COLOMBIA: Another tax reform edges into view amid risk of ratings downgrade
President Ivan Duque on 8 February announced that a tax reform – the third of his presidency – would be presented in the next legislative period, which runs from March to June. While the need for fiscal reforms is ever-present, the pandemic-induced economic crisis has made it muc… Become a member to read the […]
ARGENTINA: How vaccines, the economy, and elections fit together
The 2021 electoral process involves obligatory party primaries scheduled for 8 August followed by partial legislative mid-terms on 24 October. The mid-terms will not just determine governability in the second half of President Alberto Fernandez’s administration, but will also l… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ECUADOR: Perez or Lasso – that is the question
With 97.85% of votes cast in the 7 February presidential election now counted, Andres Arauz of the leftist Union for Hope (UNES) coalition has won 32.16% of the vote. Yaku Perez of Pachakutik, the political arm of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie),… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
LATAM PULSE
This week, a tense vote count in Ecuador will determine who should go into an April presidential run-off vote against the leftist Andres Arauz. Politically delicate wage talks get underway in Argentina amid concern over inflationary pressures and renewed anti-business rhetoric fr… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MEXICO: Confrontation brewing over rehabilitation of state utility’s monopoly
Proposed changes to the 2013 Electricity Industry Law (LIE) represent another lurch towards energy nationalism. A bill sent to the lower house of Congress on 1 February proposes altering grid dispatch rules to benefit the state-run CFE electricity utility; scrapping long-term pow… Become a member to read the rest of this article
BRAZIL: House Speaker vote crucial but Bolsonaro’s future is in his own hands
Two candidacies for house speaker reveal realignments among centrist forces but candidates agree on legislative priorities. Not even a pro-government candidate could stop an impeachment if political conditions so warrant it. Support for the Jair Bolsonaro administration will not… Become a member to read the rest of this article
COLOMBIA: Minister’s death puts spotlight on pandemic and succession challenges
The death from Covid-19 of Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo yesterday, 26 January, highlights two challenges facing President Ivan Duque’s government. Most immediately, the public health situation is very serious, while the government is increasingly under fire for being s… Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM PULSE
This week, in Brazil, calls for President Jair Bolsonaro’s impeachment are increasing; upcoming congressional leadership votes will determine whether a formal impeachment process ensues. Meanwhile, another debt swap is causing controversy in Argentina, this time involving state-r… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PERU: What matters ahead of April presidential vote
There are just under 11 weeks to go before the 11 April first round of the presidential election. Below we examine the state of the race alongside key signposts and scenarios. Voting intentions remain dispersed, with a high number of undecided voters. No candidate is currently p… Become a member to read the rest […]
BRAZIL: Crucial House election will be late nail-biter and hold agenda hostage
There is a growing perception that President Jair Bolsonaro’s denialist approach to the Covid-19 pandemic has reached its high point. In the last few days, two northern states – Amazonas and Para – have experienced a significant increase in the number of deaths of Covid-19 patien… Become a member to read the rest of […]