News of latin america

Psychologist Angel Roman speaks to a patient with addiction problems in one of the consulting rooms of the municipal program "For a future without drugs" at the Bicentenario hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador on January 6, 2023.

'H' – the drug that's consuming Ecuador's poorest people

Yesterdat 14:05 Use of a powerful drug known as 'H' – a heroin-based white powder that sells for a dollar a gram – is exploding amongst Ecuador's poorest people, pushing public addiction clinics past capacity.

Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou awaits the arrival of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the presidential residence in Montevideo on January 25, 2023, during Lula's visit to Uruguay.

Diplomacy & Trade

Lula in Uruguay: Meeting with Lacalle Pou and a wink to the opposition

Yesterdat 13:10 Brazilian president arrived in Montevideo on Wednesday to meet with Luis Lacalle Pou; Talks regarding the Mercosur trade bloc dominate, but Lula also delivers a nod to the country’s opposition by meeting major figures of the left.

Luis Lacalle Pou, pictured at the CELAC summit on January 24, 2023.

CELAC SUMMIT 2023

Lacalle Pou voices discontent at CELAC summit

24-01-2023 21:35 Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou delivers forceful remarks at “ideological” CELAC summit, declaring that “there are countries here that do not respect democracy or human rights.”

President Alberto Fernández poses for a picture with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before the opening of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Buenos Aires, on January 24, 2023.

CELAC SUMMIT 2023

Brazil 'is back' hails Lula at Latin American leaders summit

24-01-2023 16:43 "Brazil is back in the region," declares Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as Latin American and Caribbean leaders meet in Buenos Aires for CELAC summit.

This handout picture released by the Presidency shows President Alberto Fernández speaking during the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Buenos Aires, on January 24, 2023.

CELAC SUMMIT 2023

President slams 'fascist right wing' in CELAC summit speech

24-01-2023 15:42 President Alberto Fernandez slams region's "recalcitrant and fascist right wing" as he formally opened the seventh CELAC summit in Buenos Aires.

Protesters of the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro hold a demonstration demanding a leveling of salaries in line with the raising inflation and the high cost of the basic "family basket" in Caracas on January 23, 2023.

Economy & Inflation

Venezuela closed 2022 with an inflation rate of 234%

24-01-2023 13:41 Government officials in Venezuela reveal inflation has dropped from 130,000% per annum in 2018 to 234% in 2022, though private forecasters warn hyperinflation remains a threat.

An indigenous woman shouts slogans during a protest demanding the resignation of Peru's President Dina Boluarte in Lima on January 23, 2023.

Protests in Peru

'Civil war now!' exclaim demonstators in Peru as tensions rise

24-01-2023 13:31 Hundreds of demonstrators marching in Lima called for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte; Massive protests that have already claimed the lives of 46 people set to continue, Interior Minister Vicente Romero warns.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Argentine President Alberto Fernández greet during a press conference at the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires on January 23, 2023.

CELAC SUMMIT 2023

Latin American leaders host CELAC summit with Brazil back in the fold

24-01-2023 09:23 Latin American heads of state and government meet Tuesday in Buenos Aires for a regional summit welcoming back Brazil into the fold.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Alberto Fernández shake hands at the Casa Rosada during a press call.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Relaunching the strategic alliance between Argentina and Brazil

24-01-2023 00:17 In a special text for PERFIL, the Argentina and Brazilian presidents detail the strategic alliance which they signed Monday in Buenos Aires, defending democracy, Mercosur and economic integration.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, next to his wife Cilia Flores, addresses supporters from a balcony at the Miraflores Palace, during a rally to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 1958 Popular Insurrection, in Caracas on January 23, 2023.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Maduro pulls out of Argentina-CELAC trip, citing 'aggression'

24-01-2023 00:11 Venezuelan leader cancels planned trip to Buenos Aires for CELAC summit, blaming "plan drawn up within the neo-fascist right wing" that he alleges would have carried out "aggressive actions" against his delegation.

President Alberto Fernández hosts Brazil leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Casa Rosada.

