BRAZIL: Bolsonaro weaker after protests but early exit threats not in sight
President Jair Bolsonaro’s political situation is worse after the Independence Day (7 September) protests that he encouraged. The crowds were impressive in both Brasilia and Sao Paulo, the two cities where he chose to deliver speeches. Over the weekend preceding the events, the p… Become a member to read the rest of this article […]
VENEZUELA: Positive early steps but mountain still to climb in political talks
Regime and opposition negotiators announced two partial agreements at the end of three days of talks that culminated on 6 September. The two sides have agreed to build mechanisms to facilitate food aid and health assistance for the local population and announced they share positi… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
MEXICO: Prospects for AMLO’s three constitutional reform priorities
Three constitutional reforms that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) wants to advance over the next 18 months face an uphill struggle. The congressional landscape is more complex following the June mid-terms, though AMLO is likely to probe the main opposition all… Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM PULSE
This week, in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro is aiming for a show of force in a day of protests. Argentina holds its primaries ahead of November’s mid-terms. In Colombia, the new tax reform – the third such initiative under President Ivan Duque – goes to congressional votes thi… Become a member to read the […]
BRAZIL: Day of economic reckoning for Bolsonaro
President Jair Bolsonaro has resorted to combative discourse from the outset of his government. The strategy has always been to attack first and explain later, never to recognize mistakes, and at best deny what was said. Even when he has struck deals with other branches of gover… Become a member to read the rest […]
ARGENTINA: Ruling coalition outwardly united but limping towards primary vote
Party primaries (known as the Open, Simultaneous and Obligatory Primaries, or PASO) take place on 12 September. These are the prelude to the 14 November partial legislative mid-term elections, in which half of the lower house and one-third of the Senate will be renewed. Since vot… Become a member to read the rest of […]
LATAM PULSE
This week, a new congressional session opens in Mexico. Brazil gears up for potentially stormy protests next week. In Chile, another pension withdrawal is under consideration but faces a more difficult path than previous withdrawal initiatives. Meanwhile, the race to succeed Colo… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PERU: Congress finally backs new cabinet but stability to remain fragile
After an extended session stretching over two days, Congress yesterday, 27 August, voted to endorse President Pedro Castillo’s first cabinet. There were 73 votes in favor versus 50 against. Below we examine the key takeaways from the vote. The vote represents an immediate-term… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHILE: Examining the presidential line-up and scenarios
The line-up of nine candidates competing for the 21 November presidential election is now complete. The radical left and center-right have the best chance of reaching the December run-off amid the ongoing struggles of the center-left. A fragmented line-up The top tier … Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM PULSE
This week, in Peru, a vote of confidence in the new cabinet promises another politically tumultuous few days ahead. Chile’s line-up of presidential candidates will be settled by tomorrow; in parallel, the battle over the two-thirds rule in Chile’s constituent assembly continues. … Become a member to read the rest of this article