LatinNews Daily
LatinNews Daily - 18 April 2024
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- VENEZUELA: US re-tightens economic sanctions
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador orders national shutdown in response to energy crisis
Brazil
- BRAZIL/COLOMBIA: Lula hails partnership with Petro
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in February
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Final presidential debate takes place
- In brief: El Salvador buys back bonds
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena clashes with judiciary
- In brief: Mexico’s lower chamber postpones vote on pension fund
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Upper house U-turn on senators’ immunity
- In brief: Public sector union calls more strike action in Argentina
On 17 April the US government announced that it will not renew a six-month licence offering relief from oil and gas sanctions against Venezuela, because the government of President Nicolás Maduro has “fallen short” on its commitments to allow free and fair presidential elections.
LatinNews Daily - 17 April 2024
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- PANAMA: Cortizo on defensive over new scandal
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa blames power cuts on sabotage
- In brief: Venezuela approves creation of new oil company
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Senate approves proposal to toughen drug laws
- In brief: Brazilian industrial lobby forecasts higher growth for 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: El Salvador and China launch FTA talks
Mexico
- MEXICO: Celac members back Mexico in Ecuador dispute
- In brief: Mexico accepts new US labour rights requests
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei gets judicial boost
- In brief: Argentina's gov't receives IMF praise
On 16 April Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo said adjustments should be made to the criteria for determining who should benefit from a financial support programme run by Panama’s institute for human resource training and development (Ifarhu) but it wasn't necessary to eliminate the scheme.
LatinNews Daily - 16 April 2024
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- BRAZIL/ARGENTINA: Foreign ministers seek to affirm ties
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa claims “no regrets” over Mexico embassy break-in
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up year-on-year
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s 2025 fiscal goal lowered
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New CC president takes over
- In brief: Google opens office in El Salvador
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mass kidnapping on the rise
- In brief: Proposed pension fund in Mexico passes another hurdle
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Maduro reaches out to Boric
- In brief: Argentina’s Santa Cruz boosts ties with China
On 12 April Brazil’s foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, hosted his Argentine counterpart Diana Mondino in Brasília, where they affirmed their commitment to align the interests of their ideologically opposed governments.
LatinNews Daily - 15 April 2024
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- HAITI: New presidential transition council official but questions persist
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Secret talks held with US on democracy and sanctions
- In brief: Venezuela rejects Guyana oil licence
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with agribusiness and conservatives
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector registers monthly slump
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: IMF announces more funds for Costa Rica
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former top magistrate faces corruption allegations
- In brief: Mexico registers agrifood trade surplus
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei convenes crisis meeting over Israel attack
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation continues to slow
Washington Watch
- US condemns storming of Mexican embassy in Ecuador
On 12 April a decree formally establishing the new nine-member transitional presidential council (TPC) was published in Haiti’s official gazette, Le Moniteur.
LatinNews Daily - 12 April 2024
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- MEXICO/ECUADOR: Mexico calls for UN to expel Ecuador
Andean
- PERU: Seventh pension withdrawal approved but wider reform still needed
- In brief: Peru lowers interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes key article of prison furlough bill
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales up for two consecutive months
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Congress deals setback to Arévalo
- In brief: Inflation edges up in the Dominican Republic
Mexico
- In brief: Industrial production down in monthly terms in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT to stage general strike
- In brief: Argentina lowers interest rates
On 11 April Mexico’s government led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador filed a formal request for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to suspend Ecuador’s membership of the United Nations (UN) until it apologises for forcing entry into the Mexican embassy in Quito on 5 April.
LatinNews Daily - 11 April 2024
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- ARGENTINA: A more pragmatic Milei emerges as gov’t meets unions
Andean
- PERU: Mining and energy minister survives censure motion
- In brief: Colombia’s Uribe slams criminal charges
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula seeks to appease activists and traditional supporters
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation decelerates in March
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Case of high-profile HRDs goes to trial
- In brief: Nicaragua approves China loan to strengthen energy capacity
Mexico
- MEXICO: Contaminated water sparks Mexico City protest
- In brief: Mexico responds to OAS resolution on Ecuador embassy incursion
Southern Cone
- In brief: HSBC exits Argentina
On 10 April members of the Argentine government met with leading union representatives to lay out plans for a labour reform, shortly after a revised draft version of President Javier Milei’s omnibus reform bill was sent to congress.
LatinNews Daily - 10 April 2024
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- COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Petro and Maduro meet, indicate ‘business as usual’
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela’s former oil minister arrested in corruption probe
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former Lava Jato judge survives impeachment trial
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras discovers offshore oil deposit
Central America & Caribbean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Guyana seeks UNSC support in dispute with Venezuela
- In brief: Russian tourism to Cuba up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Bárcena bolsters regional diplomatic backing
- In brief: Inflation in Mexico edges up
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Tensions flare up with Venezuela
- In brief: Construction, industrial production down in Argentina
Despite Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s recent criticism of an “anti-democratic coup” in Venezuela, he held a pre-planned bilateral meeting with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on 9 April and both men issued a strong ‘business as usual’ signal.
LatinNews Daily - 09 April 2024
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- ECUADOR: Noboa sounds semi-conciliatory note in Mexico dispute
Andean
- In brief: Think tank reports rise in Venezuela’s inflation
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Supreme court limits military interventions
- In brief: Rise in Brazil’s vehicle production and sales
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Police-gang clashes continue
- In brief: El Salvador unveils plans to repurchase dollar bonds
Mexico
- MEXICO: Helping Pemex puts the squeeze on local government
- In brief: Mexico registers job losses in March
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Prosecutors raise concerns about cases of political immunity
- In brief: Inflation slows in Chile
On 8 April Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa described last week’s police incursion into the Mexican embassy in Quito as part of a “complex and unprecedented situation” amid signs that the crisis could have a significant domestic political cost for his government.
LatinNews Daily - 08 April 2024
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- ECUADOR: Widespread condemnation follows attack on Mexican embassy
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s inflation slows
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions erupt between top court and social media platform X
- In brief: Brazil registers primary deficit in February
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo sacks first minister
- In brief: Nicaragua’s economic growth slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum solidifies control of presidential race
- In brief: Vehicle sales, exports up in Mexico, quarterly production stagnates
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: China responds to Milei plans to inspect space station
- In brief: Argentina’s Q1 automobile production falls
Washington Watch
- US expresses concern about Venezuela elections
Ecuadorean troops broke into the Mexican embassy in Quito on 5 April, seizing former vice-president Jorge Glas, wanted on corruption charges; Mexico responded by breaking diplomatic relations as most Latin American countries, together with the US and the European Union (EU), criticised Ecuador for what was described as a flagrant violation of Mexico’s diplomatic immunity.
