil.
LatinNews Daily - 24 March 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa and González square off in fiery debate
Andean
- In brief: Venezuelan public sector workers put on reduced hours
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Civil society groups raise alarm on water scarcity
- In brief: Brazil’s Rousseff re-elected Brics bank chief
Central America & Caribbean
- REGION: US ends legal status for Cubans, Haitians, and other migrants
- In brief: Panama unions stage strike
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t faces further criticism over ‘extermination camp’
- In brief: Mexico’s auto assembly sector attracts record FDI in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: US sanctions Cristina Fernández
- In brief: Chile holds interest rates
Washington Watch
- Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act against Venezuela’s TdA
On 23 March Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa faced leftist challenger Luisa González in a televised debate that started the campaign for the 13 April presidential run-off election.
LatinNews Daily - 21 March 2025
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- PERU: Congress tightens screws on gov’t over crime wave
Andean
- In brief: New finance minister confirmed in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress approves overdue 2025 budget
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial innovation rate continues to drop
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Army denies electoral cover-up
- In brief: Nicaragua reports slower GDP growth in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Arrests made in relation to Querétaro massacre
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils new investment
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Opposition boycotts pension reform signing
- In brief: Argentina’s unemployment rate down in quarterly terms
On 20 March pressure continued to mount on the government of Peru’s President Dina Boluarte over organised crime, with a motion presented in congress to summon Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén to testify on the government’s response.
LatinNews Daily - 20 March 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Lower chamber approves IMF decree amid protests
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro promises migration cooperation following US threat
- In brief: Two pipelines attacked in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank suggests slowing rate hike cycle
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t expects growth in agriculture to recover in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo hit by vehicle insurance protests
- In brief: IMF upbeat on Dominican growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: AG denounces failings in Teuchitlán investigation
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum announces solar panel initiative
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus up in February
On 19 March Argentina’s lower chamber of congress approved a controversial decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) authorising a new agreement between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while large anti-government protests took place outside congress.
LatinNews Daily - 19 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro loses another finance minister
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s exports up in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s son moves to US claiming persecution
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t seeks to broaden income tax exemptions
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves takes further aim at attorney general
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino promulgates social security reform
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senior MS-13 leader captured
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t downplays recession concerns
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tensions build as more protests loom
- In brief: Chile records GDP growth in 2024
On 18 March Colombia’s Finance Minister Diego Guevara announced his resignation, in another setback for President Gustavo Petro whose supporters took to the streets yesterday to protest the archiving of his labour reform bill in the senate.
LatinNews Daily - 18 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Anger at US deportations to El Salvador
Andean
- In brief: Opening of Peru’s new international airport delayed again
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Right-wing party backs governors’ presidential prospects
- In brief: Brazil posts rise in economic activity
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Gov’t downplays journalist’s flight
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras continue to rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum tackles enforced disappearance crisis
- In brief: Mexico bans planting of genetically modified corn
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Head of congress resigns over corruption allegations
- In brief: Argentina’s fiscal surplus shrinks
On 17 March Venezuela’s government and opposition both criticised the previous day’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan criminals from the US to a prison in El Salvador.
LatinNews Daily - 17 March 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: US deports Tren de Aragua suspects to El Salvador jail
Andean
- PERU: New emergency measures announced following singer’s murder
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro seeks support for 8 January rioter amnesty
- In brief: Brazil’s primary surplus rises in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: FQM to suspend arbitration proceedings against Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pressure rises on gov’t over ‘extermination camp’
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum inaugurates water treatment plant in Tabasco
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Divisions on left and right ahead of elections
- In brief: Argentina’s annual inflation rate continues to decline
Washington Watch
- US congratulates new OAS Secretary General-elect Ramdin
On 16 March 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation, Tren de Aragua (TdA), arrived in El Salvador from the US, and were immediately transferred to the ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot), a 40,000-capacity mega prison.
LatinNews Daily - 14 March 2025
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- PANAMA: Unions warn of action as social security reform approved
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Resumption of deportation flights agreed with US
- In brief: Interest rate held steady in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court sets date to discuss Bolsonaro coup case
- In brief: Slight monthly slump for Brazil’s services sector
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ economic activity picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Rubio welcomes collaboration but wants more
- In brief: Industrial production declines in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces strike as pressure mounts on Milei
- In brief: Road improvement plan announced in Paraguay
On 13 March Panama’s 71 member-unicameral legislature approved legislative bill 163 which reforms the country’s social security system (CSS).
LatinNews Daily - 13 March 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Pensions protest turns violent
Andean
- PERU: Congress moves to tighten control over NGOs
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa presents economic reactivation plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Latest inflation figures deal blow to Lula
- In brief: Brazilian think tank warns of US tariff impacts
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t hails arrest of country’s most wanted fugitive
- In brief: US aviation authority extends Haiti ban
Mexico
- MEXICO: More ‘extermination camps’ found
- In brief: Mexico delays response to US steel and aluminium tariffs
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile reports rise in exports
On 12 March a protest of pensioners against austerity descended into violence in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires as the retirees were joined by members of football ultras and security forces violently repressed the demonstration.
LatinNews Daily - 12 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro announces referendum on labour and health reforms
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t unveils compensation amid heavy rains
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms support for industrial sector
- In brief: Authorities suspend operations of Brazilian airline Voepass
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: CNE tensions escalate over chaotic primaries
- In brief: Remittances to Dominican Republic rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Trade war increases risk of recession
- In brief: World Bank identifies policy areas to reduce poverty in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s IMF decree under fire
- In brief: Shell and Chevron join Argentine pipeline project
On 11 March Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced that he will call a referendum so that voters can decide whether to implement his government’s proposed reforms of labour and the healthcare system, which are facing stiff opposition in congress.
LatinNews Daily - 11 March 2025
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- HONDURAS: Presidential race takes shape
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov’t hails drop in homicides
- In brief: Dollar shortage hits fuel supply in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: COP30 president’s letter omits oil concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s poultry exports up in yearly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Prominent Guatemalan journalist returned to prison
Mexico
- MEXICO: ‘Extermination camp’ found in Jalisco state
- In brief: Mexico gov’t on defensive over Vulcan Materials dispute
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Double resignation damages Boric
- In brief: Milei decree moves Argentina closer to new IMF deal
On 10 March preliminary results from Honduras’ 9 March primaries indicated that Defence Minister Rixi Moncada would be the presidential candidate for the ruling leftist Partido Libertad y Refundación (Libre), ahead of 30 November general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 10 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Security personnel taken hostage in Cauca
Andean
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula boosted by strong GDP figures
- In brief: Brazil posts trade deficit in February
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New head of transitional presidential council
- In brief: Cuba imposes price caps on rice and beans
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum celebrates tariff ‘pause’
- In brief: Mexico’s annual inflation picks up
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi concludes cabinet inauguration
- In brief: Chile’s inflation slows
Washington Watch
- Venezuela threatens to end migration cooperation with US
On 7 March Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez denounced the “kidnapping” of 29 members of the security forces the previous day in the southwestern department of Cauca.
LatinNews Daily - 7 March 2025
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- MEXICO: US tariff ‘pause’ a big win for Sheinbaum
Andean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Guyana turns to the ICJ over Venezuela
- In brief: Health reform clears Colombia’s lower chamber
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t to slash tariffs on food imports
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank tightens regulation of digital payments
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: More alarm over electoral violence ahead of primaries
- In brief: Costa Rica’s unemployment edges up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s labour productivity dips in quarterly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei challenges congress over IMF deal
- In brief: Investigation opened into power outage in Argentina
On 6 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said that after an “excellent and respectful” telephone call with her US counterpart Donald Trump, the US government had agreed to halt and postpone a blanket 25% import tariff on Mexican products.
LatinNews Daily - 6 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Business groups support Sheinbaum in tariff battle
Andean
- ECUADOR: Top court calls for route out of state of exception
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa demands prompt payment for oilfield deal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Carmakers’ association raises alarm on Chinese imports
- In brief: Brazilian market experts maintain inflation forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Revocation of Zamora’s house arrest draws concern
- In brief: Third Haiti airport opens for international flights
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s GFCF down in December
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s spokesperson gives time frame for IMF deal
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation edges up in annual terms
On 5 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum met with 40 Mexican business leaders to discuss how to respond to the crisis in trade with the US, following the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican products by the administration of President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 5 March 2025
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- PERU: Castillo’s trial gets underway
Andean
- In brief: Chevron given deadline to wind down Venezuela operations
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Deadly police clash in Bahia
- In brief: China suspends beef imports from three plants in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: US-led group buys Panama Canal ports
- In brief: El Salvador’s Bukele unwavering on bitcoin
Mexico
- MEXICO: Anti-nepotism law approved – but postponed
- In brief: Mexico sets date to unveil US tariff response
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric appoints new interior minister
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation up in annual terms
On 4 March the trial began of Peru’s former president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), who is accused of rebellion and abuse of authority in relation to his attempt to dissolve congress in December 2022.
