LatinNews Daily
LatinNews Daily - 25 February 2026
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- PERU: Balcázar names his cabinet
Andean
- In brief: Colombian tariffs on Ecuador come into force
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Trial begins of alleged masterminds of Marielle Franco murder
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New national governance pact signed
- In brief: Cuba to receive more aid from Mexico
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets US officials amid fallout from El Mencho killing
- In brief: Mexico’s lower chamber approves reduction of work week
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t defends handling of Chinese subsea cable concession
- In brief: Argentina's economic activity up in 2025
On 24 February Peru’s President José María Balcázar swore in his ministerial cabinet which is led by Prime Minister Denisse Miralles, rather than Hernando de Soto who had previously been announced as cabinet chief.
LatinNews Daily - 24 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Opposition criticises amnesty law
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s GDP up in 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Win for indigenous protesters after gov’t revokes waterway decree
- In brief: Brazil deepens ties with South Korea
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Another NGO shutters amid closure of civic space
- In brief: Panama gov’t formally takes control of two ports
Mexico
- MEXICO: El Mencho death confirmed amid mass military deployment
- In brief: Mexico posts largest quarterly growth of 2025
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Unions continue to mobilise against labour reform
- In brief: Argentina to hold another debt auction
On 23 February the Venezuelan opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD) criticised the amnesty law for political prisoners which was approved on 19 February.
LatinNews Daily - 23 February 2026
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- MEXICO: Top drug kingpin killed
Andean
- PERU: Balcázar to stand trial for alleged embezzlement
- In brief: Venezuela receives Colombian delegation for energy talks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t boosts ties with India, inks critical minerals deal
- In brief: Brazil’s Azul airline exits bankruptcy
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Russia concludes repatriation of its tourists
- In brief: Guyana denies ExxonMobil request near Venezuela
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico urges ‘prudence’ in response to new Trump levy
Southern Cone
- CHILE: US slaps travel bans on senior Chilean officials
- In brief: Paraguay cuts benchmark interest rate
Washington Watch
- US-Argentina ties on display at Board of Peace meeting
On 22 February Mexico’s defence ministry (Defensa) confirmed that Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), the country’s most powerful drug cartel and one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world, had been killed during a security operation carried out in the western state of Jalisco.
LatinNews Daily - 20 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Amnesty bill signed into law
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro pushes ahead with minimum wage hike
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reiterates calls for global AI governance
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity slows in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Concerns build over prison riot
- In brief: Costa Rica’s President-elect highlights priority initiatives
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t joins US in targeting CJNG timeshare fraud
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico weighs further rate cuts
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Deputies approve labour reform bill
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus grows
On 19 February Venezuela’s national assembly approved a general amnesty bill for political prisoners which was then signed into law by President Delcy Rodríguez.
LatinNews Daily - 19 February 2026
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- PERU: Left-wing president elected by congress
Andean
- In brief: US expands list of foreign oil firms allowed to operate in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula partially vetoes legislation to raise gov’t salaries
- In brief: Brazil shutters another bank tied to Banco Master
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Rubio reportedly in secret talks with Castro grandson
- In brief: Unemployment in Honduras down
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum continues push for ‘Republican Austerity’
- In brief: Mexico’s Walmex announces fall in net profit
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Strikes begin ahead of labour reform vote
- In brief: Argentina posts rise in fiscal surplus
On 18 February Peru’s congress elected the left-wing José María Balcázar as the country’s new president, replacing José Jerí (2025-2026) who was impeached the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 18 February 2026
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- PERU: Jerí impeached by congress
Andean
- In brief: US energy secretary outlines expectations for Venezuelan oil exports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police investigate supreme court data leak
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula begins visit to India
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New security plan launched as state of siege eased
- In brief: Panama remains on EU tax haven list
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum boosts economic ties with Canada
- In brief: Mexico outlines more aid for Cuba
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña marks midway point with mini reshuffle
- In brief: Uruguay’s senate begins talks on EU-Mercosur deal
On 17 February Peru’s President José Jerí was impeached by congress, with legislators due to elect a new president today (18 February).
