THE WEEK IN REVIEW Stories that caught our eye: October 24 to 31 31-10-2025 16:51 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.
Caribbean Hurricane Melissa causes widespread destruction in Caribbean, killing at least 24 30-10-2025 18:16 Hurricane Melissa devastates Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and others, forcing evacuations and international aid assistance as it heads to Bermuda.
KILLING IN RIO DE JANEIRO Over 100 killed in Rio police crackdown on powerful narco gang 30-10-2025 08:46 At least 119 people – 115 alleged gang members and four police officers – were killed Tuesday in the largest police operation Rio de Janeiro has seen in its recent past.
GEOPOLITICS IN AMERICAS 'Non-interventionist' Trump flexes muscles in Latin America 30-10-2025 01:08 US president has intervened directly to weaken leftists in Colombia and Brazil, while supporting Argentina. He has also put Washington on a war footing in the Caribbean, raising speculation he will forcefully depose Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY Argentina backs US embargo on Cuba, breaking with decades of policy 30-10-2025 00:57 United Nations vote marks a diplomatic turn from historic position and distances Argentina from broad international consensus opposing Washington’s sanctions.
CRIME & SECURITY Argentina reinforces border controls after killings in Rio de Janeiro 29-10-2025 21:03 Rio de Janeiro police on Tuesday carried out their deadliest-ever raid against a major criminal faction, Comando Vermelho, or the Red Command, leaving at least 121 dead.
CRIME IN RIO Locals line up dozens of bodies after deadly police operation in Rio 29-10-2025 14:23 Residents accuse police of massacre after anti-gang raid leaves more than 130 dead in Rio de Janeiro.
CRIME IN BRAZIL At least 64 killed in war-like Rio de Janeiro drug raids 28-10-2025 21:20 Police in Rio de Janeiro launch their biggest ever raids on the city's drug-traffickers, leaving at least 64 dead in war-like scenes.
USA IN VENEZUELAN WATERS Venezuela claims CIA plot against US warship 28-10-2025 20:07 Authorities in Caracas say they foiled a US-backed plot targeting the USS Gravely, accusing Washington and Trinidad of fueling regional conflict amid a new wave of American military deployments in the Caribbean.
Kast Migrant Policy Chile’s far-right candidate says migrants must pay for their own deportation 28-10-2025 15:50 Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast pledges migrants will cover their own deportation costs as Chile’s election campaign intensifies.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Tech companies push to stop Chile’s AI regulation plans 28-10-2025 12:50 Chile’s plan to regulate AI is facing pushback from tech giants during rapid industry growth and major investments.
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT At least nine dead, 30 injured in Misiones road traffic accident 26-10-2025 17:52 Accident occurred in the early hours near the city of Oberá; At least nine people have been killed and 30 others injured, report provincial authorities in Misiones.
NEW FOREIGN MINISTER From crisis to relaunch: Quirno’s in-tray at Foreign Ministry 25-10-2025 10:03 Beyond economic matters, Pablo Quirno’s Foreign Ministry will focus on promoting abroad the core elements of Milei’s “cultural battle,” a push launched the moment the head of state took office. by Juan Pablo Kavanagh
Drug-trafficking US strikes fail to stop Colombia’s drug trade – an explainer 23-10-2025 13:38 Despite aggressive US military strikes, experts say that Columbia’s drug trade continues unaffected amid changing logistics and international tensions.
NEW ERA IN BOLIVIA Bolivia’s next president Paz targets pragmatic path out of crisis 22-10-2025 11:04 Heading into his November 8 inauguration, Rodrigo Paz’s first test will be to replenish fuel supply that the outgoing administration of Luis Arce ran out of money to pay for.
DIPLOMATIC UNREST US-Colombia tensions grow over fatal Caribbean boat strike 21-10-2025 20:03 US military attacks in the Caribbean have sparked accusations of unjust killings, worsening diplomatic relations with Colombia.
POLITICS & FOREIGN POLICY Viceroy Bennett and US intervention in Argentina 21-10-2025 15:58 Lobbyist hired by the SIDE intelligence services became executor of Trump’s will in Argentina. Secret meetings, legal troubles and his partnership with businessman Leonardo Scatturice. by Rodis Recalt
Political crisis in Peru Generation Z leads Peru’s protests for change 21-10-2025 14:48 After decades of instability and political turmoil, Peru’s youth demands change through organised protests.
Foreign policy & diplomacy US and Latin American nations back Bolivia’s new president-elect 21-10-2025 13:50 Washington and eight governments from the region – including Argentina – hail Rodrigo Paz’s victory as a break from two decades of “economic mismanagement.”