LatinNews Daily - 4 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum braces for trade war
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro calls for international commission on Catatumbo violence
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t confirms controversial oilfield deal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court approves transparency plan for budgetary grants
- In brief: S&P highlights recovery for Brazil’s industrial sector
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA/PANAMA: Seeking to reassure over migration
- In brief: New investment in Costa Rica medical devices sector
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s remittances slow in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Macri takes fight to Milei
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up again
On 3 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum reacted cautiously to the imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican products shipped to the US, indicating that her government had a “Plan A, B, C, and D” to respond to a trade war.
LatinNews Daily - 3 March 2025
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- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Venezuelan vessel enters Guyanese oilfield
Andean
- In brief: Controversy over alleged plan to sell Ecuadorean oilfield
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints left-wing ally to cabinet post
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t releases funds for workers
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Police raid Chérizier’s stronghold in Port-au-Prince
- In brief: Honduras hit by national blackout
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum demands equal treatment
- In brief: Mexico’s tourism FDI remains steady in 2024
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi takes office as FA returns to power
- In brief: Industrial production in Chile slows
Washington Watch
- Mexico extradites cartel leaders to US
On 1 March Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali denounced an incursion by a “Venezuelan armed patrol ship” in the latest escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.
LatinNews Daily - 28 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Major cartel leaders sent to US
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro announces more cabinet changes
- In brief: Private investment up in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Emendas saga close to resolution
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer posts record profits in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Country withdraws from UN Human Rights Council
- In brief: Nicaragua raises minimum wage
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex records another quarterly loss
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Corruption scandal takes new twist
- In brief: Agri lobbies urge Argentine gov’t to award key contract
On 27 February Mexico’s public security ministry (SSPC) announced it had extradited 29 alleged members of major drug cartels to the US.
LatinNews Daily - 27 February 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Trump announces end of Chevron’s special licence
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s mining exports rise in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t responds as US ramps up criticism
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial sector drives job creation in January
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: AG weighs in on Chinese-operated ports
- In brief: IMF signs off on El Salvador deal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Confusion over tariff deadline
- In brief: Mexico’s senate moves on energy reform
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei appoints supreme court justices by decree
- In brief: Argentina places debt on domestic market
On 26 February US President Donald Trump announced that he will terminate a special licence granted in 2022 which allows US oil company Chevron to operate in Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 26 February 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: High-profile activist detained
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa announces plan for new constitution
- In brief: Bolivia’s GDP growth slows in Q3 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula dismisses health minister
- In brief: Inflation rises in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Fitch positive on Costa Rica outlook
Mexico
- MEXICO: Lower chamber approves ban on planting GM corn
- In brief: Mexico closes 2024 with record FDI figure
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric blames massive blackout on private sector
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity picks up in December
On 25 February the human rights institute (Idhuca) of El Salvador’s Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) denounced the “arbitrary arrest” of Fidel Zavala, the spokesperson for rights group Unidad de Defensa de Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios (Unidehc).
LatinNews Daily - 25 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Benedetti poised to be named as interior minister
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s first steel plant inaugurated
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula takes to TV to counteract fall in ratings
- In brief: Brazil receives record number of tourists in January
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Kenya police confirms MSS officer killing
- In brief: Guatemala’s gov’t confirms port expansion with US cooperation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pressure rises as new tariff deadline approaches
- In brief: Mexico’s annual inflation picks up
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei performs U-turn on Ukraine
- In brief: Argentina’s gov’t questions Telefónica deal
On 24 February the website of Colombia’s presidency was updated to name Armando Benedetti as interior minister, indicating yet another promotion for the controversial ally of President Gustavo Petro whose arrival in government was strongly opposed by ministers.
LatinNews Daily - 24 February 2025
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- PANAMA/REGION: Concerns mount over migrants’ rights
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition divided over election boycott
- In brief: Strong GDP growth in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rumble targets supreme court justice De Moraes
- In brief: Brazil and Paraguay advance on Itaipú Treaty revision
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Approval in Panama of reservoir to feed Canal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum addresses El Mayo repatriation request
- In brief: Mexico records first quarterly GDP contraction in years
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei meets Trump; stars at CPAC
- In brief: Argentina’s Milei continues privatisation drive
Washington Watch
- US designates Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organisations
On 23 February Panama’s Guna Yala general congress (CGG), which represents the indigenous Guna Yala (San Blas) indigenous territory that borders the Darién Gap, the lawless jungle frontier with Colombia, warned it was not equipped to receive migrants being deported from the US.
LatinNews Daily - 21 February 2025
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- HAITI: US revokes TPS extension for Haiti
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales switches party, declares candidacy despite term limits
- In brief: Venezuela’s private industrial sector reports growth
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise between top court and tech firms
- In brief: Brazilian digital bank Nubank posts higher profit in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: US sanctions Costa Rican deputies amid China contract controversy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks to protect sovereignty amid US tensions
- In brief: Netflix announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei victorious in two key senate votes
- In brief: Unemployment drops in Paraguay
On 20 February US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem rescinded a June 2024 decision by the previous US administration led by former president Joe Biden (2021-2025) to extend Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
LatinNews Daily - 20 February 2025
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- MEXICO: US moves on cartel designations
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro names general as defence minister
- In brief: Bolivia’s YPFB outlines investment plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula cautious in reaction to Bolsonaro coup indictment
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale posts net loss in Q4
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Authorities under pressure over US migration deal
- In brief: El Salvador greenlights BCIE tourism development loan
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s central bank halves 2025 growth forecast
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Fallout from corruption scandal continues to grow
- In brief: Argentina’s state-owned bank becomes public limited company
On 19 February the US Department of State designated six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs), along with Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal group originating from Venezuela, and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), one of two main street gangs in Central America.
LatinNews Daily - 19 February 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro formally charged for alleged coup plot
Andean
- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Venezuela denies involvement in border clash
- In brief: Ecuador registers large trade surplus in 2024
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil resumes Venezuelan electricity imports
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: U-turn over decision to end US extradition treaty
- In brief: Panama remains on EU blacklist
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum downplays reports of US drones
- In brief: Santander announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei under fire over crypto interview
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus shrinks in January
On 18 February Brazil’s attorney general Paulo Gonet filed formal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and his allies for allegedly plotting a military insurrection in 2022 to reverse Bolsonaro’s election defeat that year.
LatinNews Daily - 18 February 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Pressure rises on Milei over crypto scandal
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN maintains pressure in east and west
- In brief: Colombia posts moderate GDP growth in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Finance minister downplays inflation concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to expand fuel transportation fleet
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Migrant deportation flights to arrive from US
- In brief: Guatemala bus drivers on strike over insecurity
Mexico
- MEXICO: INE highlights errors in judicial election candidate lists
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex confirms attack on offshore platform
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina claims another fiscal surplus
On 17 February federal judge María Servini was assigned to oversee the case against Argentina’s President Javier Milei for his alleged involvement in a suspected cryptocurrency scam.
LatinNews Daily - 17 February 2025
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- ECUADOR: Interior minister replaced amid intensifying violence
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s industrial production down in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Latest opinion poll bad news for Lula
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale announces major mining investment
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Electoral violence fears grow
- In brief: Costa Rica’s fiscal deficit up in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tabasco governor appoints new security head
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t hails rise in tourism
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Opposition threatens to impeach Milei over crypto debacle
- In brief: Argentina moves to privatise state road operator
Washington Watch
- Mexico to seek talks with US over steel and aluminium tariffs
On 15 February Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa replaced his interior minister, Mónica Palencia, amid escalating attacks by criminal gangs in the coastal province of Guayas.