LULA IN BUENOS AIRES

Brazil, Argentina eye common unit for trade, not a single currency

23-01-2023 21:49 Brazilian finance minister says plan is to introduce a common unit to settle trading operations between the two countries without relying on the dollar.

President Alberto Fernández meets with Brazil's President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in São Paulo after the latter's election win over Jair Bolsonaro.

LULA IN BUENOS AIRES

Brazil to finance Argentine importers in bid to boost trade ties

23-01-2023 21:42 Loans to Argentine companies will be given by public and private banks in Brazil and covered by guarantees from both governments.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gestures during the opening of a business forum at the Bicentennial Museum in Buenos Aires, on January 23, 2023.

LULA IN BUENOS AIRES

'For the first time' – Lula admits he rooted for Argentina in World Cup final

23-01-2023 17:33 Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva surprised everyone by confessing on Monday that he cheered on La Albiceleste during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Argentina's Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira exchange folders after signing an agreement in Buenos Aires, on January 23, 2023.

Trade Agreements

Brazil: Uruguay's agreement with China would 'destroy' Mercosur

23-01-2023 15:57 Free-trade agreement between Uruguay and China would destroy Mercosur by contradicting the bloc's integration policies, declares Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

Handout photo released by the Venezuelan Presidency of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaking during a televised message at Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on March 28, 2021.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Maduro's trip to Argentina in doubt as he pulls out of Lula meeting

23-01-2023 15:13 Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro pulls out of scheduled meeting with Lula in Buenos Aires, putting his planned trip to Buenos Aires for CELAC summit in doubt.

A vendor shows a mug depicting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva next to another with the image of former president Jair Bolsonaro in front of the Cathedral of Brasilia in Brasilia on January 21, 2023.

Bolsonaro Keepsakes

'I was there': Souvenirs of pro-Bolsonarista riots on sale in Brasília

23-01-2023 12:25 In Brazil's capital, key chains, mugs and magnets depicting the shocking actions of supporters of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro are available to buy – and they're selling fast.

Venezuelans in Argentina repudiate Maduro's visit

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy

Venezuelans in Buenos Aires protest against planned Maduro visit

23-01-2023 11:24 Nicolás Maduro due to visit Argentina on Tuesday for CELAC summit, arousing anger amongst the local Venezuelan community and provoking opposition leaders to insist he be arrested for crimes against humanity.

BRAZIL LEADER IN ARGENTINA

Lula lands in Buenos Aires seeking rebuild bridges in Latin America

23-01-2023 09:56 Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira says Lula's visit to Buenos Aires and attendance at CELAC summit is part of a foreign policy that will seek to "rebuild bridges" with the international community.

Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is pictured alongside Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero as he arrives in Argentina on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

JOINT CURRENCY PLAN

Brazil and Argentina are discussing whether to combine currencies

23-01-2023 09:31 Argentina and Brazil are in the preliminary stages of renewing discussions on forming a common currency for financial and commercial transactions, the leaders of the two nations reveal.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina’s youngsters look to shine in South American Championship

20-01-2023 12:45 On Saturday the Argentine Under-20 team takes the field against Paraguay in their first match of the traditional South American Championship, played for the first time in four years after the 2021 edition fell victim to Covid.

by Dan Edwards

Demonstrators pull down a fence while trying to enter the Rodriguez Ballon airport in Arequipa, Peru, during a protest against the government of President Dina Boluarte and to demand her resignation, on January 19, 2023.

Peru Protests

Clashes in Lima as thousands rally against Peru government

20-01-2023 11:08 Thousands marched through Peru's capital and southern provinces Thursday in large anti-government rallies punctuated by clashes with police, defying a state of emergency declared over almost 1/3 of the country.

FOREIGN POLICY

Brazil's Lula to meet Biden on February 10 in Washington

19-01-2023 20:14 Lula, who took office on January 1 for a third term as Brazilian president, will fly to Washington on February 9 for a two-day trip.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Opposition demands Maduro’s arrest as he confirms CELAC attendance

19-01-2023 14:54 Key figures in Juntos por el Cambio call for Venezuelan “dictator” to be arrested if he sets foot in Argentina for upcoming CELAC summit; US President Joe Biden to skip event in Buenos Aires.