LatinNews Daily - 05 April 2024
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- ECUADOR/MEXICO: Mexican ambassador declared persona non grata in Ecuador
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s trade deficit shrinks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police recapture fugitives from federal prison
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly trade surplus down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Human rights groups call for end of state of emergency
- In brief: Costa Rica registers fall in unemployment
Mexico
- MEXICO: Presidential candidates explain security policies
- In brief: Mexico concludes review of US labour rights request
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei meets head of US Southcom
- In brief: Works begin to extend metro line in Chilean capital
On 4 April Ecuador’s foreign ministry announced that the Mexican ambassador in Quito, Raquel Serur Smeke, had been declared “persona non grata” in response to comments by Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
LatinNews Daily - 04 April 2024
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- PERU: Boluarte's government wins confidence vote
Andean
- In brief: Colombian health reform bill dies in the senate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Political career of former Lava Jato star hangs in balance
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production registers monthly drop
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA/COLOMBIA: Clan del Golfo earning millions from people trafficking
- In brief: Honduras upbeat on growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gálvez targeted by release of son’s embarrassing video
- In brief: GFCF up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Labour unions protest public sector layoffs
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation slows
On 3 April Peru’s government led by President Dina Boluarte comfortably won a confidence vote in congress that was triggered by the appointment of Gustavo Adrianzén as her new prime minister.
LatinNews Daily - 03 April 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei makes more gestures to military
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Intervention in private health insurer raises tensions
- In brief: Peru hails results of ‘Works for Taxes’ infrastructure scheme
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up alliance with Rio’s centrist mayor
- In brief: Brazil’s oil and gas production up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Experiencing a "key moment", says US
- In brief: Panama optimistic on tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Parties engage in war of words over electoral violence
- In brief: Experts revise down Mexico growth forecast
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile lowers interest rates
On 2 April Argentina’s President Javier Milei took part in a ceremony marking the 42nd anniversary of the Falklands (Malvinas) War and hailed a “new era of reconciliation” with the armed forces.
LatinNews Daily - 02 April 2024
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- PERU: Boluarte targeted in police raids
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s mining & hydrocarbons sector grows
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula silent on 1964 coup anniversary
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment sees quarterly rise
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Gangs attack national palace
- In brief: Panama's credit rating downgraded
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mayoral candidate murdered in Guanajuato
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico rise
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA/COLOMBIA: Governments de-escalate tensions after spat
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up
On 1 April Peru’s President Dina Boluarte carried out a cabinet reshuffle after two ministers resigned in the wake of police raids on her home and the presidential palace.
LatinNews Daily - 28 March 2024
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- COLOMBIA/ARGENTINA: Colombia expels Argentine diplomatic staff
Andean
- In brief: Unemployment ticks up in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Brazil and France hail cooperation on defence technology
- In brief: Brazil’s net job creation up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Pastors convicted amid ongoing crackdown
- In brief: Growth forecast raised in Dominican Republic
Mexico
- MEXICO: Beijing endorses López Obrador’s position on steel tariffs
- In brief: Mexico hails drop in trade deficit
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Confusion over public sector job losses
- In brief: Poverty up in Argentina
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 27 March Colombia’s foreign ministry announced that Argentine diplomatic staff will be expelled from the country following insults against President Gustavo Petro from Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who called Petro a “murderous terrorist”.
LatinNews Daily - 27 March 2024
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- VENEZUELA: PUD manages to register a candidate
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia inaugurates first biodiesel plant
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula boosts joint climate action with France’s Macron
- In brief: Brazil to boost tax credits for electric vehicle manufacturers
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Presidential transition council in limbo
- In brief: Guyana inks solar plants deal with Chinese firm
Mexico
- MEXICO: Opposition accuses López Obrador of electoral meddling
- In brief: Mexico still seeking alternatives to herbicide glyphosate
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fighter jet purchase confirmed
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity falls
On 26 March Venezuela’s opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD) announced that it had been able to register Edmundo González as its presidential candidate in the 28 July election, after being unable to register Corina Yoris – herself a replacement for the disqualified María Corina Machado.
LatinNews Daily - 26 March 2024
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- GUATEMALA: Arévalo meets Biden
Andean
- VENEZUELA: PUD unable to register candidate as deadline passes
- In brief: Peru’s mining exports rise in annual terms
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police to probe Bolsonaro’s stay at Hungarian embassy
- In brief: Spanish firm to expand major airport in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama hails WB environmental loan
Mexico
- MEXICO: US court issues gun-trafficking ruling
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico head signals caution over interest rate cut
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: China rebukes Peña over soya claims
- In brief: Argentina’s external debt rises
On 25 March Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo met US President Joe Biden at the White House.
LatinNews Daily - 25 March 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Opposition PUD names new candidate, replacing Machado
Andean
- In brief: Colombia lowers interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Suspected masterminds of Marielle Franco murder detained
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t blocks spending to meet fiscal target
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Gov’t highlights surge in Darién crossings
- In brief: Nicaragua claims strong growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mass kidnapping in Culiacán highlights violence concerns
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation ticks up
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei courts controversy over dictatorship
- In brief: Taiwan authorises tariff exemptions for Paraguayan pork
Washington Watch
- US slaps arms restrictions on Nicaragua
On 22 March Venezuela’s opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD) announced that it will put forward Corina Yoris as its candidate in the 28 July presidential election – replacing María Corina Machado, who has been barred from holding public office.
LatinNews Daily - 22 March 2024
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- HAITI: UN hails finalisation of presidential transition council
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Candidates begin to register amid opposition uncertainty
- In brief: Ecuador’s congress returns 2024 budget to Noboa
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula pushes green goals but appeases big farming
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t projects annual contraction in farming
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: El Salvador hails strong growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mexico reaches repatriation agreement with Venezuela
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico cuts interest rates
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov't proposes giving military public security role
- In brief: Paraguay lowers interest rates again
On 21 March the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed reports that Haitian stakeholders have all nominated candidates to a transitional presidential council in Haiti.
LatinNews Daily - 21 March 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Condemnation mounts as another Machado ally arrested
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s natural gas revenue falls in 2023
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Marielle Franco murder investigation progresses
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank cuts interest rate again
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Violence continues to escalate
- In brief: IMF announces release of more funds for Suriname
Mexico
- MEXICO: Local Los Chapitos leader killed in Sonora
- In brief: Mexico joins plastic reduction initiative
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei names supreme court picks
- In brief: Argentina’s GDP contracts
On 20 March Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced the arrest of Henry Alviárez, the national coordinator for Vente Venezuela (VV) – the party of María Corina Machado, the chosen presidential candidate for the Venezuelan opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD).