LatinNews Daily - 14 February 2025
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- PANAMA: First US deportation flight of migrants from various nations
Andean
- ECUADOR: Finance minister out in reshuffle
- In brief: Peru holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t seeks to refute US trade imbalance concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s annual retail sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Work activities, classes suspended in Cuba amid energy crisis
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate passes housing reforms
- In brief: Mexico launches antidumping investigation into Chinese paperboard
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández appeals corruption conviction
- In brief: Inflation reaches new low in Argentina
On 13 February Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced the first flight from the US with 119 deportees from various nations, including China and India, had arrived in Panama the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 13 February 2025
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- PANAMA: Protests turn violent over proposed social security reform
Andean
- ECUADOR: González dismisses Noboa’s claims of criminal support
- In brief: Venezuela claims oil production above 1m barrels in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms support for oil exploration near Amazon Delta
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ remittances surge
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pemex acknowledges crude oil quality issues
- In brief: Mexico’s CFE to boost internet access in remote areas
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Gov’t breaks silence on corruption scandal
- In brief: Salaries in Argentina outpace inflation
On 12 February Panama’s national police director Jaime Fernández reported that at least 15 police officers had been injured, two of them seriously, and over 480 people had been arrested amid protests in Panama City over proposed changes to the social security system (CSS).
LatinNews Daily - 12 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro plays down importance of cabinet resignations
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s country risk rises after election’s first round
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Economic worries persist despite inflation slowdown
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee exports down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Voltaire pledges legal action against key figures
- In brief: Nicaragua’s growth slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Defence minister notes increased US border surveillance
- In brief: Mexico reports growth in international tourism in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei shutters housing secretariat
- In brief: Argentina responds to Patagonia fires
On 11 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said that many cabinet ministers would be reinstated and that there would not be a major change of direction in his government, after he asked ministers to resign in the wake of a disastrous cabinet meeting that was broadcast live on 4 February.
LatinNews Daily - 11 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Trump unveils steel and aluminium tariffs
Andean
- VENEZUELA: US begins deportation flights
- In brief: Port expansion announced in southern Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t nods to private sector in forest management
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Boosting ties with Mexico
- In brief: IMF hails Nicaragua’s ‘robust’ growth
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle sales rise, exports decline in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich oversees Bolivian border fence contract
- In brief: New IMF deal ‘close’ says Argentina’s Milei
On 10 February US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports of 25% “without exceptions or exemptions”, a move that will significantly impact Mexico which is among the largest source countries for both metals.
LatinNews Daily - 10 February 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa faces second round against González
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro asks ministers to resign
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t defends record on Yanomami health crisis
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus down in January
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Legislature approves anti-corruption initiative
- In brief: China responds to Panama’s BRI withdrawal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Security tensions rise with US
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation slows in January
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Heads roll as official corruption network exposed
- In brief: Argentina’s construction, industrial production down in 2024
Washington Watch
- US ends TPS status for Venezuelans
On 9 February Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa narrowly won the first round of the presidential election and will face Luisa González of the left-wing Revolución Ciudadana (RC) in the 13 April second round.
LatinNews Daily - 7 February 2025
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- HAITI/REGION: Rubio clarifies US support for MSS
Andean
- ECUADOR: Campaigns close ahead of first round
- In brief: Peruvian exports break records in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO concerned over Cerrado deforestation despite annual drop
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer posts record value for aircraft order log
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua awards more mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise with supreme court
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico cuts interest rate
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei gains boost as Paso suspended
- In brief: Analysts optimistic on Argentina’s 2025 outlook
On 6 February US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US government led by President Donald Trump is “committed to continue to work with” the Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS) tasked with helping Haiti’s police (PNd’H) restore order to Haiti.
LatinNews Daily - 6 February 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Milei echoes Trump in WHO exit
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro hit with resignations after cabinet debacle
- In brief: Bolivia suspends beef exports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court discusses measures to address police brutality in Rio
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production down in monthly terms in December
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo agrees to accept more US deportation flights
- In brief: Panama denies agreeing to preferential Canal access for US
Mexico
- MEXICO: Judicial elections one step closer
- In brief: Mexico unveils energy expansion plan
Southern Cone
- In brief: Monthly inflation up in Uruguay
On 5 February Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced the country would leave the World Health Organization (WHO), echoing a decision made by US President Donald Trump just over two weeks previously.
LatinNews Daily - 5 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro faces unprecedented criticism from ministers
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro urges sale of Ecopetrol’s US fracking operations
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank warns inflation target could be breached
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up year-on-year, down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Rubio offers cooperation on migration and crime
- In brief: Panama’s exports up in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum handles tariff threat but further turbulence lies ahead
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico in 2024 rise despite December decline
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric promulgates key security law
- In brief: Argentina’s YPF concludes sale of subsidiary in Brazil
On 4 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro faced criticism on a range of issues during a cabinet meeting that was broadcast on live television.
LatinNews Daily - 4 February 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Bukele offers ‘unprecedented’ migration deal
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa announces tariffs on Mexico
- In brief: Peru’s public investment up sharply in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Institutional tensions persist as congress returns from recess
- In brief: Brazil posts drop in annual oil and gas production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: US and China react to Panama’s BRI withdrawal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Trump agrees to pause tariffs
- In brief: Mexico’s finance minister seeks to reassure investors
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei names end date for currency controls
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity continues to grow
On 3 February El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said the country will sign a ‘safe third country’ migration agreement with the US, allowing Washington to use it as a destination for people it wants to deport, including criminals.
LatinNews Daily - 3 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to US tariffs
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro confirms ‘first agreements’ with Trump administration
- In brief: Finance minister replaced in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress elects new centre-right leaders
- In brief: Brazil’s primary deficit down, nominal deficit up
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino remains under pressure after Rubio visit
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation rate up in January
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico hails long weekend tourism
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Opposition groups unite to protest against Milei
- In brief: EU-Chile interim trade agreement enters into force
Washington Watch
- Colombia and US reach deal on deportations
On 1 February Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US after President Donald Trump imposed 25% duties on imports from Mexico, as well as Canada, earlier that day.
LatinNews Daily - 31 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Trump tariff deadline draws closer
Andean
- ECUADOR: Tren de Aragua listed as terrorist organisation
- In brief: Bolivia’s YPFB partners with Brazilian firm
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula adopts more defiant tone on Trump
- In brief: Primary deficit of Brazil’s gov’t down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Legislative approval of constitutional changes concluded
- In brief: Dominican Republic holds interest rates
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s public debt rises in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei faces backlash over attack on minorities
- In brief: Argentina cuts interest rate as inflation eases
On 30 January US President Donald Trump reiterated his plans to place 25% tariffs on Mexico, as well as Canada, from 1 February.
LatinNews Daily - 30 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: US revokes TPS extension for Venezuelans
Andean
- In brief: Peru seeks infrastructure drive
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank continues rate hikes under new leadership
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras ups estimate for hydrocarbon reserves
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Changes to speed up constitutional reform approved
- In brief: Remittances to Nicaragua up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum questions Google over Gulf name change
- In brief: Unemployment dips in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich outlines plans to ramp up border security
- In brief: Chile’s lower chamber approves pension reform
On 29 January the US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revoked an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela that had been announced earlier this month under former president Joe Biden (2021-2025).
LatinNews Daily - 29 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro loses another pillar of his legislative coalition
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s banana exports up in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tax take offers slight relief amid fiscal concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee harvest forecast to drop in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t under pressure over Bajo Aguán violence
- In brief: US senators warn of China influence on Panama Canal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sinaloa trouble adds to Sheinbaum’s Trump difficulties
- In brief: Nestlé announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pension reform passes senate
- In brief: Chile’s central bank holds interest rate
On 28 January the centre-left Partido Liberal (PL) announced its withdrawal from the legislative coalition of Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, citing concern over his recent row with US President Donald Trump and the government’s handling of escalating violence in the north-eastern Catatumbo region.
LatinNews Daily - 28 January 2025
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- GUATEMALA/REGION: US military deportation flights continue
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Legislative and regional elections announced
- In brief: New solar plant planned in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula signals deeper ties with Russia and Brics
- In brief: Brazil registers annual rise in meat production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic posts solid growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum downplays US deportations
- In brief: Mexico’s trade deficit widens in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bolivian border fence heightens tensions
- In brief: Tourism to Argentina down in 2024
On 27 January the international media reported that a third US military deportation flight had landed in Guatemala, carrying 64 Guatemalans.
LatinNews Daily - 27 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro caves to Trump’s tariff threats
Andean
- In brief: Fitch downgrades Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO raises alarm over Amazon degradation
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Voltaire warns of impact of US policies
- In brief: Costa Rica’s exports up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Renewed concerns over journalist killings
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity up in November
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei speech fuels tensions
- In brief: Moody’s upgrades Argentina’s credit rating
Washington Watch
- Mexico’s Sheinbaum responds to Trump’s initial measures
On 26 January the White House announced that Colombia had agreed to accept deportation flights using military aircraft, following a standoff in which US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Colombian goods, with President Gustavo Petro vowing retaliatory tariffs on US imports.