BLOOMBERG

Rich investors pull out of Chile, leaving behind a US$50-billion hole

19-01-2023 14:45 Chile, Latin America’s stand-out economy for the better part of 50 years and a darling of Wall Street, is in many ways facing an existential moment.

Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Brazil's unemployment continues to fall to seven-year low

19-01-2023 12:57 Brazil's unemployment continued to fall in the three months from September to November 2022, hitting a new seven-year low of 8.1%, official figures published on Thursday showed.

A CONMEBOL sign at the headquarters offices in Asunción, Paraguay.

FIFAGATE CORRUPTION

CONMEBOL officials took millions in bribes, New York court told

19-01-2023 10:58 Argentine businessman Alejandro Burzaco claims he and two former television executives had funnelled kickbacks to CONMEBOL chiefs to secure lucrative broadcasting rights.

People hold posters as they celebrate after learning that the government rejected the Dominga mining project due to its impact on the environment, in Santiago on January 18, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Chile sinks controversial mining project over environmental concerns

18-01-2023 16:11 Chile's government on Wednesday torpedoed a controversial billion-dollar mining project due to be built near a nature reserve that is home to a rare species of penguin.

Corruption Scandal

Ecuador president asks heads of all state firms to resign

18-01-2023 14:04 Director of state body overseeing public enterprises calls for "the availability of the positions of general managers" in all state institutions "by order of the president of the republic."

People work during the cleaning and renovation works of the Brazilian Supreme Court building after it was destroyed by supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, on January 17, 2023.

Turmoil in Brazil

Aftermath of January 8: Bringing Brazil's rioters to account

18-01-2023 13:44 Brazil has faced a herculean task in processing hundreds of people detained in the country's biggest once-off roundup of suspects following violent riots in the capital on January 8. More than 1,000 will likely face charges.

Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022 onstage at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Miss Universe Upset

'We were robbed of Miss Universe,' complains Maduro after US wins crown

17-01-2023 13:03 Nicolás Maduro said on Monday that Venezuela was "robbed" of the Miss Universe crown, adding to the criticism from several contestants following the victory of the United States' R'Bonney Gabriel.

A condor flies at the Center for the Rehabilitation of Birds of Prey (CRAR) of the Chilean Ornithologists Union on January 14, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Two condors born in captivity in Chile ignite hopes of population boost

17-01-2023 12:22 Alhué and Mailén, two Andean condors, were born in captivity at a rehabilitation centre near Santiago. Caretakers hope that they can be released and breed in the Andes to increase the population of the world's largest flying bird.

Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro hold a demonstration at the Esplanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia, January 8, 2023.

Turmoil in Brazil

Brazil capital's security boosted, 39 charged over uprising

17-01-2023 10:08 Authorities formally charge 39 people with crimes against the state as security deployment in Brasilia is ramped up.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

40 nations urge Israel to lift 'punitive' sanctions on Palestinians

16-01-2023 23:01 Argentina among some 40 nations calling on Israel to lift sanctions it imposed on the Palestinian Authority earlier this month.

Fires blaze close to the Paraná River, between Santa Fe and Entre Ríos provinces.

ENVIRONMENT

Government creates new unit to probe ‘environmental crimes’

16-01-2023 16:50 Argentina’s government has created a new unit to investigate and prevent environmental crimes, responding to the deliberate destruction of terrain for commercial purposes.

Carlos Martínez and Hernán López: Both are set to stand trial in the latest stage of the so-called 'FIFAgate' scandal.

‘FIFAgate’ graft scandal

Defendants stand trial in New York in 'FIFAgate' corruption case

16-01-2023 16:18 Argentine-American Hernán López and Mexican-American Carlos Martínez, ex-employees of US giant 21st Century Fox, stand trial on corruption, bank fraud and money-laundering charges in US court.

Handout picture released by Colombian Prosecutor's press office showing two suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Paraguayan prosecutor Daniel Pecci last year during his honeymoon in a beach near Cartagena, while being presented in Bogota on January 15, 2023.