LatinNews Daily - 20 March 2024
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- BRAZIL: Police recommend first criminal charges against Bolsonaro
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Clan del Golfo accepts Petro’s offer of negotiations
- In brief: Ecuador’s Conaie warns of ‘uprising’ against mining
Brazil
- In brief: Brazilian petrochemicals giant Braskem posts net losses
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Edging towards a presidential transition council
- In brief: New initiative to address food insecurity in Guatemala
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t slams Texas immigration law
- In brief: Mexico hails new investment announcements
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Armed forces deployed to Rosario
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus widens
On 19 March Brazil’s federal police (PF) filed a report which recommended criminal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) in relation to an alleged scheme to falsify coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine certification.
LatinNews Daily - 19 March 2024
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- CUBA: Tensions rise with US over protests
Andean
- PERU: Another investigation opened into Boluarte
- In brief: Peru highlights investment opportunities from planned port
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Dengue case numbers break national record
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala and US boost economic ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Police attacked in Michoacán
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex projects greater production
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Abdo Benítez strikes back
- In brief: Chile records weak economic growth in 2023
On 18 March Cuba’s foreign ministry (Minrex) summoned US chargé d’affaires Benjamin Ziff and handed him a formal protest note accusing the US of interfering in domestic affairs.
LatinNews Daily - 18 March 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Furore over Petro’s call for constituent assembly
Andean
- In brief: VAT increase in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Ex-commanders implicate Bolsonaro in alleged coup plot
- In brief: Brazil’s net job creation up in January
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Rare protests as economic and energy situation worsens
- In brief: US announces more funding for Haiti
Mexico
- MEXICO: Ayotzinapa protests continue in Guerrero
- In brief: Private consumption up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Police chief resigns amid scandal
- In brief: Argentina records second consecutive monthly budget surplus
Washington Watch
- Venezuela slams extension of US emergency declaration
On 15 March Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro suggested that a constituent assembly could be convened with the power to modify the constitution.
LatinNews Daily - 15 March 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei suffers senate setback
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Leading Tren de Aragua suspect arrested in Spain
- In brief: Peru’s trade surplus grows
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Marielle Franco case transferred to supreme court
- In brief: Brazil’s retails sales rise in January
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: TSE magistrates face trial
- In brief: Panama hails departure from EU grey list
Mexico
- MEXICO: Officials sacked in Guerrero over Ayotzinapa killing
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico warns of ‘weakening’ regional economies
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina updates anti-money laundering legislation
On 14 March Argentina’s senate voted to strike down a decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) issued by President Javier Milei shortly after he took office last December deregulating broad swathes of the economy.
LatinNews Daily - 14 March 2024
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- PANAMA: Second presidential debate marked by key absence
Andean
- PERU: Congress applies pressure on Boluarte
- In brief: New survey highlights Venezuela poverty
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Proposal to toughen drug laws clears key hurdle
- In brief: Brazil seeks to boost domestic fertiliser production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: EU and Honduras sign forest protection agreement
Mexico
- MEXICO: Police arrested over Ayotzinapa student killing
- In brief: Mexico’s Cemex upgraded
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Concerns over independence of prosecutor’s office
- In brief: Argentina downgraded on debt swap
On 13 March a second presidential debate ahead of Panama’s 5 May general elections took place.
LatinNews Daily - 13 March 2024
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- COLOMBIA: New attorney general elected
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela’s oil production rises
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Hostage incident in Rio heightens security concerns
- In brief: Education drives rise in monthly inflation in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Kenya-led international security mission back in limbo
- In brief: Costa Rica’s public works minister dismissed
Mexico
- MEXICO: Protests intensify in Guerrero over Ayotzinapa killing
- In brief: Industrial production up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t responds to Rosario violence
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation continues to ease
On 12 March Colombia’s supreme court elected Luz Adriana Camargo as the new attorney general, ending weeks of gridlock over the issue.
LatinNews Daily - 12 March 2024
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- HAITI: PM Henry to step down
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Capriles calls on Machado to step aside
- In brief: Ecuador’s mining exports reach annual record
Brazil
- BRAZIL: São Paulo mayoral race narrows
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t discusses Petrobras dividends concerns
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: US unveils Panama humanitarian donation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Presidential candidates sign peace agreement
- In brief: Mexico posts annual rise in international tourism
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Abdo Benítez accused of crimes to discredit Cartes
- In brief: Argentina launches mega debt swap
On 11 March Haiti’s prime minister, Ariel Henry, announced that he will resign once a new presidential transitional council is sworn in.
LatinNews Daily - 11 March 2024
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- HONDURAS: Former president Hernández convicted in US
Andean
- COLOMBIA: EMC reaches agreement on ‘territorial transformations’
- In brief: Inflation drops in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro banned from military events amid coup plot probe
- In brief: Brazil and Germany boost climate finance cooperation
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua’s international reserves up
Mexico
- MEXICO: State police investigated over killing of Ayotzinapa student
- In brief: Mexico records annual increase in air travel
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei blames ‘caste’ for wage increase
- In brief: Annual inflation rises in Chile
Washington Watch
- Mexico, Guatemala, and US hold trilateral migration meeting
On 8 March a US federal court convicted Honduras’ former president Juan Orlando Hernández (Partido Nacional, PN, 2014-2022), on three drug and weapons-related counts.
LatinNews Daily - 08 March 2024
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- PERU: Congress escalates assault on judiciary
Andean
- In brief: Annual inflation falls in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Diplomatic gaffes contribute to drop in Lula’s approval
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts drop in net profit
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Probe launched into former economy minister
- In brief: UN climate fund ends Nicaragua agreement
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions mount over Ayotzinapa protests
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation rate falls
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Governors willing but wary
- In brief: Argentina’s YPF announces major investment
On 7 March Peru’s congress voted to impeach two members of the country’s seven-member judicial oversight body (JNJ), which has become the frontline in a power struggle between congress and the judiciary.
LatinNews Daily - 07 March 2024
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- HAITI: Pressure grows on Henry to step down
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Thousands march against Petro
- In brief: New prime minister appointed in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Conservative justices vote against cannabis decriminalisation
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly trade surplus up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras denounces World Bank arbitration body
Mexico
- MEXICO: Ayotzinapa protests escalate
- In brief: Vehicle sales, exports, and production rise in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t cracks down on prisoners
- In brief: Pension reform enters Chile’s senate
On 6 March the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) held a private meeting on Haiti.
