Latin America
Post-conflict Colombia looks towards the future
The election of Ivan Duque could represent a pivot point in post-Conflict Colombia. How effectively his administration handles the ongoing implementation of the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC may presage the ultimate success or failure of his presidency.
Colombia’s president-elect inherits a polarized country
As the youngest president in Colombia’s history, Iván Duque’s fresh-faced and scandal-free image may prove useful in uniting Colombia in support of his administration. However, several formidable challenges have the potential to derail his administration.
Cuba’s incoming constitution unlikely to see new market reforms
The latest push to rewrite Cuba’s four-decade old constitution is another momentous opportunity for change, but it is unlikely to bring desperately need political and economic reforms expected for the island.
The IMF joins President Macri’s bid to ward off political risks
The Argentine government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 7 June agreed to a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) of up to $50 billion after suffering a speculative attack on the Argentine peso in May.
The Nicaraguan crisis deepens
The ongoing political crisis in Nicaragua between the Sandinista government under President Daniel Ortega and anti-government protesters continues to worsen. The crisis marks the worst period of political violence that Nicaragua has faced since the end of its civil war in 1989.
Pre-salt reserves make Brazil ripe for investment, but risk remains
On October 27, 2017, new auction rounds for the eight pre-salt blocks in Brazil were launched. As the Brazilian government approved a new regulatory framework for the bidding process to allow more investors, 14 foreign companies and two Brazilian entities were qualified to participate in the auction.
Ratings upgrade puts pressure on next government to maintain Brazil’s economic recovery
Amidst political chaos and uncertainty, Brazil’s economy continues on its path to recovery receiving a vote of confidence by ratings agency Moody’s. There is hope Brazil will be able to continue the necessary economic reforms once a new President takes office next year.
Colombia presidential elections: the rise of right-wing candidate Iván Duque
Colombian presidential elections will be held on 27 May. Among its candidates, a new-born star is rising with the right-wing candidate Iván Duque, a strong opponent to the peace agreement.
Judge orders Lula’s imprisonment and markets jump
In a historic decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court may have ended almost any chance for Lula to run for President in Brazil’s October presidential election. Two days after the decision and after violating Judge Sergio Moro’s timeline for arrest, Lula turned himself in to the Federal Police. Markets reacted positively to the news, but the court’s decision will divide an already polarized country and lead to even more uncertainty ahead of the Presidential election.
The political fallout from the Fujimori pardon
Few political developments, in Latin America’s democratic life, have been as unexpected and controversial as Peru’s former president, Alberto Fujimori, receiving a presidential pardon. Having served less than half his sentence – 25 years for serious human rights violations that include killings, kidnapping, and torture, in addition to corruption and bribery – the now infamous Christmas pardon has placed Peru’s rule of law and presidential legitimacy under intense scrutiny.