Prosecutor's Murder

Colombia arrests two more over killing of Paraguay prosecutor

16-01-2023 11:24 Two more people have been arrested in Colombia on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Paraguayan anti-mafia prosecutor Marcelo Pecci, bringing the total number of detained in connection to the hit to eight.

A woman holds a sign in support of the city of Juliaca during a march demandig the resignation of Peru's President Dina Boluarte and the closure of Congress, in a residential area in Lima, on January 15, 2023.

Unrest in Peru

Peruvians defy state of emergency, mobilise for major new protest

16-01-2023 11:04 Government extends state of emergency for 30 days for Lima, Cusco, Callao and Puno, authorising the military to back up police actions as 3,000 protesters began boarding trucks and buses for demonstration in Lima.

A man looks for recycling items in the trash on the street in Buenos Aires on January 12, 2023.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: January 7 to 14

14-01-2023 07:08 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

AND THAT REMINDS ME…

Grande irmão

14-01-2023 06:58 Lula might have rallied a hostile Congress, the Supreme Court and most people behind him in outrage against last Sunday’s barbarous assault but nobody wins.

by Michael Soltys

EDITORIAL

Inclusive is also elusive

14-01-2023 06:49 The opinion polls in the immediate wake of last weekend’s invasion of the centres of all three branches of government in Brazil show a majority reject both the mob violence and its underlying denial of Lula’s election victory, but by underwhelming margins.

FOREIGN POLICY

Brazil rejoins CELAC as Lula confirms presence at summit

13-01-2023 13:13 Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has confirmed Brazil will rejoin the CELAC bloc, has confirmed that he will travel to Buenos Aires later this month.

Sebastian Marroquin, son of the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, speaks during a conference in Santiago on January 12, 2023.

Hollywood Drug Lord

Hollywood glorifies Pablo Escobar, late drug lord's son says

13-01-2023 12:29 Son of the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar says glorified Hollywood image of his father has wrongfully inspired young people to seek a life of crime.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro greets deputies of the National Assembly before his annual report in Caracas on January 12, 2023.

Venezuela Economy

Maduro says Venezuela's economy grew 15% in 2022

13-01-2023 12:10 With informal dollarisation and easing of controls, Venezuela's economy has now recorded five quarters of growth between 2021 and 2022 after years of recession and hyperinflation.

A man waves a flag in front of police during a protest in a field adjacent to the airport in the Andean city of Juliaca, southern Peru, 11 January 2023.

Protests in Peru

Peru closes Machu Picchu airport as nationwide protests persist

13-01-2023 11:52 The airport in Cusco, gateway to Peru's tourism crown jewel, was closed indefinitely Thursday "as a preventative measure."

DOMESTIC REACTION

Opposition uses Brazil crisis to point finger at Alberto Fernández

13-01-2023 01:12 Politicians on both sides of the aisle use last weekend's turmoil in Brasilia to raise the spectre of unrest in Argentina this electoral year.

Turmoil in Brasilia as pro-Bolsonaro rioters attack the seats of government.

Turmoil in Brazil

Lula: Brasilia rioters likely had inside help from police, military

13-01-2023 01:09 Brazilian leader alleges that rioters who sacked the presidential palace, Supreme Court and Congress last weekend likely had assistance from Bolsonaro sympathisers; Lula orders “thorough review” of all staff as Brasilia ramps up security amid new protest threats.

A man looks at damages at the Supreme Court building in Brasilia on January 10, 2023, two days after thousands of supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro raided federal buildings.

Turmoil in Brazil

Poll: Nearly one in five Brazilians back rioters

12-01-2023 14:55 New survey reveals that 18.4% of Brazilians approve of last Sunday's capital rampage carried out by a diverse group of rioters united in their hatred of "communism." But who exactly are the rioters and what do they want?

A Candlelight vigil in the Andes city of Ayacucho, Peru, taken on January 11, 2023, in memory of the victims of violence during the month-long protests that left a toll of more than 40 deceased, primarily protesters, in major cities of the country.

Peru Protests

Peru protesters mourn their dead as clashes continue

12-01-2023 14:30 Demonstrators in Peru blocked roads and held mass funerals for 41 people killed in more than a month of protests demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.