GEOPOLITICS IN AMERICAS Bolivia to restore US ties cut nearly two decades ago, says Paz 20-10-2025 17:46 President-elect Rodrigo Paz says Bolivia's relationship with the United States "will be resumed" nearly two decades years after Evo Morales kicked out Washington's ambassador.
BOLIVIAN ELECTION 2025 Rodrigo Paz wins run-off as Bolivia formalises shift to right 19-10-2025 21:45 Pro-business Senator Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia's presidential run-off with 55% of vote, defeating rival Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga; Two decades of socialist rule, propelled by Evo Morales, comes to an end.
CRISIS IN VENEZUELA Venezuela VP denies alleged talks with United States on removing Maduro 17-10-2025 08:57 US President Trump indicated Wednesday he had authorised covert CIA operations against Venezuela and was considering attacks on land against alleged drug-cartels in the country.
CRIME & SECURITY ‘It was all for justice’ – Suspect’s chilling remark after murdering ex-partner, two others 16-10-2025 19:37 Pablo Rodríguez Laurta detained on suspicion of murdering his ex-partner, Luna Giardina, her mother Mariel Zamudio, Uber driver Martín Palacio and kidnapping of his six-year-old son Pedro. A co-founder of the ‘Varones Unidos’ website, 39-year-old Uruguayan presented himself on social media as a businessman and academic with a marked anti-feminist discourse.
Political crisis in Peru One dead, over 100 injured as Peru's interim leader struggles to quell unrest 16-10-2025 12:52 Massive demonstrations erupt across Peru, demanding action against rising crime and political corruption; Interim President José Jeri struggles to contain unrest as crisis rages on.
Political crisis in Peru Peru's new president names ex-general to oversee 'war' on gangs 15-10-2025 11:31 President José Jerí assumed the Presidency last week after Congress voted to impeach unpopular leader Dina Boluarte amid a surge in gang-related violence.
Run-off in Bolivia After 20 years of socialism, Bolivia set for change with right-wing run-off 15-10-2025 11:08 Ex-president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and Senator Rodrigo Paz will go head-to-head in Bolivia's presidential run-off Sunday, with either hopeful likely to shift the nation's politics significantly to the right.
GEOPOLITICS & DIPLOMACY Trump says he’d be ‘very upset’ by Chinese military in Argentina 14-10-2025 21:58 Trump’s comments about Chinese activity in Argentina come as President Javier Milei visits the White House.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IMF downgrades Argentina 2025 growth forecast to 4.5% 14-10-2025 12:57 International Monetary Fund worsens outlook for Argentina, projecting lower growth and higher inflation; GDP to grow 4.5% this year, says multilateral lender, with inflation reaching 41.3%.
MILEI HEADS TO WASHINGTON Trump bets on Argentina again after first-term bailout blew up 14-10-2025 11:26 Analysts say that while another US lifeline may not turn around Milei’s fortunes, it could at least help stop the erosion of his support among voters who are weary of austerity and still waiting for a bounce-back in jobs, wages and growth.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL Lo Celso scores only goal as Argentina defeat Venezuela in Miami 11-10-2025 07:48 Giovani scores only goal of the game in Albiceleste's 1-0 win against Venezuela; No appearance from skipper Lionel Messi.
POLITICS & CORRUPTION Espert for President! 11-10-2025 06:00 José Luis Espert’s fall from grace was dramatic, portentous. In just a few weeks, he went from one of the pillars of Javier Milei’s government to a political outcast. by Agustino Fontevecchia
NOBEL PRIZE Venezuelan opposition leader Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize 10-10-2025 13:36 Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado awarded Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights" and "struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
ESPERT-MACHADO SCANDAL US report on Machado funds poses uncomfortable questions for Bullrich 09-10-2025 01:05 US government report by Homeland Security indicates that Machado had already been linked to drug-trafficking and money-laundering in 2021.
POLITICS & CORRUPTION Espert and Machado’s murky history 08-10-2025 12:27 How the government’s main candidate in Buenos Aires Province became tainted by campaign contributions of dubious origin. by Rodis Recalt
TRUMP’S TRADE WAR Brazil's Lula asks Trump to remove tariffs in 'friendly' phone call 06-10-2025 19:05 Two leaders share "friendly" 30-minute call in first talks since trade war row in part spurred by conviction of ex-president Bolsonaro.
