Latin American Keys is an informative and analytical summary regarding the political and economic situation in the Latin American region. These key takeaways, prepared monthly by ATREVIA´s Analysis and Research team, serve to be a useful tool in understanding the evolution of the political-institutional state of Latin America, a need that the pandemic has further exaggerated.
Two of the current presidents in Latin America have completed 100 days in power. Lula da Silva in Brazil, who continues his dispute with the Central Bank over high interest rates that, according to the government, obstruct economic growth and prevent progress with social projects. And Dina Boluarte in Peru, who will have to face reports from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights about possible human rights violations during the protests that sought her resignation.
Two key reforms for the governments of Chile and Colombia seem to have an uncertain future. In the first case, Gabriel Boric’s tax reform was rejected in the legislature, putting the financing of potential public policies in danger. Meanwhile, in the second case, the health reform, one of President Gustavo Petro’s main campaign promises, is at risk due to the lack of support from key parties for its approval.
The upcoming general elections in Argentina are approaching, and important candidacy announcements have already been made. In this sense, it was surprising that former President Mauricio Macri informed that he will not run as a candidate. On the other hand, uncertainty is growing about the future of Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso, after the Constitutional Court gave the green light to his impeachment trial.
The President of Mexico has agreed to create a technical group with several of his counterparts in the region to combat inflation. In addition, the peso continues to appreciate against the dollar. On the other hand, the depreciation of Bolivia’s national currency and the lack of dollar reserves have been key factors in the major rating agencies downgrading the country’s sovereign debt classification.