Security guards are seen through a broken window standing in front of the Planalto Palace during the inauguration of the new Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, in Brasilia on January 11, 2023. Security was boosted in Brasilia Wednesday amid simmering tensions ahead of fresh protests by backers of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro and the pending arrest of one of his allies just days after riots shocked the Brazilian capital.

Turmoil in Brazil

Disinformation fuelled rage in Brazil over vote outcome

12-01-2023 06:36 Far-right rioters who stormed Brasil's Congress January 8 in support of former president Jair Bolsonaro were partly mobilized by Internet disinformation suggesting irregularities and fraud in electric ballot boxes.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó gestures as he speaks during an interview with AFP at his office in Caracas on January 9, 2023.

Politics in Venezuela

Maduro '100% defeatable' says Venezuela opposition leader Guaidó

10-01-2023 17:32 Venezuela's opposition replaced Juan Guaido as the head of a foreign-backed parallel congress, hammering the final nail in the coffin of his "interim government." Despite the setback, he says he's confident Nicolás Maduro can be defeated at the ballot box.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Lula, CELAC and Scholz head president’s packed international agenda

09-01-2023 23:17 President Alberto Fernández will receive German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Brazil’s re-elected leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before the month is out, with more than 30 heads of state also expected to attend the upcoming CELAC summit in Buenos Aires. Joe Biden and Xi Jinping have also been invited, though their attendance is not confirmed.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Governors, and Supreme Court judges walk from Planalto Palace to the Supreme Court building in Brasilia on January 9, 2023, a day after supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro invaded the Congress, presidential palace, and Supreme Court.

turmoil in brazil

Lula slams far-right 'terrorism' as Brazil clears protest camps

09-01-2023 21:54 President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemns "acts of terrorism," a day after a far-right mob stormed the seat of power, unleashing chaos on the Brazilian capital.

Pope Francis gestures as he speaks from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square on February 21, 2021 during the weekly Angelus prayer in The Vatican.

BRAZIL IN TURMOIL

Pope cites Brazil in critique of political crises in Americas

09-01-2023 21:48 Argentine pontiff cites "various countries of the Americas where political crises are laden with tensions and forms of violence that exacerbate social conflicts."

IN FOCUS

Bolsonaro’s Florida stay morphs into Biden quandary after riot

09-01-2023 18:53 Brazilian president's presence in the US has turned into a diplomatic quandary for Joe Biden.

Outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasília.

Former president

Brazil's Bolsonaro hospitalised with abdominal pain

09-01-2023 18:49 Bolsonaro, 67, was admitted to AdventHealth Celebration acute care hospital outside Orlando, Florida, with abdominal pain.

Brazil's new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva poses for a picture with Argentina's President Alberto Fernández at Planalto Palace after his inauguration ceremony at the National Congress, in Brasília, on January 1, 2023.

CHAOS IN BRASÍLIA

President Alberto Fernández assails 'coup attempt' in Brazil

09-01-2023 00:00 Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner also condemns attack, attributing it to "hate speech in the media and social networks."

Security forces confront supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro who invaded Planalto Presidential Palace in Brasilia on January 8, 2023.

GLOBAL REACTION

World leaders condemn anti-government mob attacks in Brasília

08-01-2023 23:44 President Alberto Fernández slams "coup attempt" by supporters of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazilian capital, as leaders from across the globe condemn "outrageous" attack on democracy.

Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro destroy a window of the the plenary of the Supreme Court in Brasilia on January 8, 2023.

CHAOS IN BRASÍLIA

Bolsonaro backers deface Congress in ugly anti-Lula stand

08-01-2023 23:32 Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro broke through police barricades and stormed Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court on Sunday, in a dramatic protest against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's inauguration.

Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro invading several governmental building are confronted by security forces (foreground) in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro broke through police barricades and stormed into Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court Sunday, in a dramatic protest against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's inauguration last week.

TURMOIL IN BRAZIL

Chaos as Bolsonaro supporters storm seat of power in Brazil

08-01-2023 23:22 Police in Brasília wrestle back control seat of power from pro-Bolsonaro rioters; Supporters of former president stormed Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court in attack; Lula brands incident as a 'fascist' assault on democracy.