LatinNews Daily - 06 March 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Election date announced
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s prime minister resigns
Brazil
- BRAZIL: São Paulo declares dengue emergency
- In brief: Japanese carmaker Toyota boosts investment in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Henry re-emerges in Puerto Rico as gangs consolidate control
- In brief: Report highlights dire state of Honduran public hospitals
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to candidate protection requests
- In brief: Job creation down year-on-year in Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Colorados seek to dispel controversy
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation edges down
On 5 March Venezuela’s national electoral council (CNE) announced that the presidential election will take place on 28 July.
LatinNews Daily - 05 March 2024
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- PERU: Investigation opened into prime minister following audio leaks
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s country risk falls
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Death of indigenous activist stokes questions
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t seeks to regulate gig economy
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: TE strikes down Martinelli’s candidacy
- In brief: Flights to Haiti cancelled as gangs try to seize control of airport
Mexico
- MEXICO: Presidential candidates hone in on security
- In brief: GFCF in Mexico increases in yearly terms
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Opposition FA swings into campaign mode
- In brief: Chile’s Codelco acquires lithium company
On 4 March Peru’s attorney general’s office opened a preliminary investigation into Prime Minister Alberto Otárola, who is under mounting pressure over allegations that he improperly offered a job to a young woman with whom he had a relationship.
LatinNews Daily - 04 March 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei makes overture to governors while rebuking congress
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa reaches 100-day mark with surging popularity ratings
- In brief: Energy firm Gunvor fined in Switzerland over Ecuador bribes
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former army chief testifies on alleged coup plot
- In brief: Brazil’s GDP growth shows little annual variation
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: State of emergency declared after thousands escape from prison
- In brief: Dominican Republic maintains interest rates
Mexico
- MEXICO: Another candidate killed amid electoral violence concerns
- In brief: Remittances up in yearly terms in Mexico
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile registers rise in economic activity
Washington Watch
- Blinken visits Milei, Lula
On 1 March Argentina’s President Javier Milei made a much-anticipated appearance to open the new session of congress, an institution which he recently branded a “nest of rats” and with which he has been locked in an acrimonious struggle since he took office last December.
LatinNews Daily - 01 March 2024
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- GUATEMALA: Government moves against AG
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Tensions escalate in congress
- In brief: Unemployment falls in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t sets up permanent base to support Yanomami
- In brief: Brazilian-Chinese consortium wins São Paulo rail contract
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to Nicaragua rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Show of unity for Morena as campaigns begin
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment rate edges down
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Former president Fernández accused of corruption
- In brief: Modernised EU-Chile trade deal advances
On 29 February Guatemala’s new government led by President Bernardo Arévalo filed a criminal complaint for “breach of duties” against attorney general María Consuelo Porras, calling for her to be stripped of her immunity from prosecution.
LatinNews Daily - 29 February 2024
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- HAITI: Caricom hails Henry’s commitment to new election date
Andean
- PERU: Congress makes new move against AG
- In brief: Bolivia acknowledges "natural decline" in oil production
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New arrest in Marielle Franco murder investigation
- In brief: Brazil’s finance minister calls for taxes on super-rich
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: New fuel and energy tariffs to take effect in Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Renewed concerns over journalist safety
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico cuts 2024 GDP forecast
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Aviation sector adds to wave of strike action
- In brief: Unemployment rises in Chile
On 28 February leaders from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) said Haiti’s caretaker prime minister, Ariel Henry, had agreed to hold elections in Haiti by 31 August 2025.
LatinNews Daily - 28 February 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Former paramilitary leader extradited from US
Andean
- In brief: Peru bails out state oil company
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Electoral court sets rules on artificial intelligence
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula revokes payroll taxes
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Abinader presents balance sheet
- In brief: Panama's gov't approves plan for closure of key mine
Mexico
- MEXICO: Wave of violence in Nuevo León
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex posts Q4 profit
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Judiciary backs governor in funding dispute
- In brief: Steelworkers in Chile urge gov't to tax Chinese imports
On 27 February Salvatore Mancuso, the former second-in-command of the demobilised Colombian paramilitary group Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), was deported to Colombia after completing a 12-year sentence in the US and was immediately re-arrested.
LatinNews Daily - 27 February 2024
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves back under pressure over campaign finance
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN talks back on
- In brief: Bolivia issues new dollar bonds
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police investigate Bolsonaro’s rally speech
- In brief: Brazilian food company BRF posts net loss
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: New minimum wage increases in Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Electoral violence continues as campaign period looms
- In brief: Amazon Web Services announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Kicillof enters the fray as Milei cuts funding
- In brief: Argentina places bonds on domestic market
On 26 February Costa Rica’s 57-member unicameral legislature approved a report by an investigating committee which accuses President Rodrigo Chaves of being the intellectual author of an irregular financing scheme for his 2021-2022 election campaign.
LatinNews Daily - 26 February 2024
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- BRAZIL: Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters rally in São Paulo
Andean
- COLOMBIA/ARGENTINA: Condemnation of Milei’s attack on Petro
- In brief: Venezuela settles Haiti’s oil debt
Brazil
- In brief: Major port in Brazil resumes operations after fires
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t addresses indigenous demand
- In brief: Dominican government hails poverty drop
Mexico
- MEXICO: Fallout from journalist data leak continues
- In brief: Mexico’s current account deficit registers yearly drop
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Governors clash with Milei
- In brief: Paraguay optimistic on Itaipú negotiations
Washington Watch
- US responds to Venezuela’s UN crackdown
On 25 February Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) held a rally in São Paulo city to shore up support amid ongoing investigations into his alleged involvement in coup plot to overturn his 2022 election defeat.
LatinNews Daily - 23 February 2024
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- PANAMA: Arrest ordered for former president Martinelli
Andean
- PERU: Plans to imitate El Salvador’s prison model
- In brief: Colombia’s Ecopetrol finds new natural gas deposits
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro summoned to testify over alleged coup plot
- In brief: Korean carmaker Hyundai boosts investment in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama places bonds on international markets
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador rejects new allegations of DTO ties
- In brief: López Obrador hails Mexico’s growth, drop in inflation
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF applauds Milei but urges dialogue
- In brief: Uruguay maintains interest rate
On 22 February a Panamanian judge Baloísa Marquínez ordered the arrest of Panama’s former president Ricardo Martinelli (Cambio Democrático, 2009-2014).