LatinNews Daily - 24 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Public outrage over Sinaloa violence
Andean
- ECUADOR: Corruption investigation opened as election looms
- In brief: Hydrocarbon investment plan unveiled in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t considers measures to lower food prices
- In brief: Brazil sets up clean energy funding programme
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele talks with Trump
- In brief: Panama appeals WTO panel decision on Costa Rica dispute
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum outlines nearshoring incentives
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Venezuela’s Cabello accused of ordering Ojeda murder
- In brief: Argentina posts economic growth in November
On 23 January protests erupted in Mexico’s Sinaloa state with demonstrators calling for an end to months of cartel infighting, following the killing of two children in state capital Culiacán.
LatinNews Daily - 23 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Gov’t seeks unity in response to Trump
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Arrest warrants reactivated for ELN negotiators
- In brief: Colombia draws record tourists in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court demands plan to address forest fires
- In brief: China partially halts soybean shipments from Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI/COLOMBIA: Petro seeks to boost ties with Haiti
- In brief: Nicaragua’s ‘Gran Canal’ greenlit by constitutional changes
Mexico
- In brief: Plans to move on GM corn ban in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: New far-right party born
- In brief: Paraguay’s soybean production reaches record high
On 22 January Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about security and migration, as the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to deal with the impact of mass deportations among other measures announced by US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 22 January 2025
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- PERU: Gov’t responds to Trujillo bombing
Andean
- In brief: Rising oil production driving Venezuelan growth, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula confirms senior diplomat as COP30 president
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee harvest down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Legislature approves ‘volunteer’ police force
- In brief: Honduras’ growth slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks cool-headed response to Trump
- In brief: Analysts reduce Mexico 2024 GDP growth forecast
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Incoming economic team unveiled
- In brief: Chile opens bidding for San Antonio port project
On 21 January Peru’s President Dina Boluarte promised that her government would combat organised crime with an “iron fist” following the detonation of a bomb the previous day outside the regional attorney general’s office in the city of Trujillo.
LatinNews Daily - 21 January 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Migration focus of Trump’s initial moves
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro reshuffles cabinet
- In brief: Peru’s trade surplus up in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula urges cabinet to get into campaign mode
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank makes another currency intervention
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: US embassy vehicle targeted in latest gang attack
- In brief: Panama’s inflation picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Immex programme posts fall in employment
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pension reform clears key hurdle
- In brief: Argentina records large trade surplus for 2024
On 20 January Donald Trump took office as the new US president, signing executive orders to clamp down on illegal migration, among other measures affecting Mexico and the wider region.
LatinNews Daily - 20 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro suspends ELN talks as violence escalates
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s industrial production down in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police to investigate Bolsonaro over alleged ban breach
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts record annual production figures
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: More high-profile prisoners released
- In brief: Nicaragua’s growth picks up in annual terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum stands firm as Trump takes office
- In brief: Mexico and EU finalise trade deal
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei delivers ‘landmark’ surplus
- In brief: Uruguay signs MoU with Exim to boost US exports
Washington Watch
- US lawmaker ups pressure on Panama over Canal
On 17 January Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced that he had suspended planned peace talks with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group due to escalating violence in Norte de Santander department that has now killed over 80 people, according to Governor William Villamizar.
LatinNews Daily - 17 January 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Top officials discuss migration as region braces for Trump
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN accused of plotting to assassinate peace official
- In brief: Ecuador’s economy down in Q3 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro denied from attending Trump inauguration
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula promulgates tax reform regulations
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Prominent dissidents freed
- In brief: Economy remains main public concern in El Salvador
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t unveils investment in roads
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Tensions flare over pension reform accord
- In brief: Paraguay’s Peña signs new public sector law
On 16 January Mexico hosted foreign ministers and other representatives from across the region to discuss challenges around migration.
LatinNews Daily - 16 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro announces plan for constitutional reform
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t struggles to refute viral fake news clip
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee exports register annual record
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: New constitution aims to extinguish opposition
- In brief: Dominican Republic receives record tourists in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Private sector looks to Canada to ease trade tensions
- In brief: Mexico hails ‘record’ tax take
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Layoffs hit healthcare sector
- In brief: Chile’s lower house approves regional FTA with Singapore
On 15 January Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro announced that his government has begun work on a constitutional reform.
LatinNews Daily - 15 January 2025
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- CUBA: Biden’s parting gesture secures big prisoner release
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales’ supporters continue protests as tensions mount
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t announces austerity plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Concern over gangs in northwest
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production and sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: El Salvador’s gov’t to cover household bills in January
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concern over missing persons case in Oaxaca
- In brief: AWS launches Mexico infrastructure region
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Central bank to lower crawling peg
- In brief: Deputies in Chile propose votes on pension reform
On 14 January Cuba’s foreign ministry announced that hundreds of prisoners would be released after talks with the Vatican as US President Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
LatinNews Daily - 14 January 2025
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- PERU: Keiko Fujimori’s money laundering trial thrown out
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela reopens borders with Colombia and Brazil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Poll suggests uncertain electoral future for conservatives
- In brief: Brazilian market experts raise inflation forecast again
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Zamora ruling a boost for anti-corruption struggle
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras rise in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum unveils economic plan
- In brief: International tourism grows in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich clashes with human rights NGO
- In brief: Paraguay registers 2024 trade deficit
On 13 January a Peruvian judge threw out a money laundering trial that began in July 2024 against Keiko Fujimori, a three-time presidential candidate and the leader of the right-wing Fuerza Popular (FP).
LatinNews Daily - 13 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro sworn in for third term
Andean
- In brief: Inflation falls in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities raise alarm over rural violence
- In brief: Brazil’s annual inflation breaches 2024 target range
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Security mission suffers Barbados blow
- In brief: Costa Rica’s unemployment rises
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum marks 100-day milestone
- In brief: Mexico’s industrial activity declines in yearly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF evaluation sets stage for new deal discussions
- In brief: Analysts revise up 2025 growth, inflation forecasts in Chile
Washington Watch
- Biden meets Venezuela’s González
On 10 January Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term amid widespread international outcry over the conduct of the July 2024 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the opposition’s exiled candidate Edmundo González.
LatinNews Daily - 10 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Machado briefly arrested at opposition protest
Andean
- In brief: Peru further cuts interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula criticises Meta content moderation changes
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms, up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino marks Martyrs’ Day amid mounting tensions
- In brief: Remittances to Guatemala up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets INE to discuss judicial elections
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico signals larger rate cuts ahead as inflation eases
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Government evicts Mapuche community
- In brief: Argentina honours large debt payments
On 9 January the Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, was arrested and then released as she made her first public appearance in months at a protest in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 9 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defiant in face of Trump threats
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro defends wave of arrests
- In brief: Colombia’s coffee production up
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Polarisation marks capital riots anniversary
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Retrial of anti-mining activists draws concern
- In brief: Costa Rica’s inflation picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Social housing construction to begin in Mexico next month
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei completes first privatisation
- In brief: Chile’s Dominga mining project blocked again
On 8 January Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested part of the US be renamed to América Mexicana (Mexican America) in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s professed plans to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
LatinNews Daily - 8 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Repression intensifies ahead of inauguration
Andean
- In brief: Peru awards contract for water treatment facility
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints new communications secretary
- In brief: Brazil posts record number of tourists in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Gov’t responds to latest Trump Canal threat
- In brief: Inflation in Dominican Republic picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t launches fentanyl prevention campaign
- In brief: Mexico denies Trudeau’s departure will impact USMCA
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Confusion as wanted fugitive released in Bolivia
- In brief: Analysts revise down Argentina inflation forecast
On 7 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González denounced the “kidnapping” of his son-in-law Rafael Tudares in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 7 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: González meets with Biden and Trump nominee
Andean
- In brief: Inflation accelerates in Venezuela, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Military court transfers coup probe to supreme court
- In brief: Brazil’s annual trade surplus down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t under pressure over Trump deportation threat
- In brief: Guatemala gov’t upbeat on minimum wage rise impact
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities hail security operation in Guanajuato
- In brief: Mexico announces major dollar-bond sale
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric fires minister over failed Allende house purchase
- In brief: Argentina creates new port authority
On 6 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González met with US President Joe Biden in Washington, as well as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, Mike Waltz.