Supporters of former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro storm the country’s top government institutions.

Incidents in Brazil

Pro-Bolsonaro rioters invade Brasília in challenge to Lula

08-01-2023 22:32 Thousands of supporters of Jair Bolsonaro stormed the country’s top government institutions on Sunday in an insurrection just a week after the former president left office.

President Alberto Fernández, pictured at the offices of Editorial Perfil, which he visited for a feature-length interview with Jorge Fontevecchia.

PRESIDENT ON MERCOSUR

President: ‘Agricultural protectionism’ blocking EU-Mercosur deal

01-01-2023 03:00 President Alberto Fernández on tensions within the Mercosur, the future of the regional trade bloc and what is really blocking its controversial free-trade deal with the European Union.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

Handout picture released by the press office of opposition leader Juan Guaidó showing him taking part in a virtual meeting with members of the old Parliament, elected in 2015, in Caracas on December 30, 2022.

Politics in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition dissolves Guaido's 'interim government'

31-12-2022 09:08 Venezuelan opposition on Friday dissolved the "interim government" led by Juan Guaidó, once the popular and internationally recognized face of the drive to oust leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.

2022: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2022 – That was the year that was

31-12-2022 06:00 War in Ukraine, Alberto on tour, dwindling reserves, another IMF deal; Máximo walks, Guzmán quits, Batakis comes and goes even quicker, Sergio Massa turns ‘super’; Protests, Precios Justos, picketers and a presidential newborn; A national census, a mysterious Venezuelan plane, Mercosur tensions and Coldplay breaking records at River; Controversy at the 'hidden lake,' new grandchildren, CFK convicted and almost assassinated and – just to round it off – a World Cup win in Qatar... just another year in Argentina.

by Michael Soltys

CHANGE IN BRAZIL

Amid tight security, Brazil hosts 'Lulapalooza' to toast Lula inauguration

30-12-2022 12:29 Some 300,000 revellers and more than a dozen heads of state and government are expected to attend leftist icon Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's swearing-extravaganza in Brasilia.

View of a street poster art by Luis Bueno, known as BuenoCaos, depicting late Brazilian football legend Pelé hugging late Argentine hero Diego Maradona in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 26, 2022.

BRAZILIAN LEGEND DIES AT 82

'Rest in peace, Pelé,' – Messi, Argentina hail Brazilian great

29-12-2022 18:37 World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi leads tributes from Argentina as football icons bid Brazilian hero Pelé farewell.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known simply as Pelé.

OBITUARY

Pele: Eternal king of the beautiful game

29-12-2022 16:57 Pelé was the best-loved footballer of his or any other generation, the eternal master of the beautiful game. But his impact went far beyond the pitch.

In this file photo taken on June 13, 1961, Brazilian striker Pelé, wearing his Santos jersey, smiles before playing a friendly match with his club.

Breaking news

Brazilian football legend Pelé has died, confirms family

29-12-2022 16:18 Brazilian football icon Pelé – widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and a three-time World Cup winner who masterminded the 'beautiful game' – has died at the age of 82, after battling kidney problems and colon cancer.

In this file photo taken on February 18, 2020, Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaidó gestures during a plenary session of the National Assembly at the San Antonio municipal theatre in San Antonio de Los Altos south of Caracas.

Political crisis in Venezuela

Decision on future of Venezuela's opposition 'government' postponed

29-12-2022 14:14 Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó puts off decision on whether his "interim government" should be dissolved.

Supporters of Santa Cruz region opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho stand on the runway to avoid departures of flights at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on December 28, 2022, following the arrest of Camacho.

ARREST IN BOLIVIA

Bolivia charges key opposition leader Camacho with 'terrorism,' says government

28-12-2022 19:10 Bolivian opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho, governor of the Santa Cruz region, arrested by the police on orders of a prosecutor.

MARKETS

Venezuela’s nine-cent bonds lure a distressed-debt veteran

28-12-2022 14:16 Trader raising money to buy defaulted Venezuelan bonds amid signs of easing tensions between President Nicolás Maduro, the political opposition and the United States.