LatinNews Daily - 22 February 2024
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- BRAZIL/REGION: Lula and Blinken affirm ties amid Israel tensions
Andean
- VENEZUELA/CHILE: Venezuelan dissident abducted in Chile
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t submits 2024 budget proposal
Brazil
- In brief: Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau’s profits drop
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: US trial of former president Hernández underway
- In brief: US agriculture delegation visits Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador responds to Guerrero massacre
- In brief: Mexico aluminium lobby rejects US ‘triangulation’ claims
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei faces wave of industrial action
- In brief: Uruguay gov’t upbeat on growth
On 21 February Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brasília before the start of the two-day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
LatinNews Daily - 21 February 2024
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- BRAZIL: Israel row escalates as Blinken visits
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN suspends participation in peace talks
- In brief: Ecuador’s congress approves FTA with Costa Rica
Brazil
- In brief: Telecoms giant Telefónica’s profits rise in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: TSE head rails against the media
- In brief: Bahamas, Belize, Turks & Caicos off EU blacklist
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former Pemex head authorised house arrest
- In brief: Mexico announces resolution of Asiaway labour dispute
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Cameron visits Asunción
- In brief: Argentina raises minimum wage
On 20 February Brazil’s foreign ministry released a statement rejecting the Israeli government’s accusations that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict were antisemitic.
LatinNews Daily - 20 February 2024
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- HAITI: Moïse’s widow and others charged over his murder
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov't cedes to Russian pressure on arms deal
- In brief: Bolivia loosens export restrictions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities step up search for escaped convicts
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in December
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guyana urges regional energy infrastructure development
Mexico
- MEXICO: Focus grows on insecurity
- In brief: Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo sees drop in profits
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Measured response to Cameron Falklands visit
- In brief: Paraguay further lowers interest rates
In an indictment leaked on 19 February, Haitian judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is investigating the July 2021 assassination of former president Jovenel Moïse (2017-2021), announced charges against his widow, Martine Moïse, and former prime minister Claude Joseph (2021), among some 50 individuals.
LatinNews Daily - 19 February 2024
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- MEXICO: Large turnout for pro-democracy demonstrations
Andean
- PERU: Judicial oversight body under threat once again
- In brief: Russia lifts import ban on Ecuadorean bananas
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with African Union
- In brief: Brazil’s agricultural exports up in yearly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Ruling party claims victory in municipal vote
- In brief: Honduras hails strong economic growth
Mexico
- In brief: Audi Mexico reaches pay agreement with union
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei blames ‘caste’ for surge in poverty
- In brief: Argentina issues new peso-denominated bonds
Washington Watch
- US sanctions Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang
On 18 February large demonstrations took place in Mexico City (CDMX) and other major cities in defence of democracy.
LatinNews Daily - 16 February 2024
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- VENEZUELA: UN human rights office closed down
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s GDP grows less than expected in 2023
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula criticises Israel war on Gaza, calls for ceasefire
- In brief: Brazil signs agreements with Egypt on meat exports and science
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele’s party claims seats in legislative vote recount
- In brief: Costa Rica and US university boost tech sector training
Mexico
- MEXICO: Violence continues to escalate in Guerrero
- In brief: Mexico’s Cofece conditions gov’t purchase of Iberdrola plants
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Electricity tariffs set to surge
- In brief: Paraguay, Argentina give up on Mercosur-EU deal
On 15 February Venezuela’s government ordered the local branch of the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to suspend its operations and asked its staff to leave the country within 72 hours.
LatinNews Daily - 15 February 2024
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- ECUADOR: Date set for referendum
Andean
- In brief: Industrial production falls in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities investigate high-security prison break
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula looks to deepen ties with Egypt
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Anti-corruption commission head sworn in
- In brief: Costa Rica’s fiscal deficit rises
Mexico
- MEXICO: MC reveals stance on López Obrador’s reforms
- In brief: Mexico hails rise in FDI
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Fears of democratic backsliding as opposition senator ousted
- In brief: Monthly inflation slows in Argentina but remains high
On 14 February Ecuador’s national electoral council (CNE) announced that a 10-question referendum called by President Daniel Noboa will be held on 21 April.
LatinNews Daily - 14 February 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Interim AG steps in amid high tensions
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s finance minister replaced in reshuffle
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rising dengue cases trigger search for vaccines
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras in talks to regain control of UAE-owned refinery
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New US donation for anti-narcotics efforts
- In brief: New medical device sector investment in Costa Rica
Mexico
- MEXICO: Guerrero violence intensifies
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t grants Pemex tax relief
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Questions raised over wildfire response
- In brief: Chile authorises sale of Petrobras subsidiary
On 13 February Martha Janeth Mancera took over as Colombia’s interim attorney general after Francisco Barbosa reached the end of his four-year term, at a time of high tensions between the attorney general’s office and President Gustavo Petro’s government.
LatinNews Daily - 13 February 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei tries to use Papal meeting to revive plans for reform
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Leading rights activist charged as crackdown continues
- In brief: Colombia and UAE to cooperate on artificial intelligence
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro seeks to rally supporters
- In brief: New lithium plant to be constructed in Brazil’s Minas Gerais
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Concerns proliferate over credibility of electoral process
- In brief: UN announces assistance for Tobago oil spill
Mexico
- MEXICO: Armed forces hail major drug lab raid
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex bonds fall after Moody’s downgrade
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay registers trade deficit in January
Argentina’s President Javier Milei met Pope Francis in the Vatican on 11 and 12 February, as part of a foreign trip in which he also sought closer ties with Israel and Italy.
LatinNews Daily - 12 February 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Second dissident Farc alliance joins peace process
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela’s central bank claims drop in inflation
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Army colonel arrested at Brasília airport
- In brief: Brazil sees record coffee exports in January
Central America & Caribbean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Tensions build over Venezuelan military deployment
- In brief: New Chinese loan for Nicaragua airport greenlighted
Mexico
- MEXICO: More electoral violence as aspiring Morena deputy killed
- In brief: Mexico’s industrial production down in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei sacks two officials after reform setback
- In brief: Chile’s Boric launches wildfire reconstruction process
Washington Watch
- US responds to Bukele’s win in El Salvador
On 9 February Colombia’s government and the Segunda Marquetalia grouping of dissident units of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group announced that they will begin peace talks.
