ARGENTINA: Gridlock likely and governability crisis possible after mid-terms
The governing Front for All (FdT) coalition will struggle to avoid a damaging defeat in November’s partial mid-term elections. The government is hoping to limit its losses with unabashed clientelism, but FdT power struggles and highly problematic economic conditions milita… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password […]
Argentina: New “Cepo”, Old Problems, No Solutions
Last week the Central Bank again intensified the “cepo”, cutting import payments and making the operation of alternative dollars even more restrictive. You could see it coming. The sale of reserves was unsustainable, and it did not seem very likely that the government would bless… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
CHILE: Presidential race favors leftist Boric but voter indecision still high
A second candidates’ debate took place last night, 11 October, just under six weeks from the first round of the presidential election on 21 November, and with the leftist Gabriel Boric enjoying a consistent poll lead, albeit with voter indecision still high. The timing of the deb… Become a member to read the rest […]
LATAM PULSE
This week, Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera faces a bumpy ride as he seeks to defend himself from allegations arising from the “Pandora Papers” leak; at the same time, another presidential debate takes place later today. In Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) w… Become a member to read the rest of this article
BRAZIL: Tax reform surfaces amid legislative profligacy
President Jair Bolsonaro has been uncommonly discreet since his official apology to other branches of government for his frequent attacks against them two days after the pro-government protests on Independence Day, 7 September. Congress was already distancing itself from the gove… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PERU: Cliff edge avoided, but governability and moderation may still be elusive
President Pedro Castillo made seven changes to his cabinet yesterday, 6 October. The reshuffle promotes more moderate leftists largely at the expense of ministers who answer to the Peru Libre (PL) party boss Vladimir Cerron. The highly controversial Prime Minister (PCM) Guido Bel… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHILE: Presidential race under shadow of constitutional debate
While the recent leak of financial records (“Pandora Papers”) continues to affect President Sebastian Pinera – and by extension the center-right presidential candidate Sebastian Sichel – Chile’s constitutional debate has deeper implications. Holding presidential and legislative e… Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM PULSE
This week, Mexico’s electricity sector counter-reforms are in the legislature, where they could muffle recent speculation about the battle to eventually succeed President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). Political tensions in Peru are rising. In Ecuador, talks between the gove… Become a member to read the rest of this article
Argentina: Transitory Needs and Permanent Problems
This week the government announced a plan for 55-year-old women and 60-year-old men to obtain their retirement if they are unemployed and meet a contribution requirement. The logic of the measure is that it is not easy for this group reintegrating into the labor market, much more… Become a member to read the rest […]
PERU: Contradictions and confusion
Prime Minister Guido Bellido’s threat to nationalize the consortium that operates the Camisea natural gas field unless it agrees to pay higher taxes is unsettling – though not for what might seem the most obvious reasons. Camisea is a consortium whose members include Pluspetrol (… Become a member to read the rest of this […]