LatinNews Daily - 6 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: González mounts last-ditch diplomatic campaign
Andean
- In brief: Monthly inflation slows in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Indigenous groups raise alarm over violence in south
- In brief: Brazilian airlines to settle debts to government
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Guatemala, El Salvador deployments arrive to bolster MSS
- In brief: Guyana airport CEO hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Chiapas mayor arrested
- In brief: Unemployment rate rises in Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Prosecutors in Pecci case suffer big blow
- In brief: Argentina announces repurchase agreement
Washington Watch
- US updates Central America ‘Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors’ list
On 4 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González, widely regarded as the winner of the July 2024 presidential election, launched a regional tour aimed at exerting pressure on President Nicolás Maduro ahead of the 10 January inauguration ceremony.
LatinNews Daily - 3 January 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa moves against vice president
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s international reserves under pressure
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New figures show rise in capital flight
- In brief: Drop in production for Brazil-Paraguay hydroelectric dam
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t hails fall in homicides
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation down in annual terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rejects NYT report on fentanyl production
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico rise
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tax take down in real terms amid budget rollover
- In brief: Uruguay’s exports up in 2024
On 2 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa appointed the national planning secretary, Sariha Moya, as vice president due to the “temporary absence” of Verónica Abad, who fell out with Noboa while still on the campaign trail and whom he has attempted to sideline by dispatching her to the Middle East for most of his presidency.
LatinNews Daily - 2 January 2025
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- ECUADOR: Outrage over murder of arrested children
Andean
- In brief: Peru claims economic progress in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes parts of budget guidelines bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula decrees minimum wage increase
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino firm on Canal
- In brief: El Salvador lifts mining ban
Mexico
- MEXICO: Migration agent murdered amid border tensions
- In brief: Mexico issues new tariffs
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Judge requests arrest of Nicaragua’s Ortega, Murillo
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation up in December
On 31 December Ecuador’s defence ministry promised total transparency regarding the murder of four children whose bodies were found on 24 December, more than two weeks after they were arrested by a military patrol on 8 December.
Weekly Report - 01 May 2025 (WR-25-17)
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- Moderate left unites in Chile against right – and radical left
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Gold boom comes with a cost
- BOLIVIA: Morales gets a boost in legal battle
- COLOMBIA: A new ‘plan pistola’
- VENEZUELA: Gearing up for more elections
- ECUADOR: Lessons from El Salvador
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Georgieva incenses Peronists
- BRAZIL: Minister under pressure from INSS corruption scandal
- BRAZIL: Lava Jato leads to another former president’s arrest
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: US agricultural disputes averted
- MEXICO: Telecoms bill sparks censorship concerns
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Practicing the art of standing up to the US “discreetly”
- GUATEMALA: Porras arrests deputy minister
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Opposition UNC claims emphatic victory
POSTSCRIPT
- Abinader under fire over Dominican deportation of Haitians
- Quotes of the week
Chile’s moderate left-wing parties closed ranks behind Carolina Tohá this week ahead of primary elections on 29 June.
Weekly Report - 24 April 2025 (WR-25-16)
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- Latin American papacy ends with mixed legacy
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Debate over labour reform referendum
- ECUADOR: Mexico dismisses Noboa assassination claims
- PERU: Former attorney general faces growing legal threat
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: No primary elections for right-wing opposition
- CHILE-BRAZIL: Boric and Lula call for closer alignment
- BRAZIL: Short-term relief for leftists in congress
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Tensions flare over migration
- MEXICO: Concerns rise over judicial candidates
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR-VENEZUELA: PR battle over prisoner exchange
- HONDURAS: Asfura makes his pitch
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Martinelli seeks corruption amnesty in Panama
- Quotes of the week
The most influential Latin American on the global stage, Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff, died on 21 April.
Weekly Report - 17 April 2025 (WR-25-15)
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- Noboa crushes González in lopsided run-off
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Government names alleged conspirators in coup plot
- PERU: Boluarte off the hook on Rolexgate
- VENEZUELA: Capriles expelled for “betraying unity”
- COLOMBIA: Yellow fever outbreak triggers emergency measures
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei removes the shackles
- CHILE: Vodanovic enters the fray
- BRAZIL: Government losing hold over conservative allies
- BRAZIL: Food inflation rears its head again
- BRAZIL: Activists slam potential rollback of indigenous land rights
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: More US tariff threats as water dispute escalates
- MEXICO: Trouble over tomatoes
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele deepens ties with Trump
POSTSCRIPT
- Venezuela cosies up to Russia as Guyana signs UK defence accord
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has cruised into a second term after an unexpectedly decisive victory over Luisa González in the second round of presidential elections on 13 April.
Weekly Report - 10 April 2025 (WR-25-14)
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- Region reacts to Trump tariffs
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: US reacts to Petro policy proposals
- ECUADOR: Dead heat as campaigns close
- VENEZUELA: Economic emergency – again
- PERU: Extortion on wheels
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Senate strikes down Milei’s supreme court picks
- BRAZIL: Potential Bolsonaro successors seek closer ties
- BRAZIL: Resistance against government’s security reform
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: A cool head prevails
- MEXICO: Government under scrutiny over fatal festival accident
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Dialling down the rhetoric
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Trinidad and Tobago gears up for elections
- Quotes of the week
On 2 April, dubbed “Liberation Day” by US President Donald Trump, the Washington administration set out the biggest and most abrupt pivot away from free trade seen in the last century.
Weekly Report - 03 April 2025 (WR-25-13)
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- González gains key support ahead of second round showdown
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: May elections: more PR than substance
- BOLIVIA: Morales launches new party as MAS moves on
- COLOMBIA: Lehder makes unexpected return
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Boric creates new ministry to tackle insecurity
- BRAZIL: Bolsonarismo struggles to win over centre-right allies
- BRAZIL-PARAGUAY: Brazil’s intelligence agency hit by another scandal
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum ducks more tariffs
- MEXICO: Blanco immunity vote causes stir
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Armed gangs spread beyond capital
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Growing tension with Haiti
- EL SALVADOR: Getting close to Trump
POSTSCRIPT
- Argentina receives boost from Bretton Woods twins
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa suffered a setback in his bid to win re-election on 13 April when his rival Luisa González received the endorsement of Pachakutik (PK) during an event at the weekend in return for incorporating some of the indigenous movement’s main priorities in her plan of governance.
Weekly Report - 27 March 2025 (WR-25-12)
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- US threatens 25% tariffs on buyers of Venezuelan crude
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Congress strikes down key Boluarte ally
- ECUADOR: Feisty debate fails to produce a winner
- COLOMBIA: Petro appoints ally as finance minister
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei accused of historical revisionism
- CHILE: Pension reform signing acquires electoral dimension
- BRAZIL: Top court greenlights trial for Bolsonaro
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up Japan relations
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Progress in ranch investigation marred
- MEXICO: Teachers challenge Sheinbaum
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Army and CNE clash over electoral fiasco
- PANAMA: Chinese rumblings over sale of ports
POSTSCRIPT
- Suriname gears up for elections
- Quotes of the week
The complex story of US economic sanctions against Venezuela took a new turn this week, with Washington both extending a waiver that allows the US energy giant Chevron to continue oil production in the country for another month, while at the same time announcing the imposition of new punitive measures against countries that buy Venezuelan oil, in the shape of a new 25% import tariff.
Weekly Report - 20 March 2025 (WR-25-11)
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- Going gets tougher for Milei
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro defiant as finance minister walks out
- PERU: Lima under emergency measures amid crime fears
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Opposition turns up the heat
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro holds lacklustre rally
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: New measures target disappearances
- MEXICO: Can praise prevent punishment?
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR-REGION: Tren de Aragua flights spark crisis
- BELIZE: Ruling PUP sweeps to victory
- GUATEMALA: Outrage as prominent journalist returned to prison
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Bolivian fuel shortages bite again
- Quotes of the week
Weekly Report - 13 March 2025 (WR-25-10)
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- Petro plans referendum on key reforms
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Maduro hits back at Chevron withdrawal order
- ECUADOR: Noboa calls in private security
- PERU: Castillo on hunger strike as trial begins
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei squares up for new battle in congress
- CHILE: Boric anniversary marred by resignations
- BRAZIL: Government hails rise in GDP growth
- BRAZIL: Opposition governor jumps ship
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum basks in adulation – for now
- MEXICO: Macabre discovery puts pressure on Sheinbaum
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Ballot papers go AWOL
- PANAMA: Unions call strike over pension reform
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Ramdin becomes first Caribbean OAS chief
- Quotes of the week
Faced yet again with the failure of his labour reform bill to get through congress, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced on 11 March that he would instead put the legislation, as well as a divisive health reform bill, to the people in a national referendum.