LatinNews Daily - 09 February 2024
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- BRAZIL: ‘Coup’ investigation closes in on Bolsonaro
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro supporters blockade supreme court
- In brief: Peru lowers interest rates
Brazil
- In brief: Inflation falls in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Henry refuses to step down as key deadline passes
- In brief: Guatemala reaffirms ties with Taiwan
Mexico
- MEXICO: Activist killed in search for disappeared
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation continues to creep up
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei squares up to governors
- In brief: Monthly inflation up in Chile
On 8 February Brazil’s federal police (PF) deployed an operation targeting former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and key allies suspected of having plotted a coup in actions which led to the 8 January 2023 insurrection in Brasília.
LatinNews Daily - 08 February 2024
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- PANAMA: Election wide open as frontrunner Martinelli granted asylum
Andean
- ECUADOR: FTA with China ratified
- In brief: Fitch downgrades Bolivia’s credit rating
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Dengue outbreak hits major cities
- In brief: Brazil’s public sector posts primary deficit in 2023
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Venezuela rejects possible drilling in region disputed with Guyana
Mexico
- MEXICO: Zacatecas killings spark electoral security concerns
- In brief: Mexico gov’t reveals details of new pension fund
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t defiant in face of major legislative setback
- In brief: Markets respond to omnibus bill defeat in Argentina
On 7 February Nicaragua's government led by President Daniel Ortega said it had granted political asylum to Panama's right-wing former president Ricardo Martinelli (Cambio Democrático, 2009-2014), a leading contender in the 5 May 2024 presidential race.
LatinNews Daily - 07 February 2024
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- BOLIVIA: Protesters stand down as timeframe set for judicial elections
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s congress rejects VAT increase
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Poll lists crime as top public concern
- In brief: Brazilian industrial lobby reports annual drop in revenue
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Protests escalate ahead of key date
- In brief: Cuba’s tourism minister highlights challenges
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador’s reform package faces criticism
- In brief: Mexico announces resolution of Goodyear labour dispute
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Piñera’s death prompts national mourning
- In brief: Argentina’s industrial production, construction down
On 6 February protesters lifted roadblocks around Bolivia after President Luis Arce promulgated a bill establishing a timeframe for overdue judicial elections to be held.
LatinNews Daily - 06 February 2024
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- MEXICO: López Obrador presents mega reform package
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN ceasefire extended by six months
- In brief: Ecuador’s central bank calls for urgent fiscal reforms
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities to probe anti-corruption NGO
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit sees annual drop
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Foreign community backs Bukele’s win
- In brief: Costa Rica seeks to attract investment in medical device sector
Mexico
- In brief: Transport workers strike over insecurity in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei starts foreign tour amid key debate
- In brief: Paraguay hails first international bond issuance in local currency
On 5 February Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador unveiled a package of 18 constitutional and two legal reform initiatives.
LatinNews Daily - 05 February 2024
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- EL SALVADOR: Bukele claims landslide victory
Andean
- PERU: Judiciary notches a victory in tussle with congress
- In brief: Roadblocks lifted in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former São Paulo mayor rejoins PT
- In brief: Rise in Brazil’s industrial production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Economy minister sacked in Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities prepare electoral security plan
- In brief: GFCF in Mexico up year-on-year
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Trimmed-down omnibus bill progresses
- In brief: Chile receives emergency forest fire funding
Washington Watch
- Caribbean nations address US arms trafficking
On 4 February El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele claimed he had won a second five-year term in the presidential election which took place the same day by over 85% of the votes.
LatinNews Daily - 02 February 2024
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- ECUADOR: Fiscal net tightens as gov’t finds funds for debt repayment
Andean
- In brief: Mining sector grows in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New justice minister takes office
- In brief: Brazil’s Amazon Fund approves record funding for projects
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: CC upholds Semilla’s suspension
- In brief: Honduras' inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador guns for another electricity reform
- In brief: Mexico registers record remittances in 2023
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Opposition extracts more concessions
- In brief: Chile’s gov’t downplays drop in economic activity
On 1 February Ecuador’s economy & finance ministry announced that it had completed a US$273m debt repayment and expressed confidence that the country would continue to receive international loans despite a dire financial situation that has seen the fiscal deficit stretch to over US$5.5bn.
LatinNews Daily - 01 February 2024
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- MEXICO: López Obrador rejects illicit campaign funding allegations
Andean
- PERU: Alberto Fujimori’s former spymaster sentenced for massacres
- In brief: Colombia lowers interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Outgoing justice minister defends his record
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank cuts interest rates again
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Gang leader pleads guilty in US
- In brief: Costa Rica hails strong growth
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s top court strikes down electricity reform
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF disburses funds as congress debates omnibus bill
- In brief: Chile further lowers interest rates
On 31 January Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador rejected allegations that his 2006 presidential campaign received financing from drug trafficking organisations (DTOs).
LatinNews Daily - 31 January 2024
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- EL SALVADOR: Electoral integrity concerns grow ahead of vote
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Gov’t calls for lifting of roadblocks as talks begin
- In brief: US sets date for return of Venezuela oil sanctions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Deputy intelligence chief sacked amid spying scandal
- In brief: Brazil registers net job loss in December
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Consumer confidence up in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador under pressure over claims of campaign drug links
- In brief: Mexico hails strong economic performance
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Court delivers blow to Milei’s mega decree
- In brief: Argentina places more bonds on domestic market
On 30 January El Salvador’s Andy Failer, the president of small opposition party Nuestro Tiempo (NT), denounced “anti-democratic acts” by the country’s supreme electoral court (TSE) regarding the failure to accredit and swear-in party representatives for municipal electoral boards (JEM) ahead of the 4 February general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 30 January 2024
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- ECUADOR: Noboa moves to deport foreign prisoners
Andean
- In brief: US begins reimposing Venezuela sanctions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s son targeted in spying probe
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale reports growth in iron ore production
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo holds first meeting with AG
- In brief: Dominican central bank hails strong growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t confirms journalists’ data breach
- In brief: Mexico hails increase in air travel
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Omnibus bill to go to vote
- In brief: Argentina repeals regulations in bid to simplify trade
On 29 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa ordered the prisons authority (SNAI) to begin the process of repatriating foreign prisoners, which his government argues is a necessary step in the escalating battle against criminal gangs.
LatinNews Daily - 29 January 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Machado’s disqualification upheld
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia announces lithium tender
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Illegal mining area expands in Yanomami reserve
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts annual rise in production
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Kenyan court blocks police deployment to Haiti
- In brief: New Northern Triangle climate justice project launched
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concerns raised over arming of children in Guerrero
- In brief: Mexico’s trade deficit drops in 2023
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei further empowers Caputo
- In brief: Paraguay granted CAF credit line
Washington Watch
- US boosts security cooperation with Ecuador
On 27 January the US State Department announced that it is reviewing its sanctions policy on Venezuela after the country’s supreme court (TSJ) rejected an appeal by opposition presidential aspirant María Corina Machado against a ban on her candidacy.