Crime & Security Judge in Peru rules key suspect in Argentina triple murder be detained 04-10-2025 08:39 Judge in Peru rules alleged mastermind behind brutal triple killing in Buenos Aires linked to narco-trafficking must remain in prison during extradition proceedings.
POLITICS & CORRUPTION Espert's dirty financing 04-10-2025 06:45 On José Luis Espert’s ties with a suspected drug dealer and the libertarian obsession with coin. by Agustino Fontevecchia
MADURO’S PREPARATIONS Maduro awarded honorary military degree amid US naval stand-off 01-10-2025 19:20 Venezuelan leader accepts military university honour while vowing to defend sovereignty amid US naval deployment and drug-trafficking accusations.
ECUADOR CRIME VS FOOTBALL Hitmen, mafias, match-fixing – cartels turning Ecuador’s football into a killing field 01-10-2025 19:14 A wave of assassinations tied to illicit betting has left Ecuador’s footballers living in fear, as powerful cartels infiltrate clubs, launder money and threaten players to throw matches.
TRIPLE MURDER Who's who of detained: Nine arrested for triple narco murder in Florencio Varela 01-10-2025 17:59 Following the capture of “Pequeño J” and his right-hand man, there are already nine individuals in custody; A look at the alleged roles attributed to each of them in the brutal triple murder.
CRIME & SECURITY Extradition sought for suspected mastermind of triple murder 01-10-2025 11:05 Suspected gang leader behind last week’s brutal triple murder in Argentina arrested in Peru after international manhunt; Accused of ordering the torture and murder of three young women, 'Pequeño J' is at centre of chilling case tied to drug violence.
CRIME & INSECURITY Sexual abuse in Catholic Church unpunished more in Latin America 29-09-2025 19:12 While countries in the Global North are progressing with more transparency over historical child sex abuse in the Church, Latin America remains the epicentre of silence.
BRAZILIAN POLITICS São Paulo governor emerges as leading successor to Bolsonaro 28-09-2025 08:42 Tarcísio de Freita rises as Jair Bolsonaro’s likely successor for presidency amid political uncertainty.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW Stories that caught our eye: September 19 to 26 26-09-2025 18:20 A selection of stories that caught our eye over last seven days in Argentina.
Political unrest in Peru At least 30 injured, six detained during protests against Peru government 23-09-2025 17:10 Peruvian youth-lead protests against government sparked violent police response, with multiple injuries and arrests
BRAZIL-USA RELATIONS Between smiles and daggers at UN, Lula and Trump agree to meet 23-09-2025 16:44 Presidents differ on almost every political matter, yet find chemistry in person and set to meet the week after the UN General Assembly.
Immigration & Politics Chile presidential hopeful vows to deport 'all' undocumented migrants 23-09-2025 13:18 Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast says he will deport all undocumented migrants from national territory if elected.
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY Brazil's Lula warns 'anti-democratic forces' targeting institutions 23-09-2025 12:07 "Anti-democratic forces are trying to subjugate institutions and stifle freedoms," warns Brazilian president at UN General Assembly.
EU-MERCOSUR TRADE DEAL Farmers call Paris protest against EU-Mercosur deal 23-09-2025 11:50 French farmers union to stage massive protest next month in rejection of the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
Human rights UN-backed mission reports rising political persecution in Venezuela 22-09-2025 16:59 UN-backed fact-finding mission condemns clampdown in Venezuela; Maduro invites Trump to “preserve peace through dialogue” – but US president rejects approach.
POLITICS – ANALYSIS ‘Golden boy’ Milei is beginning to look like Chile’s Boric 20-09-2025 06:34 The self-proclaimed first anarcho-capitalist president in world history is under siege. A tough defeat in local elections in Buenos Aires Province laid bare a situation of absolute precariousness, with both markets and the political class testing his resolve. by Agustino Fontevecchia
THE WEEK IN REVIEW Stories that caught our eye: September 12 to 19 19-09-2025 17:26 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.
CRIME IN ECUADOR Ecuador President Noboa seeks new constitution, crackdown on crime 18-09-2025 22:48 Ecuador President Daniel Noboa, an ally of US President Donald Trump, proposes constitutional assembly to rewrite laws, including the removal of a rule banning US military bases and troops on national soil.
OIL & GAS Vaca Muerta producing three times as much gas as Bolivia 17-09-2025 17:54 Massive shale formation, based mostly in Neuquén, now producing nearly 91 cubic metres of natural gas per day – three times as much as neighbouring Bolivia. Change reflects the loss of reserves to the north and the consolidation of Argentina as a new regional player in market. by Alan Ares
Foreign relations & diplomacy Milei rejects ‘moderate option’ as he hails Charlie Kirk at CPAC Paraguay 16-09-2025 23:29 At CPAC in Asunción, Argentina’s President warns against ‘third way’ politics, praises Paraguay’s economic model and meets his counterpart and ally Santiago Peña.