Weekly Report - 06 March 2025 (WR-25-09)
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- Sheinbaum secures new delay to Trump tariffs
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Vice president sidelined in reshuffle
- VENEZUELA-GUYANA: Tensions rise as Venezuela harasses oil rigs
- ECUADOR: Pushback over oil deal
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY-ARGENTINA: Orsi investiture marred by Milei absence
- BRAZIL: Lula’s gestures to the left
- BRAZIL: Disappointing results for Petrobras
- CHILE: Tohá throws hat into the ring
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: BlackRock deal impacts the canal
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele’s crypto romance not yet over
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Mexico moves on anti-nepotism law - slowly
- Quotes of the week
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is keeping her head amid intemperate outbursts that accompanied the unilateral imposition of a blanket 25% tariff on Mexican products by the US government of President Donald Trump this week.
Weekly Report - 27 February 2025 (WR-25-08)
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- Benedetti’s unstoppable rise continues in Colombia
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Maduro and Trump square off over crime train
- BOLIVIA: Morales leaves the MAS
- ECUADOR: A violent start to the year
- PERU: Boluarte entangled in new scandal
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei moves to cement ties with US
- PARAGUAY: Top brass embroiled in corruption scandal
- BRAZIL: Lula takes action as popularity slides
- CHILE: Massive blackout causes concern
MEXICO
- MEXICO: ‘El Mayo’ seeks return
- MEXICO: Judicial elections advance amid controversy
- MEXICO: Ban on planting GM wheat wins congressional backing
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA-REGION: Hegseth visits Gitmo
- HAITI: Gangs launch new offensive
POSTSCRIPT
- UN report savages Nicaraguan regime
- Quotes of the week
The ironclad support of Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro for his ally Armando Benedetti, who was appointed as interior minister on 25 February, continues to be the subject of intense speculation.
Weekly Report - 20 February 2025 (WR-25-07)
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- Brazil’s top prosecutor files charges against Bolsonaro
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro places defence ministry under military control
- ECUADOR: Rattled Noboa reshuffles his cabinet
- VENEZUELA: Maduro sets out constitutional reform package
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei embroiled in crypto scandal
- PARAGUAY: Congress dismisses disgraced deputy
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Yunes causes friction in Morena
- MEXICO: Government moves on housing reform
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Army ammunition goes missing as violent crime soars
- COSTA RICA: Worries over crime
- HONDURAS: Castro performs a U-turn
- PANAMA: Suntracs leads pension protests
POSTSCRIPT
- Bukele uses sweeping new powers to reform constitution
- Quotes of the week
Since November, Brazil’s attorney general Paulo Gonet has had a police report on file which recommended pressing criminal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) for alleged involvement in a plot to launch a miliary coup in 2022 [WR-24-47].
Weekly Report - 13 February 2025 (WR-25-06)
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- Noboa to face González in run-off after photo finish
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro loses top ministers as cabinet row deepens
- VENEZUELA: Deportation flights begin
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- PARAGUAY: Corruption scandal rocks system
- BRAZIL: Transparency concerns over congress budgetary grants
- BRAZIL: Semi-presidentialism debate reignited
- ARGENTINA: Election suspension a boon for Milei
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to more US tariffs
- MEXICO: CDMX shooting raises concerns
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Is an inverse migrant flow possible?
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele bashes USAID
POSTSCRIPT
- Former lawmaker assassinated in Peru
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s presidential elections will go to a second round on 13 April.
Weekly Report - 06 February 2025 (WR-25-05)
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- Rubio visit marks regional reset
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Ministers walk out on Petro after cabinet broadcast
- VENEZUELA: Limited thaw in relations with Washington?
- ECUADOR: Noboa aligns with Trump ahead of elections
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei to pull out of WHO
- BRAZIL: Moderate conservatives win congress leadership race
- CHILE-VENEZUELA: Diplomatic rift deepens
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum buoyant as US suspends tariffs
POSTSCRIPT
- Boluarte conducts mini reshuffle amid corruption claims
- Quotes of the week
Mulino, who described the meeting with Rubio as “respectful and cordial” and said it should help “to increase as much as possible US investments in Panama”, insisted that Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal is not in question.
Weekly Report - 30 January 2025 (WR-25-04)
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- Petro incurs Trump’s wrath
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: More elections, less credibility
- ECUADOR: Noboa closes in on re-election
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Pension breakthrough for Boric
- ARGENTINA: Milei blasts “woke ideology” at Davos
- BRAZIL: Lula’s disapproval surpasses approval rating
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sinaloa reaches breaking point
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum guns for GM corn ban
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele positioned on Trump’s migration good side
- PANAMA: Mulino defends ownership of the Canal
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Morales allies prepare to form new party in Bolivia
- Quotes of the week
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has come away with a bloody nose after he attempted to push back against US President Donald Trump’s forceful early moves on migration.
Weekly Report - 23 January 2025 (WR-25-03)
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- Petro declares war on the ELN
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Seeking a Trump 2.0 deal?
- ECUADOR: Noboa weathers criticism in scrappy debate
- PERU: Explosion at the prosecutor’s office
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Matthei makes bold bid to unite right
- ARGENTINA: Milei gets surplus boost
- BRAZIL: Rocky road ahead for new COP30 president
- BRAZIL: Lula tells cabinet 2026 elections have begun
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds as Trump gets down to work
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Mulino sets out defence of Canal
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Bukele not bullet-proof
- Quotes of the week
The troubled peace process between Colombia’s government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group moved closer to total collapse on 16 January when the ELN launched a major offensive in the north-eastern department of Norte de Santander.
Weekly Report - 16 January 2025 (WR-25-02)
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- Maduro’s inauguration leaves opposition facing bleak future
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Noboa curtails leave of absence
- BOLIVIA: Morales skips court date as supporters rally
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Buoyed by economy, Milei eyes political challenges
- BRAZIL: Inflation concerns weigh on government
- CHILE: Boric ups subsidies, agrees pension compromise
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum celebrates first major milestone
- MEXICO: Plan México seeks to please Trump, private sector
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Thaw before the big freeze?
- HAITI: Barbados backs out as crisis deepens
POSTSCRIPT
- Fujimori wins reprieve in money laundering trial
- Quotes of the week
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on 10 January.
Weekly Report - 09 January 2025 (WR-25-01)
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- Venezuela’s election dispute reaches endgame
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Vice president replaced as campaign period begins
- COLOMBIA-PARAGUAY: Prison murder upsets criminal investigations
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s chainsaw still revving in second year
- CHILE: Boric’s Antarctic trip eclipsed by botched Allende deal
- BRAZIL: Notable absentees at capital riots anniversary
- BRAZIL: Opportunities at the helm of Brics
MEXICO
- MEXICO: State airline in trouble
- MEXICO: Escalating violence in Tabasco
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Congress repeals mining ban
- SURINAME: Bouterse’s death could influence elections
- HONDURAS: Former coup leader arrested
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo lifts minimum wage
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Murillo gives firm response to Trump over Panama Canal
- Quotes of the week
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro seems all but certain to be sworn in for a third term on 10 January despite a final push by the political opposition to try and encourage a military rebellion against his leadership.
Brazil & Southern Cone - April 2025
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- Introduction
Region
- Any silver lining for Latin America in Washington's trade war?
Uruguay
- New gov't raises urgency on insecurity
Argentina
- Flash flood devastates city in Buenos Aires province
- Milei forces through judicial picks
Brazil
- Tax breaks and cheap credit are to kick start growth
- Local authorities ramp up hardline security stance
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This April edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a regional outlook, examining the reactions in Latin America to US tariffs that President Donald Trump announced on 2 April.
Security & Strategic Review - April 2025
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- Mexico’s gov’t tested by tragic discovery
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA/EL SALVADOR: Tren de Aragua becomes focus of Trump’s deportation drive
- PERU: Congress sends warning to Boluarte about insecurity
- ECUADOR: Landslides and oil spills – a recurrent problem
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: New gov’t raises urgency on insecurity
- ARGENTINA: Flash flood devastates city in Buenos Aires province
- ARGENTINA: Milei forces through judicial picks
- BRAZIL: Local authorities ramp up hardline security stance
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: School violence in the spotlight
- MEXICO: Mass extradition seeks to appease US
CENTRAL AMERICA
- HONDURAS: Concerns over campaign finance
- PANAMA/COSTA RICA: Dramatic plunge in migration through the Darién
- NICARAGUA: Withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council
CARIBBEAN
- BELIZE: PUP holds onto power
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Dominican Republic clamps down on Haitian migrants
- JAMAICA: Homicide rate trending down
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: New coastal incursion
President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing a critical moment.