LatinNews Daily - 17 February 2026
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- GUATEMALA: Boost for Arévalo as discredited AG denied key post
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Minimum wage hike results in legal stand-off
- In brief: Colombia’s GDP growth slows in Q4 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Opposition figures criticise Lula over Carnival tribute
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula hails economic value of Carnival
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: New Honduran gov’t begins talks with IMF
Mexico
- MEXICO: Canada trade mission visits amid USMCA uncertainty
- In brief: Mexico's manufacturing production up year-on-year in December
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces general strike
- In brief: Argentina hails investment in mining project
On 16 February Guatemala’s Attorney General (AG) María Consuelo Porras was denied a seat on the constitutional court (CC) following elections earlier that day by the superior university council (CSU) of the country’s main public university Universidad de San Carlos (Usac).
LatinNews Daily - 16 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US intercepts another tanker, eases oil sanctions
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s economic output rises in 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New charges filed against conspirators in Marielle Franco case
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms, up in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Protests over mass trials
- In brief: Rubio suggests Cuba’s economic opening could ease pressure
Mexico
- MEXICO: Protesters demand justice for kidnapped miners
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex returns to local debt markets
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Metrobús debacle turns political
- In brief: Argentina boosts ties with China
Washington Watch
- US outlines new trade deal with Argentina
On 15 February US forces boarded another tanker in the Indian Ocean which was involved in the transport of sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
LatinNews Daily - 13 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Protesters take to the streets across the country
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s Jerí facing growing impeachment threat
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lead judge of Banco Master probe steps away from case
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector posts slower growth
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo slams AG meddling in election for top court
- In brief: CK Hutchison threatens legal action over Panama ports takeover
Mexico
- MEXICO: Govt’s asks for clarity on US cartel drone claim
- In brief: Mexico reports growth in international tourism in 2025
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric signs updated lithium contract
- In brief: Chile announces humanitarian aid for Cuba
On 12 February there were student-led protests in multiple Venezuelan cities to demand the release of political prisoners, in a sign that the public is becoming emboldened after over a year without major anti-government demonstrations.
LatinNews Daily - 12 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US energy secretary meets Rodríguez
Andean
- In brief: Bolivian hydrocarbon director resigns amid fuel scandal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula’s lead narrowing in new electoral poll
- In brief: Brazilian police question impartiality of Banco Master case judge
Central America & Caribbean
- BARBADOS: Mottley wins third term
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate authorises entry of US marines for training exercises
- In brief: Mexico’s senate approves reduction of work week
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s labour reform clears senate
- In brief: Argentina sees full refinancing in debt auction
On 11 February Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez met with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 11 February 2026
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- CUBA: New blow to Havana as Guatemala ends Cuban doctors scheme
Andean
- ECUADOR: Guayaquil mayor arrested
- In brief: US eases sanctions on Venezuelan oil sector
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Government hails rise in seized gang assets
- In brief: Brazil’s annual inflation rises in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t offers theory on missing miners
- In brief: Tourism GDP up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Senate to debate labour reform amid protests
- In brief: Argentina’s inflation creeps up in January
On 10 February the international media reported that Guatemala’s left-of-centre government led by President Bernardo Arévalo had ended its participation in the Cuban doctors programme.
LatinNews Daily - 10 February 2026
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- CUBA: Canadian airlines halt flights amid impact of US oil blockade
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Released opposition leaders to be kept on tight leash
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lower house leader signals support for labour reforms
- In brief: Brazil issues dollar bonds on international market
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua authorises more Chinese mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defends sovereignty of critical minerals
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation edges up in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Judge charges 19 in Andis corruption scandal
- In brief: Argentina brings new ‘fiscal innocence’ tax regime into force
On 9 February Canadian airlines WestJet, Air Transat, and flagship operator Air Canada announced they were halting all flights to Cuba.