MERCOSUR-EFTA AGREEMENT Mercosur and EFTA sign free-trade deal in Rio de Janeiro 16-09-2025 18:42 Deal creates a market of 300 million people and covers some US$4 trillion in GDP; Brazil brands it a “clear signal” against US protectionism led by Trump.
BONDS & MARKETS Foreign investors with Argentina FOMO pile into Brazil stocks 16-09-2025 11:35 Afraid of missing out on an Argentina-like rally, investors are piling into Brazil on bets that a business-friendly candidate will win next year’s election.
TRUMP’S TRADE WAR Bolsonaro conviction 'not a witch hunt,' Lula tells Trump in NYT op-ed 15-09-2025 12:56 Brazil President Lula writes in ‘New York Times’ op-ed addressed to Donald Trump that he is "proud" of Supreme Court decision to convict far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro on coup charges.
BUSINESS & FINANCE Meet the man who wants to run Latin America's most valuable company like a start-up 15-09-2025 10:29 Who is MercadoLibre's new CEO, the man who wants to run Latin America's most valuable company like a start-up? Ariel Szarfsztejn is inheriting the mantle of the e-commerce and fintech giant from Marcos Galperin at a time of mounting competition and talent constraints.
BRAZILIAN POLITICS In divided Brasília, some celebrate Bolsonaro conviction, others fume 12-09-2025 11:17 Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in prison after being convicted of plotting to claw back power from his elected successor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva through force in 2022.
BRAZILIAN EX-PRESIDENT Bolsonaro found guilty of coup plot, given 27 years in jail 11-09-2025 16:08 Historic Supreme Court conviction in Brazil; Far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro found guilty of plotting a military coup in bid to overturn 2022 election loss by three justices.
Foreign relations & diplomacy Flight carrying Argentines deported from US lands in Buenos Aires 11-09-2025 08:43 First Trump-era deportation flight to Buenos Aires brings 17 Argentines back; Milei government tried to keep operation quiet and will not complain to Washington, but nation has been grouped alongside Brazil and Venezuela by the US administration.
Foreign policy & diplomacy Milei plans visit to Paraguay for Peña meeting and CPAC event 10-09-2025 17:38 President to meet Paraguayan counterpart, address conservative summit after scrapping Spain trip for far-right rally.
Uruguayan politics Uruguay’s finance minister shuns chainsaw for modest tax hikes 10-09-2025 15:50 Orsi government lays out plans to lower budget deficit through tax increases early in its term to avoid politically contentious spending cuts or additional levies later down the line.
BRAZILIAN EX-PRESIDENT Jair Bolsonaro on brink of conviction in Brazil coup trial 10-09-2025 10:04 Forme president risks a prison term of over 40 years if found guilty of seeking to stay in power after his defeat in 2022 elections.
WORLD ECONOMY BRICS leaders denounce protectionism, tariff 'blackmail' 08-09-2025 14:40 Several BRICS members are among those most affected by what Lula referred to Monday as "tariff blackmail" and "unjustified and illegal" trade practices.
CRIME & SECURITY Finca Karina: Police shut down illegal border crossing on Argentina-Bolivia border 05-09-2025 18:26 Court investigation exposes estate where organisation made nearly three billion pesos a year through a clandestine border pass at Finca Karina, located on the banks of the Bermejo River in Salta; Group of at least 11 people ran it, including a police officer; Some 300 vehicles are estimated to have entered every day to cross border with smuggled goods.
GRACIAS LEO! THANK YOU! Messi bags a brace, enjoys last World Cup qualifier to fullest 05-09-2025 00:22 On a night of tears, standing ovations and plenty of joy, in his final South American qualifier, Argentina’s No. 10 Lionel Messi bags two in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela.
Football violence Independiente disqualified from Copa Sudamericana over stadium brawl 04-09-2025 21:43 Argentine side must also play its next 14 matches in CONMEBOL tournaments without its fans and pay a US$250,000 fine.
REGIONAL TENSIONS Latin American nations concerned by US-Venezuela tension 04-09-2025 16:04 Washington ramps up regional crime fight; Trump confirms Washington killed 11 “terrorists” when it took down a boat allegedly carrying drugs into international waters.