Caribbean & Central America - April 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- HONDURAS: Concerns over campaign finance
- PANAMA/COSTA RICA: Dramatic plunge in migration through the Darién
- NICARAGUA: Withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council
- EL SALVADOR: IMF confirms US$1.4bn financing agreement
- HONDURAS: National blackout highlights continued issues in energy sector
Caribbean
- BELIZE: PUP holds onto power
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Dominican Republic clamps down on Haitian migrants
- JAMAICA: Homicide rate trending down
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: New coastal incursion
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
- ST LUCIA: Strong growth but debt burden still heavy
- REGION: Food security still a cause for concern
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Even before the chaos which characterised the 9 March primaries ahead of Honduras’ 30 November 2025 general elections [WR-25-10], civil society groups had raised multiple concerns about the electoral process – not least the lack of transparency of campaign finance as the first piece in this April 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America explores.
Mexico - April 2025
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- Introduction
Security
- Gov’t tested by tragic discovery
- Mass extradition seeks to appease US
Education
- School violence in the spotlight
Trade
- Gov’t seeks to soften blow of US automotive tariffs
Poverty
- World Bank prescribes policies for poverty reduction
Politics
- Teachers’ protests set to intensify despite concessions
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this April 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by looking at a tragic discovery that is providing a critical test for President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Brazil & Southern Cone - March 2025
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- Introduction
Argentina
- Argentine government bolsters border security
- Is Milei serious about a trade deal with the US?
- Patagonia reels from forest fire outbreaks
Uruguay
- Orsi straddles growth and welfare objectives
Chile
- Copper exports surge as investments pay off
- Gov't seeks regional allies on anti-gang policies
Brazil
- Gol and Azul merger to strengthen aviation industry
- Violent death rate continues to drop
Region
- MercadoLibre defies weak regional economies
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This March edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins by looking at the efforts of the government of Argentina to tackle transnational crime around the country’s northern borders.
Security & Strategic Review - March 2025
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- Argentine government bolsters border security
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: New defence minister faces daunting challenges
- ECUADOR: Noboa and González face off in security-focused election
- BOLIVIA: Coca production ticks up
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Patagonia reels from forest fire outbreaks
- CHILE-REGION: Gov’t seeks regional allies on anti-gang policies
- BRAZIL: Violent death rate continues to drop
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Trump goes after drug cartels
- MEXICO: Violence rises in Tabasco
- MEXICO: Corruption credentials under scrutiny
CENTRAL AMERICA
- EL SALVADOR/REGION: Accommodating Trump’s migration-related demands
- HONDURAS: Flare-up of Bajo Aguán violence
- EL SALVADOR: Public financing of political parties scrapped
- NICARAGUA: Voluntary police force gains constitutional recognition
CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Caricom facing “wave after wave” of crises
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has been ramping up her rhetoric calling for greater efforts to tackle transnational crime around Argentina’s borders, highlighting government plans to shore up border security.
Andean Group - April 2025
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- Introduction
Venezuela/El Salvador
- Tren de Aragua becomes focus of Trump’s deportation drive
Venezuela
- Public sector pays price for electricity shortages
Bolivia
- Fuel shortages take their toll
Colombia
- Sabre-rattling grows as referendum marks early campaigning
Peru
- Congress sends warning to Boluarte about insecurity
Ecuador
- Landslides and oil spills – a recurrent problem
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
It is only in the last three years that the Tren de Aragua (TdA), an organised crime group of Venezuelan origin, began generating concern abroad, but in that timeframe the group has leapt towards the forefront of policymakers’ agendas.
Economy & Business - April 2025
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- Any silver lining for Latin America in Washington’s trade war?
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Sabre-rattling grows as referendum marks early campaigning
- BOLIVIA: Fuel shortages take their toll
- VENEZUELA: Public sector pays price for electricity shortages
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tax breaks and cheap credit are to kick start growth
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: IMF confirms US$1.4bn financing agreement
- HONDURAS: National blackout highlights continued issues in energy sector
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
- ST LUCIA: Strong growth but debt burden still heavy
- REGION: Food security still a cause for concern
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Gov’t seeks to soften blow of US automotive tariffs
- MEXICO: World Bank prescribes policies for poverty reduction
- MEXICO: Teachers’ protests set to intensify despite concessions
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
US President Donald Trump’s tariff war has been described as the biggest blow to the global trade order in a century.
Mexico - March 2025
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- Introduction
Politics & Security
- Trump goes after drug cartels
Security
- Violence rises in Tabasco
Corruption
- Corruption credentials under scrutiny
Remittances
- Trump’s deportation drive threatens remittances
Oil
- Pemex plagued by crude oil quality issues
Tourism
- Sheinbaum lays out tourism targets
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This March 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by looking at the US State Department’s designation of six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs).
Caribbean & Central America - March 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- EL SALVADOR/REGION: Accommodating Trump’s migration-related demands
- HONDURAS: Flare-up of Bajo Aguán violence
- EL SALVADOR: Public financing of political parties scrapped
- NICARAGUA: Voluntary police force gains constitutional recognition
- PANAMA: World Bank highlights structural issues holding back development
- COSTA RICA: Chaves vetoes bill on low-cost flights
Caribbean
- REGION: Caricom facing “wave after wave” of crises
- GUYANA: Government plans shift to gas
- GRENADA: Post Beryl economic bounce-back
- JAMAICA: Politicians divided over recession fears
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this March 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America with a look at how Central American countries have been scrambling to comply with US President Donald Trump’s declared priority of enacting mass deportations of migrants – a strategy which has major implications for the sub-region.
Brazil & Southern Cone - February 2025
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- Introduction
Brazil
- Cloud of inflation hangs over Lula in Brazil
- Crime waves flares up in Amazonian border state
Argentina
- NGOs alarmed over government’s security policies
- Milei notches up economic victories
- Setbacks for indigenous land rights
Chile
- Pension reform prompts guarded optimism
- Boric reaffirms Chilean claim in Antarctica
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This February edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a look at the resurgence of inflation concerns in Brazil.
Security & Strategic Review - February 2025
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- Beyond Trump’s Panama Canal claims
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: ELN offensive puts conflict at ‘dangerous inflection point’
- PERU: Bomb attacks in two cities
- REGION: Tren de Aragua under the spotlight
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: NGOs alarmed over government’s security policies
- ARGENTINA: Setbacks for indigenous land rights
- BRAZIL: Crime wave flares up in Amazonian border state
- CHILE: Boric reaffirms Chilean claim in Antarctica
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum targets firearms
- MEXICO: Concerns persist over journalists’ safety
- MEXICO: Air pollution causes alarm
CENTRAL AMERICA
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo marks one year in office, struggles with key pledge
- EL SALVADOR: Mixed movement on transitional justice
CARIBBEAN
- SURINAME: Suriname’s moment
Donald Trump’s threat upon his 20 January inauguration as US president to take back the Panama Canal, based on claims of Chinese involvement in the waterway, and complaints of high fees, was among the most headline-grabbing of his announcements.
Andean Group - March 2025
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- Introduction
Colombia
- New defence minister faces daunting challenges
- Ecopetrol in a quandary
Peru
- Plans advance for major railway expansion
Ecuador
- Noboa and González face off in security-focused election
- Economic growth hinges on curbing violence
Bolivia
- Coca production ticks up
- First steel plant begins production
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
General Pedro Sánchez was sworn in as Colombia’s new defence minister on 19 February, replacing Iván Velásquez (2022-2025) as President Gustavo Petro bucked a longstanding norm that has seen the defence ministry under civilian control for most of the last four decades.
Economy & Business - March 2025
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- Trump’s deportation drive threatens Mexican remittances
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Economic growth hinges on curbing violence
- COLOMBIA: Ecopetrol in a quandary
- PERU: Plans advance for major railway expansion
- BOLIVIA: First steel plant begins production
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: Orsi straddles growth and welfare objectives
- ARGENTINA: Is Milei serious about a trade deal with the US?