LatinNews Daily - 26 January 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Agreement with opposition on 'life support', says Maduro
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s country risk drops
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More pressure on Bolsonaro ally over spying scandal
- In brief: Mining firms fined over Brazil dam disaster
Central America & Caribbean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Diplomats reiterate commitment to dialogue
- In brief: UN trade official warns on Panama Canal levels
Mexico
- MEXICO: Edomex AG target of armed attack
- In brief: Mexico’s private sector urges end of Audi workers’ strike
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei clashes with governors
- In brief: Paraguay reports smaller trade deficit
On 25 January Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro said that a democratic agreement reached with the political opposition in October is “on life support” as the government wages an intensifying crackdown on its opponents.
LatinNews Daily - 25 January 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Thousands protest as omnibus bill advances
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Foreign minister suspended
- In brief: Colombia considers seeking international support to tackle fires
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t recognises more climate emergencies
- In brief: US carmaker GM to boost investment in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Discredited AG refuses to quit
- In brief: El Salvador raises concern over Guatemala mine
Mexico
- MEXICO: Municipal police killed in Guanajuato
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- In brief: Mercosur meeting urges conclusion of EU FTA deal
On 24 January thousands took to the streets across Argentina for a general strike organised by the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), the country’s most powerful trade union organisation in protest against President Javier Milei’s economic reforms.
LatinNews Daily - 24 January 2024
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- VENEZUELA: Renewed crackdown draws US concern
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s gov’t highlights cost of pro-Morales protests
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t addresses anti-indigenous violence in northeast
- In brief: Brazil’s annual tax take decreases in real terms
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves unveils package of security bills
- In brief: Costa Rica’s exports post solid growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t hails US ruling reviving lawsuit against US gunmakers
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex signs agreement with Venezuela
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY/REGION: Asunción prepares for Mercosur meeting
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity falls
On 23 January the US State Department expressed concern at over 30 arrest warrants issued in Venezuela in recent days, which it said violate the agreement reached in October between President Nicolás Maduro’s government and the opposition.
LatinNews Daily - 23 January 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Dissident Farc leader captured in Ecuador
Andean
- In brief: Peru unveils new public-private investment projects
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes part of budget legislation
- In brief: Brazil launches reindustrialisation funding plan
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Pressure grows on gov’t over nuns’ kidnapping
- In brief: Honduras’ Cohep highlights new EU deforestation export rules
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t slams judiciary over Ayotzinapa ruling
- In brief: Experts maintain Mexico’s growth forecast
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pension reform clears key hurdle
- In brief: Chile modernises Efta trade agreement
On 22 January the suspected leader of a dissident unit of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group, Carlos Arturo Landázuri (‘Comandante Gringo’), was handed over to the Colombian authorities after being arrested in Ecuador.
LatinNews Daily - 22 January 2024
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- REGION: Andean Community announces new security plan
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador announces investment in electricity infrastructure
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms commitment to China partnership
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises slightly in November
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New Semilla-backed congress leader elected
- In brief: Nicaragua’s central bank president upbeat on growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Suspected Cártel del Golfo leader arrested
- In brief: Mexico receives US labour rights request
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei extends congressional sessions
- In brief: Paraguay continues to lower interest rates
Washington Watch
- US congratulates Guatemala’s Arévalo
On 21 January the member states of the Andean Community (CAN) – Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia – approved a joint security plan in response to the dramatic crime wave that has engulfed Ecuador.
LatinNews Daily - 19 January 2024
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- COLOMBIA: Agreements reached in third round of EMC peace talks
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela and Indonesia sign MoU on oil and gas
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police target opposition leader in relation to 8 January riots
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to expand controversial oil refinery
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Violence in capital intensifies as unrest elsewhere continues
- In brief: Tourism picks up in Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: President outlines reform to target autonomous bodies
- In brief: Mexico issues new sustainability bond
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Progress made to amend omnibus bill
- In brief: Argentina registers trade deficit in 2023
On 18 January the third round of peace talks between the Colombian government and the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), an alliance of dissident units of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group, concluded with a number of agreements.
LatinNews Daily - 18 January 2024
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- ECUADOR: Prosecutor investigating TV studio attack assassinated
Andean
- In brief: Oil production ticks up in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGOs raise alarm on indigenous rights abuses
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales rise in November
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: US blacklists former president Giammattei
- In brief: Costa Rica hails record tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: MC presidential candidate targets security
- In brief: Mexican gov’t hails new private sector investment
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei debuts at Davos
- In brief: Uruguay hails tourism recovery
On 17 January César Suárez, the Ecuadorean prosecutor leading an investigation into the storming of a television station by gunmen on 9 January, was shot dead.
LatinNews Daily - 17 January 2024
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- BOLIVIA: Protests loom over Morales’ call for judges to be replaced
Andean
- In brief: Mining exports up in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s party tries to downplay internal divisions
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector sees monthly rise
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo to request AG’s resignation
- In brief: Honduras’ legislature approves State 2024 budget
Mexico
- MEXICO: More violence in Guerrero as gov’t touts drop in homicides
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t receives passenger rail proposals
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Senate ratifies key maritime treaty
- In brief: Argentina places bonds on domestic market
On 16 January Bolivia’s government led by President Luis Arce condemned former president Evo Morales (2006-2019) for his call for protests demanding the replacement of the country’s top judges.
LatinNews Daily - 16 January 2024
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- NICARAGUA: Jailed prominent bishop and other clerics freed, expelled
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Optimism as EMC ceasefire extended
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up year-on-year
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula sanctions law on cyberbullying and online crimes
- In brief: Slight drop in Brazil’s annual coffee exports
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ trade drops
Mexico
- MEXICO: Protest over killing of trans activist
- In brief: Mexico’s tax take up in 2023
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Government deal may herald pension breakthrough
- In brief: Cost of basic basket rises faster than inflation in Argentina
On 15 January Vatican News, the news portal of the Holy See, confirmed that Nicaraguan Bishops Rolando Álvarez and Isidoro Mora and 17 other clerics had arrived in Rome after being released from prison and expelled by Nicaragua’s government led by President Daniel Ortega the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 15 January 2024
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- GUATEMALA: Arévalo takes office
Andean
- ECUADOR: Prison hostages released
- In brief: Venezuela’s year-end inflation lowest since 2015, says central bank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Deforestation drops in Amazon, rises in Cerrado
- In brief: Brazil’s sugar cane production up
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua’s annual inflation edges down
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concerns mount over electoral violence
- In brief: López Obrador forecasts strong 2024 growth
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Mapuche leader arrested
- In brief: Paraguay’s exports up in 2023
Washington Watch
- US defence official visits Guyana amid Venezuela tensions
On 14 January reformist anti-corruption outsider Bernardo Arévalo took office as Guatemala’s president for a four-year term.
