LatinNews Daily
LatinNews Daily - 23 October 2026
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- ECUADOR: Leading opposition figure arrested
Andean
- In brief: Mass protests in Venezuela to demand elections
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Candidates seek to allay corruption concerns as campaigns wind down
- In brief: Brazil posts year-on-year rise in tax revenue
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: More constitutional changes as vice-presidential posts scrapped
- In brief: Panama outlines ‘competitive advantages’ at WEF event
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former Chihuahua AG formally charged
- In brief: Unemployment in Mexico edges down
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: More terrorist designations in show of US alignment
- In brief: Argentina’s lower chamber approves disability benefits bill
On 22 October police arrested Luisa González, a two-time Ecuadorean presidential candidate and leading figure in the left-wing opposition Revolución Ciudadana (RC), on suspicion of money laundering.
Analysis:
González was arrested as part of the ‘Laberinto’ probe into the financing of her 2023 election campaign, in which she lost to President Daniel Noboa.
LatinNews Daily - 22 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Corruption debate intensifies in final campaign stretch
Andean
- VENEZUELA: More breakthroughs in latest round of opposition talks
- In brief: Colombian budget to be imposed by decree as minister replaced
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s government opens new credit line for exporters
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Gov’t under pressure over missing Salvadorean GSF personnel
- In brief: Panama Canal sees rise in transits and revenue
Mexico
- MEXICO: Social security workers reject latest wage offer
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t unveils funds to address Guadalajara water crisis
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei wades in on Spain’s elections
- In brief: Argentina’s economy posts slight rebound in August
On 21 October Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (Partido Liberal, PL) said he would disclose some of his financial and telephone records if his election rival, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT), agreed to disclose records of government advisers and figures from his inner circle.
Analysis:
Bolsonaro’s announcement comes as the final stages of campaigning ahead of the 25 October run-off have seen both candidates trade corruption accusations, with Lula ramping up his rhetoric on corruption and promising to disclose his own financial records in a bid to pressure Bolsonaro to do the same.
LatinNews Daily - 21 October 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Expanded budget clears congress despite promise of spending cuts
Andean
- In brief: Peruvian and Ecuadorean presidents shore up ties
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Debates over Bolsa Família programme intensify ahead of run-off
- In brief: Brazilian poultry exports partially suspended following disease outbreak
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Protests over university spending cuts
- In brief: IMF begins sixth and final review of programme in Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t defends handling of disappearances before UN
- In brief: Mexico positive on US trade talks
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Homicides rise as Orsi’s approval falters
- In brief: Argentina hails record oil production in September
On 20 October Colombia’s congress approved the national budget for 2027 which was submitted by the government of President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Analysis:
De la Espriella has been forced to row back on his plans for deep cuts to government spending.
LatinNews Daily - 20 October 2026
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- HAITI: Attack on GSF draws alarm
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ‘Total offensive’ declared against Arauca guerrilla groups
- In brief: More than a dozen people killed in Colombia mine collapse
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula supporters denounce Meta’s alleged election interference
- In brief: Struggling Brazilian retailer concludes bankruptcy proceedings
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Cuba slams Castro arrest warrant
Mexico
- MEXICO: More protests in Guadalajara as water crisis continues
- In brief: Mexico suspends poultry imports from Brazil
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Senior US official signs agreements in Asunción
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus up in September
On 19 October Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the head of the United Nations (UN) Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh), expressed “deep concern” at a day-earlier gang attack in Haiti on Salvadorean members of the UN-authorised Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
Analysis:
Ruiz, who was speaking during a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Haiti, was responding to an attack which took place in Croix-des-Bouquets, a Port-au-Prince commune, in which the armoured vehicle of four Salvadorean aviation technicians, who managed to flee but remain missing, was targeted with gunfire and explosives and set alight.
LatinNews Daily - 19 October 2026
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- BOLIVIA: Kast visit marks chance for reset with Chile
Andean
- In brief: Colombia and Ecuador restore flows of electricity and oil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Candidates face off in first TV debate
- In brief: Economic activity rises in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Commotion over killing of former anti-corruption prosecutor
- In brief: DR and US boost economic, security ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former Chihuahua AG arrested for treason
- In brief: US lifts restrictions on Mexican airlines
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Protests on Estallido Social anniversary
- In brief: Argentina’s financial surplus widens in September
Washington Watch
- US rejects reports of Panama troop deployment
On 16 October Chile’s President José Antonio Kast made the first state visit to Bolivia by a Chilean president in 71 years and held discussions with President Rodrigo Paz aimed at overcoming the decades-old tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Analysis:
The last state visit by a Chilean president was in 1955, and in the seven decades since then bilateral relations have been dominated by an impasse over Bolivia’s demand for the restoration of sea access that it lost in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884).