- CHILE: Copper exports surge as investments pay off
- BRAZIL: Gol and Azul merger to strengthen aviation industry
- REGION: MercadoLibre defies weak regional economies
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: World Bank highlights structural issues holding back development
- COSTA RICA: Chaves vetoes bill on low-cost flights
- GUYANA: Government plans shift to gas
- GRENADA: Post Beryl economic bounce-back
- JAMAICA: Politicians divided over recession fears
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Pemex plagued by crude oil quality issues
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum lays out tourism targets
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
The return to power of Donald Trump in the US has raised concerns over the impact that the volatile leader’s drive to deport illegal migrants and ramp up border security could have on remittances in Mexico, where they represent the largest single source of foreign income.
Mexico - February 2025
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- Introduction
Security & Politics
- Sheinbaum targets firearms
Security
- Concerns persist over journalists’ safety
Environment
- Air pollution causes alarm
Trade
- Plan México to boost national industry, keep China in check
- New EU trade deal aims to up trade and cooperation
Infrastructure
- Sheinbaum to invest in road infrastructure
Politics
- Sheinbaum advances constitutional reform on GM corn
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this February 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by examining President Claudia Sheinbaum’s efforts to reduce gun violence.
Caribbean & Central America - February 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- PANAMA: Beyond Trump’s Panama Canal claims
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo marks one year in office, struggles with key pledge
- EL SALVADOR: Mixed movement on transitional justice
- COSTA RICA: Rains and labour shortages add to structural issues in coffee sector
- NICARAGUA: Ortega revives plan for interoceanic canal
Caribbean
- SURINAME: Suriname’s moment
- REGION: Economic growth unchanged for 2025 but risks are growing
- CUBA: Government announces new dollarisation moves
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Donald Trump’s threat upon his 20 January inauguration as US president to take back the Panama Canal, based on claims of Chinese involvement in the waterway, and complaints of high fees, was among the most headline-grabbing of his announcements.
Brazil & Southern Cone - January 2025
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- Introduction
Region
- Mercosur and EU seal the deal, again
Brazil
- Spectre of putschist legacy looms over military
- Authorities call for measures against police brutality
- Rising debt weighs on economic prospects
- Lower house plugs hole in tax reform
Argentina
- Growth and IMF raise Milei success prospect
Chile
- Congress passes key security legislation
Paraguay
- Doubts over commitment to DEA cooperation
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This January edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with an analysis of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) regional trade bloc, which had been in the making for a quarter of a century.
Security & Strategic Review - January 2025
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- Another low point for Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Mancuso sentenced for war crimes
- PERU: Expanding the prison network
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Spectre of putschist legacy looms over military
- BRAZIL: Authorities call for measures against police brutality
- CHILE: Congress passes key security legislation
- PARAGUAY: Doubts over commitment to DEA cooperation
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Clamping down on fentanyl
- MEXICO: Scope of mandatory pretrial detention extended
- MEXICO: More states decriminalise abortion
CENTRAL AMERICA
- NICARAGUA: Consolidating absolute power
- HONDURAS: More doubts over the state of exception
- REGION: Claims of progress in combatting gender violence ring hollow
CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Daunting obstacles to economic recovery
The 12 December extradition to the US of Maximiliano Dávila, who headed Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency (FELCN) in 2019, dealt yet another hammer blow to the organisation’s reputation.
Andean Group - February 2025
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- Introduction
Colombia
- ELN offensive puts conflict at ‘dangerous inflection point’
- Tourist arrivals smash records in 2024
Venezuela
- Interpreting Trump’s first moves on Venezuela
Bolivia
- Another Fitch downgrade as problems mount
Peru
- Bomb attacks in two cities
Region
- Tren de Aragua under the spotlight
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
A rapid offensive by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group in north-eastern Colombia has all but dashed hopes for a negotiated peace settlement and has forced an uncharacteristically bellicose response from President Gustavo Petro.
Economy & Business - February 2025
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- Cloud of inflation hangs over Lula in Brazil
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Could Trump be Maduro’s economic lifeline?
- COLOMBIA: Tourist arrivals smash records in 2024
- BOLIVIA: Another Fitch downgrade as problems mount
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Pension reform prompts guarded optimism
- ARGENTINA: Milei notches up economic victories
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- COSTA RICA: Rains and labour shortages add to structural issues in coffee sector
- NICARAGUA: Ortega revives plan for interoceanic canal
- REGION: Economic growth unchanged for 2025 but risks are growing
- CUBA: Government announces new dollarisation moves
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Plan México to boost national industry, keep China in check
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum to invest in road infrastructure
- MEXICO: New EU trade deal aims to up trade and cooperation
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum advances constitutional reform on GM corn
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Halfway through President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s four-year term, the resurgence of inflation is throwing a wrench into his plan for Brazil.
Mexico - January 2025
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- Introduction
Security
- Clamping down on fentanyl
Politics & Justice
- Scope of mandatory pretrial detention extended
- More states decriminalise abortion
Labour
- Gov’t strengthens labour rights in gig economy
Business
- Fighting monopoly power: Antitrust watchdog fines Walmex
Security
- Cost of crime growing for businesses
Trade
- US requests dispute settlement panels amid trade tensions
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this January 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by examining the government’s efforts to clamp down on the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Caribbean & Central America - January 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- NICARAGUA: Consolidating absolute power
- HONDURAS: More doubts over the state of exception
- REGION: Claims of progress in combatting gender violence ring hollow
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele moves to restart mining
- GUATEMALA: Approved budget increases social spending
Caribbean
- HAITI: Daunting obstacles to economic recovery
- REGION: Coming up: a surge in Caribbean debt-for-climate swaps?
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The first piece in this January 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America begins in Nicaragua where authoritarian President Daniel Ortega unveiled a package of constitutional reforms which has, along with other recent legislative initiatives, sparked further concerns that he is seeking to consolidate absolute control.
Andean Group - January 2025
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- Introduction
Bolivia
- Another low point for Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency
Colombia
- Mancuso sentenced for war crimes
- Finance minister replaced amid budget drama
Peru
- Expanding the prison network
Ecuador
- IMF praise, but deep problems persist
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The 12 December extradition to the US of Maximiliano Dávila, who headed Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency (FELCN) in 2019, dealt yet another hammer blow to the organisation’s reputation.
Economy & Business - January 2025
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- Coming up: a surge in Caribbean debt-for-climate swaps?
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Finance minister replaced amid budget drama
- ECUADOR: IMF praise, but deep problems persist
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- REGION: Mercosur and EU seal the deal, again
- ARGENTINA: Growth and IMF raise Milei success prospect
- BRAZIL: Rising debt weighs on economic prospects
- BRAZIL: Lower house plugs holes in tax reform
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele moves to restart mining
- GUATEMALA: Approved budget increases social spending
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Gov’t strengthens labour rights in gig economy
- MEXICO: Fighting monopoly power: Antitrust watchdog fines Walmex
- MEXICO: Cost of crime growing for businesses
- MEXICO: US requests dispute settlement panels amid trade tensions
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Caribbean countries are caught in a vice.
Constitutional Reform
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- Introduction
- Case study: Chile’s expensive deadlock
- How to measure constitutional success
- Case study: Mexico seeks elected judiciary
- Case study: reform gives Bukele a free hand
- Regional constitutional developments in 2024
- Case study: Nicaragua becomes the Ortega family dictatorship
- Case study: updating Venezuela’s Bolivarian constitution
From the mid-1990s to the present – a period of three decades – there has been almost constant constitutional change in Latin America.
Election Watch
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- Introduction
- ECUADOR: Noboa’s to lose
- BOLIVIA: The MAS tears itself in two
- CHILE: Candidates jostling for position
- HONDURAS: Race wide open
- GUYANA: PPP/C can boast enviable, if fortuitous, economic record
- SURINAME: A key election ahead of first oil
- JAMAICA: Ruling JLP seeking a third term on mixed record
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Kamla’s unpopularity to help PNM in quest for third term
- BELIZE: PUP government well set for second mandate
- ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES: Comrade Ralph looking for unprecedented sixth term
A bumper year for elections, 2025 will see voters go to the polls in no fewer than six Caribbean nations, while Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Honduras will also be staging presidential and legislative elections.
Latin America’s water challenge
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- Introduction
- Climate change and water availability
- How is water affecting transport and trade
- How is water affecting electricity generation
- Water issues surrounding existing industries
- Effects on plans to develop new industries
- Other issues surrounding water
- Recent developments in water governance
- CASE STUDY: Water issues threaten Panama Canal
- CASE STUDY: Chile’s national data centre plan risks inflaming tensions over water supplies
- What comes next?
- Conclusion
All too often taken for granted by those with easy access to clean supplies, water is increasingly a source of anxiety for households, policymakers and business leaders.