LatinNews Daily - 09 February 2026
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- HAITI: PM takes over executive as CPT dissolves
Andean
- VENEZUELA: High-profile opposition figures released
- In brief: Inflation rises in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Petrobras fined for fluid leak in Amazon oil project
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production down in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ Asfura meets Trump, talks trade and investment
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities find remains of disappeared miners in Sinaloa
- In brief: Mexico sends aid to Cuba as fuel shortages bite
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast unveils more picks for government posts
- In brief: Industrial production down, construction up in Argentina
Washington Watch
- US resumes repatriation flights to Colombia
On 7 February the president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, handed over executive power to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
LatinNews Daily - 06 February 2026
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- CUBA: Havana signals openness to talks with US ‘without preconditions’
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Amnesty bill approved in first debate
- In brief: Protests in Bolivia against low-quality fuel
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Government reaffirms cooperation with Russia
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus up despite drop in exports
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t hails reduction in fiscal deficit
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mayor of Tequila arrested for extortion
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico pauses rate cutting cycle
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei secures trade and investment deal with US
- In brief: Public sector pension reform clears Paraguay’s lower chamber
On 5 February Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the government “was ready to have talks with the US over any issue it wants to debate,” although “this must take place without preconditions, and from a position of equals and with respect.”
LatinNews Daily - 05 February 2026
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- HAITI: US bolsters support for PM as key deadline approaches
Andean
- COLOMBIA: CNE bars Cepeda from left-wing primary election
- In brief: Ecuador makes progress with UAE and DR trade deals
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula launches initiative to address femicides
- In brief: Brazil’s senate to investigate Banco Master fraud case
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: UN warns on Cuba’s oil situation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum addresses Sinaloa violence
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex hails debt reduction, sheds light on Cuba oil shipments
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Progress on new migration agency
- In brief: Argentina and Paraguay, among others, sign US critical minerals deals
On 4 February the US embassy in Haiti expressed support for Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, while the same day the US Southern Command (Southcom) announced that a US warship and two Coast Guard cutters had arrived off the bay of Port-au-Prince.
LatinNews Daily - 04 February 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Petro and Trump hit it off in high-stakes meeting
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa seeks UAE investment
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO criticises hardline security policies
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production drops in December, rises in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: China warns over ports ruling as arbitration proceedings filed
- In brief: Panama hails record exports
Mexico
- MEXICO: Water dispute with US nears resolution
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils infrastructure investment plan
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi boosts ties with Beijing
- In brief: Annual inflation falls in Paraguay
On 3 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro met US President Donald Trump at the White House, with both leaders describing the meeting as positive despite bilateral tensions having remained high for over a year.
LatinNews Daily - 03 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez meets US envoy
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador restricts mining operations in three provinces
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula sets out legislative priorities for election year
- In brief: Record oil and gas production in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Asfura announces plans to draft anti-corruption bill
- In brief: Sharp fall in tourism to Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena senate head steps down
- In brief: Long-awaited intercity train line opens in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tensions break out over inflation data
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up in December
On 2 February Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez held a meeting with Laura Dogu, the new US envoy to Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 02 February 2026
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves continuity candidate wins outright
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez announces general amnesty for political prisoners
- In brief: Interest rate hiked in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rising femicides in São Paulo pile pressure on authorities
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment drops to record lows
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Denmark’s Maersk to temporarily administer two Panama ports
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to US Cuba tariff threats
- In brief: Mexico’s economic growth rebounds in Q4
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Bukele offers Kast prison assistance
- In brief: Slashing of public sector jobs continues in Argentina
Washington Watch
- US announces new top envoy for Venezuela
On 1 February Laura Fernández, the candidate for Costa Rica’s right-wing Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), won the presidential election which took place along with legislative elections earlier that day.