LatinNews Daily - 16 October 2026
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- ARGENTINA: Protesters unconvinced by Milei’s miracle model
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Pressure grows for elections
- In brief: Colombia’s bodyguard service facing cuts
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula adopts tougher tone on security
- In brief: Brazilian mayors express fiscal concerns over shorter working week
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: US targets Cuban bank with new sanctions
- In brief: Rise in Panama Canal transit slots takes effect
Mexico
- MEXICO: Heat rises on Jalisco security forces over protest response
- In brief: Workers for Mexico’s social security institute reject pay offer
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina’s Telecom accepts offer on Telefónica assets
On 15 October Argentina’s President Javier Milei claimed during a visit to the US that his government’s economic model was nothing short of “a miracle”, expressing confidence that voters would re-elect him in presidential elections next October.
Analysis:
As President Milei was extolling his administration’s economic achievements, tens of thousands of students, teachers, and trade unionists staged a major protest in Buenos Aires and other large cities against his government’s harsh austerity measures.
LatinNews Daily - 15 October 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Mass protests against De la Espriella
Andean
- In brief: US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s Jorge Rodríguez
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Boost for Lula as congress shortens working week
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector posts monthly decline
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Fernández inaugurates new mega jail
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation up year-on-year, down in monthly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t acts to protect minors from harmful digital content
- In brief: Mexico’s lower chamber approves income side of budget
Southern Cone
- CHILE: UK ambassador visits amid Argentina Falklands tensions
- In brief: Uruguayan gov’t hails major data centre project
On 14 October anti-government protests were held in cities across Colombia, marking the first major pushback against President Abelardo de la Espriella since he took office in August.
Analysis:
De la Espriella is committed to undoing the left-wing pivot which took place under his predecessor, Gustavo Petro (2022-2026).
LatinNews Daily - 14 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro moderates stance by backing work-week reduction
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Gov’t proposes reduced sentences for collaborating armed groups
- In brief: Colombia-Israel FTA restored
Brazil
- In brief: More investment in major Brazilian airport
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Tensions with US rise over rejection of diplomat pick
- In brief: Costa Rica’s economic activity continues to slow
Mexico
- MEXICO: US targets another designated cartel
- In brief: Mexico’s Televisa, Fintech to buy AT&T México
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei ramps up Falklands dispute
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation picks up as IMF cuts growth forecast
On 13 October Brazilian presidential candidate, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (Partido Liberal, PL), sought to boost his popularity by expressing support for legislation to shorten the maximum working week, a reform backed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and which Bolsonaro has previously criticised.
Analysis:
Bolsonaro’s change of stance on the labour reform proposal, which pollsters have shown to be a popular initiative, come as he is seeking to shore up support and prevent Lula from gaining ground ahead of the presidential run-off vote on 25 October.
LatinNews Daily - 13 October 2026
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- BOLIVIA: New investigation into Morales could inflame protests
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela and Dominican Republic seek closer ties
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro allowed to visit father in boost for campaign
- In brief: IMF lowers Brazil’s growth forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Edging toward justice for environmentalist’s killing
- In brief: Cuba updates oil and gas regulations
Mexico
- MEXICO: Jalisco gov’t under pressure over response to water protests
- In brief: Industrial production up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei denies Caputo rift ahead of key IMF trip
- In brief: Uruguay unveils bill to lower retirement age
On 12 October Bolivia’s interim Attorney General José Armando Urioste announced that prosecutors have begun gathering evidence of possible “crimes against humanity” by former president Evo Morales (2006-2019).
Analysis:
Morales, who for the last two years has been holed up in his political stronghold of Chapare, Cochabamba department, under the protection of his coca union Seis Federaciones del Trópico de Cochabamba, is under mounting legal threat.
LatinNews Daily - 12 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Campaign heats up amid fake news and meddling accusations
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rubio calls for patience on democratisation
- In brief: Colombia registers diminished coffee harvest
Brazil
- In brief: Inflation rises in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Gov’t declares state of emergency following earthquake
- In brief: EU removes Panama from tax haven list
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t to build new prison in Sinaloa amid rising violence
- In brief: Mexican airports close due to Hurricane Simón
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: China flexes its muscles over Taiwan
- In brief: Chile’s Kast promulgates economic mega reform
Washington Watch
- US establishes regional narcotics unit in Argentina
On 11 October the head of Brazil’s superior electoral court (TSE), Kássio Nunes Marques, ordered the suspension of a WhatsApp channel of supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, prompting accusations of electoral meddling.
Analysis:
Brazil’s presidential campaign is heating up with just two weeks to go until the 25 October run-off vote between Lula (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT) and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (Partido Liberal, PL), the eldest son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023).
LatinNews Daily - 09 October 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US ramps up case against Maduro with torture charges
Andean
- In brief: Electricity rationing tightened for Ecuador’s industrial sector
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro defends pensions in bid to strengthen support
- In brief: Brazilian minister affirms commitment to US tariff talks amid elections
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo targets insecurity but time running short
- In brief: El Salvador’s gov’t enters private sector partnership on e-wallet
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sinaloa prison riot reflects continuing security crisis
- In brief: Inflation edges up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Heavy rains prompt state of catastrophe in Santiago
- In brief: Monthly inflation down in Chile despite rising fuel costs
On 8 October the US Department of Justice issued a superseding indictment which accused Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) and his wife, Cilia Flores, of conspiracy to commit torture, in addition to pre-existing drugs and weapons-related charges.
