Author: Juan Martinez

Uruguay is buzzing with anticipation as the country gears up for a pivotal electoral process in 2024, with general elections set for October 27. The electoral cycle kicked off on June 30 with internal party primaries that selected presidential candidates for each political party. Key Candidates and Parties The presidential race is heating up with three main frontrunners: 1. Yamandú Orsi of the Broad Front coalition. 2. Álvaro Delgado of the National Party. 3. Andrés Ojeda of the Colorado Party. Electoral Process and Participation The primaries saw a turnout of approximately 990,200 voters, representing 35.80% of registered voters. A runoff…

In a stunning development, Bolivian President Luis Arce has accused former President Evo Morales of plotting a coup, escalating tensions within the ruling party, Movement Towards Socialism (MAS). Arce claimed Morales is preparing to run in the 2025 elections by any means necessary, raising concerns about unconstitutional tactics. The roots of this conflict date back to Morales’ attempt to secure a fourth term in 2019, leading to protests and his resignation. The strained relationship between Arce and Morales has worsened, with Arce warning of potential unrest from Morales’ supporters. This crisis unfolds amid economic challenges, including soaring prices and fuel…

President Javier Milei broke tradition by personally unveiling Argentina’s 2025 budget to Congress, marking a seismic shift in the nation’s fiscal approach. It was the first time in Argentine history that a president, not the Economy Minister, presented the budget. Milei’s bold goal is to achieve a zero deficit, a significant departure from Argentina’s past fiscal struggles. He plans to prioritize savings before determining spending, flipping the traditional budgeting process. The 2025 budget projects a 5% GDP growth and a significant decrease in inflation. Milei’s administration has reported a fiscal surplus in 2024, a sharp contrast to the deficit in…

Peru is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in its tourism industry in 2024, with a significant increase in international arrivals. According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the country welcomed 2,178,302 tourists from January to August, marking a 39.2% rise compared to the previous year. Neighboring countries like Chile and the United States lead the pack in visitor numbers, accounting for a significant portion of the total international arrivals. Some markets have even surpassed their pre-pandemic levels of visitors to Peru, indicating a strong recovery in the sector. South America remains the largest contributor to tourist numbers in…

Exciting news for Peru as the tourism industry sees a strong rebound in 2024, with a 39.2% increase in international tourists visiting between January and August compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) released these figures, showcasing a growing interest in Peru’s diverse attractions. Neighboring countries like Chile and the United States dominate the visitor demographics, with South America providing the largest share of visitors at 52.1%. Many markets have already surpassed their pre-pandemic numbers, indicating a positive trend for Peru’s tourism industry. Úrsula León Chempén, head of Mincetur, highlights Peru’s appeal for cultural,…

Venezuela’s recent presidential election has caused a stir with disputed results and international conflicts brewing. After claiming victory, President Maduro’s regime arrested six foreigners on allegations of plotting his assassination and participating in a CIA-led coup. The U.S. denied involvement in the coup attempts but confirmed the detention of one military member. The political drama escalated after the contentious July 28 election where Maduro was declared the winner, but opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia disputes the results. Disagreements have strained relations with Western nations, leading to sanctions on Venezuelan officials and diplomatic tensions with Spain. The global community remains divided…

Ecuador has made a bold move by announcing the closure of its consulate in Caracas, Venezuela, effective September 14, 2024, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced a new action plan to continue serving Ecuadorian citizens in Venezuela, utilizing electronic and neighboring consulates in Bogotá, Colombia, and Panama City. This innovative approach aims to minimize disruption for Ecuadorians residing in Venezuela, eliminating the need for them to travel to another country for consular assistance. While the specific reason for the consulate closure is undisclosed, the decision aligns with the…

The Peruvian government has taken action to save state-owned oil company Petroperú from its financial crisis, with a new decree approved to provide urgent assistance. The company is grappling with debts over $8.5 billion, leading to the resignation of its board of directors. The rescue plan includes injecting funds to cover short-term obligations and ensure fuel distribution nationwide. With a goal to achieve positive cash flow by 2024, Petroperú must implement austerity measures, including staff reductions. The company aims to reduce expenses by 10% this year and 30% in 2025 through voluntary worker exits and department mergers. Technical issues at…

Uruguay’s Economy Shows Strong Growth in Q2 2024 In a positive turn of events, Uruguay’s economy grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, exceeding expectations and showcasing resilience. The Central Bank reported significant contributions from various sectors. Agriculture, fishing, and mining saw a remarkable 22.6% increase, while the energy sector experienced a 30.4% growth in electricity, gas, and water production. Tourism and hospitality also played a key role in the growth, with sectors like commerce and food services seeing a 4.5% uptick. However, manufacturing and professional activities saw minor declines, and…

Nicaragua has taken a controversial step by approving a law that could lead to five years in prison for social media posts considered alarming, marking another blow to free speech in the country. The new legislation expands the government’s power to punish individuals, both within and outside Nicaragua, for online content causing “alarm, fear, or anxiety” among the population. Critics have labeled it a “gag law” aimed at silencing opposing voices. This law builds upon a 2020 statute that has already been used to imprison journalists and dissenters for spreading fake news. It now extends penalties to collaborators and facilitators…