LatinNews Daily - 12 January 2024
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- ECUADOR: Further details on prisons plan as crisis continues
Andean
- In brief: Peru lowers interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former STF justice to join Lula’s cabinet
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly inflation up as annual rate falls
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Tensions rise as arrests ordered ahead of inauguration
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Renewed concerns over migrant safety
- In brief: International tourism up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Inflation soars to fresh heights
- In brief: Uruguay to export bone-in meat to Israel
On 11 January Ecuador’s government led by President Daniel Noboa announced further measures aimed at controlling an unprecedented wave of violent crime.
LatinNews Daily - 11 January 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Gov’t reaches IMF agreement in boost for Milei
Andean
- PERU/ECUADOR: State of emergency in Peru amid fears of crime spillover
- In brief: Ecuador’s congress approves energy reform bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former São Paulo mayor to join campaign of Lula’s candidate
- In brief: Annual drop expected in Brazil’s 2024 grain harvest
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo’s pick for energy brief declines post
- In brief: Minimum wage increased in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena responds to corruption allegations
- In brief: Mexico’s GFCF picks up
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile’s Boric seeks to boost investment by cutting bureaucracy
On 10 January Argentina’s Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the government had reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which could lead to the disbursement of some US$4.7bn.
LatinNews Daily - 10 January 2024
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- ECUADOR: ‘Internal armed conflict’ declared amid security meltdown
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Ecopetrol sells bonds as part of debt buyback strategy
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t to boost security in Yanomami indigenous reserve
- In brief: Brazil’s senate to negotiate payroll tax breaks with gov’t
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Protests at shuttered mine
- In brief: Cuba raises fuel, transport prices
Mexico
- MEXICO: MC announces new presidential candidate
- In brief: Annual inflation continues upwards trend in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Congress debates Milei’s omnibus bill
- In brief: Argentina’s free market dollar soars
On 9 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa signed a decree declaring that the country is experiencing an “internal armed conflict” after gunmen stormed a television studio.
LatinNews Daily - 09 January 2024
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- ECUADOR: Noboa declares nationwide state of exception, curfew
Andean
- In brief: Annual inflation drops in Venezuela, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t marks 8 January riots anniversary
- In brief: Rise in Brazilian chicken exports
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo names his cabinet
- In brief: Costa Rica posts highest deflation of last decade
Mexico
- MEXICO: Blow to Morena as CDMX AG denied second term
- In brief: Mexico hails FDI flows
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Caputo and Posse meet IMF team
- In brief: Chile registers monthly deflation
On 8 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of exception that includes a nationwide night-time curfew, between the hours of 11pm and 5am.
LatinNews Daily - 08 January 2024
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- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Ruling party kicks off campaigning ahead of elections
Andean
- ECUADOR: Top drug trafficker escapes from prison
- In brief: Venezuela eyes oil cooperation with Mexico
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Capital riots anniversary sparks debate on military’s role
- In brief: Brazil registers record trade surplus in 2023
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Mining firm warns of unrest in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Deadly violence in Guerrero
- In brief: Mexico’s president unveils plans for minimum wage, pension reforms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei promotes environmental credentials
- In brief: Argentina moves to meet debt obligations
Washington Watch
- US delegation talks migration in Mexico
On 7 January the Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader officially launched the campaign for the ruling Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM) in Santo Domingo for the 18 February municipal elections, ahead of the 19 May presidential elections in which he is seeking re-election.
LatinNews Daily - 05 January 2024
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- EL SALVADOR: Gov’t to present formal charges against gang leaders
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa promises new prisons for ‘Bukele lovers’
- In brief: Inflation rises in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Capital’s security bolstered ahead of 8 January anniversary
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicles sales rise in December
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua claims benefits of new FTA with China
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum on the rise
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico considers future rates cut
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei faces fresh legal challenge
- In brief: Uruguay’s annual inflation continues to inch up
On 4 January El Salvador’s justice & security minister, Gustavo Villatoro, said that formal charges were being prepared against the leadership of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), one of El Salvador’s two main gangs.
LatinNews Daily - 04 January 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei faces first major judicial setback
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa unveils questions for security referendum
- In brief: Peru seeks to attract record investment in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rio mayoral candidate suspected of corruption
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Rights groups hail release of anti-corruption prosecutor
- In brief: Annual inflation in Dominican Republic down
Mexico
- MEXICO: Kidnapped migrants rescued
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico hails rise in international reserves
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina gov’t warns of high December inflation
On 3 January Argentina’s national labour appeals court suspended a key part of President Javier Milei’s emergency decree aimed at overhauling the economy.
LatinNews Daily - 03 January 2024
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- NICARAGUA: Gov’t under pressure over Catholic Church crackdown
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa shuts down security agency
- In brief: Bolivia hails record remittances
Brazil
- BRAZIL: São Paulo governor to cut funding for police body cameras
- In brief: Experts forecast slower growth and inflation for Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Inflation slows in Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: López Obrador confirms kidnapping of migrants
- In brief: Mexico issues major bond placement on international market
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei overhauls military top brass
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity rises
On 2 January Nicaragua’s Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) government led by President Daniel Ortega released a communiqué which included photos of Bishop Rolando Álvarez who has been imprisoned for 500 days.
LatinNews Daily - 02 January 2024
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- ARGENTINA: Milei pressures congress over omnibus reform bill
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales says will run for a fourth term despite court ruling
- In brief: Colombia raises minimum wage
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes sections of controversial pesticides bill
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rate drops
Central America & Caribbean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Tensions flare over UK ship’s visit to Guyana
- In brief: Panama approves 2024 budget
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t piles pressure on García Luna
- In brief: Second section of Mexico’s Tren Maya railway inaugurated
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile’s Codelco reaches lithium mining agreement with SQM
On 30 December Argentina’s President Javier Milei called on congress to act quickly to approve his omnibus reform bill, saying this was necessary to “avoid a catastrophe of biblical proportions”; despite this, opposition to his sweeping reforms is on the rise.