Analysis:
The criminal case against Maduro and Flores has now been widened to encompass the brutal repression that they are accused of presiding over, in addition to the previous charges which revolved around their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
LatinNews Daily - 08 October 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro reportedly facing additional torture charges
Andean
- In brief: Annual inflation up slightly in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro reiterates calls for judicial reform
- In brief: Brazil completes major oil auction
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Unrelenting US pressure takes toll
- In brief: El Niño prompts declaration of emergency in El Salvador
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum signs into law dual nationality ban for top posts
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t hails energy sector investment
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Pressure rises on Milei over university financing law
- In brief: Uruguay’s poverty rate decreases year-on-year
On 7 October US broadcaster CNN reported that New York prosecutors are preparing to charge Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) and his wife, Cilia Flores, with torture in addition to the drug trafficking and weapons charges that they already face.
Analysis:
The torture charges would reportedly relate to US citizens who were detained in Venezuela during Maduro’s presidency.
LatinNews Daily - 07 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Centre-right swings behind Bolsonaro
Andean
- PERU: Lower chamber approves emergency powers for Fujimori
- In brief: Bolivia receives first tranche of IMF loan
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus rises year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Ruling party reeling from alleged drug links
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Security forces capture alleged CJNG regional head
- In brief: Citi México holds forecasts steady for GDP, interest rates, inflation
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t withdraws security reform as new proposal agreed
- In brief: Chile's Codelco investigates new signs of inflated production figures
On 6 October Brazilian conservative parties Progressistas (PP) and União Brasil (União) announced they would back the presidential bid of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (Partido Liberal, PL), whose candidacy has also been bolstered by recent declarations of support from other right-wing figures.
Analysis:
Bolsonaro’s campaign is gaining more momentum with the support of two prominent parties associated with the so-called ‘centrão’, the loose grouping of centrist and right-of-centre parties that have traditionally dominated congress.
LatinNews Daily - 06 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro wins key endorsements, bolstering bid
Andean
- PERU: Rightwards swing maintained in regional elections
- In brief: Ecopetrol and Petrobras conclude Colombia exploration campaign
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales rise in September
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Doubts surround elections after postponement
- In brief: Panama boosts ties with Singapore
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions build with US ambassador
- In brief: GFCF rises in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Another Carabinero killed as security reform remains bogged down
- In brief: Inflation rises in Uruguay
On 5 October Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro received a boost when right-wing candidates who did not advance past the first-round vote, Romeu Zema and Ronaldo Caiado, promised to support his presidential bid.
Analysis:
Bolsonaro will be in an even stronger position to defeat President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the second round on 25 October with conservative parties coalescing behind him.
LatinNews Daily - 05 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Strong first round for Bolsonarismo
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Attorney general removed by congress
- In brief: Inflation slows in Venezuela
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production declines
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: OAS delays response while US keeps options open
- In brief: Diesel subsidy announced in Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former navy captain arrested in major fuel smuggling case
- In brief: IMF identifies debt reduction as challenge for Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Strong opposition showing in municipal polls
- In brief: Argentina to launch citizen-by-investment scheme
Washington Watch
- US sanctions alleged cartel members, corrupt officials in Mexico
On 4 October Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro won the most votes in the first round of the presidential election and will face President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 25 October run-off.
LatinNews Daily - 02 October 2026
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- BRAZIL: Concerns of US interference intensify ahead of first-round vote
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Tensions mount between gov’t and AG
- In brief: IMF considers a Venezuela office
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil posts rise in oil and gas production
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele gov’t receives IMF boost
- In brief: Guatemala and Taiwan shore up ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Alarms raised over school safety following fatal attack
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico down in August
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Markets losing confidence in Milei
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity down following reduced mining output
On 1 October the office of Brazil’s solicitor general (AGU), the federal government’s legal counsel, called for an investigation into alleged funding from the government of US President Donald Trump aimed at undermining Brazil’s supreme court (STF).
Analysis:
The AGU’s request, which was based on a report released the previous day by UK newspaper The Guardian, comes three days before Brazil heads to the polls to elect the president; two thirds of the 81-member senate; all 513 members of the federal lower chamber; all 27 governors; and the state legislatures.
LatinNews Daily - 01 October 2026
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- BOLIVIA: AG and former interior minister reportedly arrested over narco claims
Andean
- In brief: Interest rate hiked in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t highlights progress in US tariff talks
- In brief: Brazil posts primary deficit in August
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Commission recommends orderly closure of Panama mine
- In brief: Guatemala’s gov’t announces fuel tax exemptions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t back on defensive over disappearances
- In brief: Mexico’s Ebrard lobbies G20 trade ministers
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast seeks to boost growth, employment in first budget
- In brief: Carmaker Toyota boosts investment in Argentina
On 30 September Bolivia’s attorney general’s office denounced the arrest of Attorney General Roger Mariaca, who had been accused by the US two days earlier of taking bribes from drug traffickers.
Analysis:
According to local press reports, Mariaca was arrested yesterday alongside the top prosecutor in Santa Cruz department, Alberto Zeballos, at Santa Cruz’s Viru Viru international airport.