HONG KONG/CHINA: High-profile arrests signal more aggressive legal tactics
● Fifteen high-profile activists were arrested for participating in peaceful but unauthorized protests, signaling a more expansive legal approach by the Hong Kong government. ● In a legal statement whose impact is largely symbolic, Beijing asserted broader rights to comment on… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]
LATAM: The unstable compound of protests and COVID-19
Anti-government protests that broke out in 2019 in several countries were set to regain momentum after a recent lull. There have already been clashes between police and protestors in Chile this week. However, the gathering spread of COVID-19 has caused some governments to put in … Become a member to read the rest of […]
MEXICO: Populism and distraction
Major demonstrations and a strike by women protesting gender violence, impunity, and inequality on 8-9 March were significant for two broad reasons. First, they represent a new and unexpectedly large expression of public discontent at a time when President Andres Manuel Lopez Obr… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHILE: A challenging near-term horizon
The referendum on a new constitution will be held on 26 April. Before then, Congress has a raft of bills to consider, all of which have either arisen from or been shaped in response to the protests and serious unrest that flared up from October 2019. At the same time, the protest… Become a […]
HONG KONG: COVID-19 sparks new protests, but city’s regional status is secure
● Anger at the Hong Kong government’s response to COVID-19 fueled new violence after a month of calm. ● But Beijing believes its “strategy of attrition” is working and will not offer political concessions. ● The combination of protests and epidemic is hurting the economy bu… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHILE: Crisis set to run despite government scramble to respond
Yesterday, 29 January, the government secured the passage of its tax reform initiative, while advancing its pension reform proposal another stage before congress goes into recess over February. In parallel, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday confirmed a heavy downgra… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MEXICO: Policy improvisation and muddle
Several recent developments have exposed a worrying combination of poorly-conceived government initiatives, policy improvisation, and general disorganization. This may not be new, but problems have become more concentrated as the pressure to deliver on promises increases. To make… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHILE: Constitutional debate unsettles the Right
Over the last ten days, support for a new constitution within the governing Chile Vamos (CV) coalition has disintegrated. Recall that in the 15 November cross-party deal for a new constitution, the main CV members – the National Renovation (RN) party, the Independent Democratic U… Become a member to read the rest of this article