South America

Hot Topics

Gabriel Boric – Chilean President

With a vision of a greener, fairer, and more equal Chile, sparks of optimism are flying high not only in Chile but in the whole of Latin America who are hoping for a huge political shift, and looking to Boric to provide the positive example. As a leading figure in the Chilean student protests, and a key figure in the referendum to change the Constitution, he is the youngest President in Chile’s history, and the second youngest leader in the world. Hoping to bury Pinochet’s dictatorship once and for all, we eagerly await reforms on social justice, welfare, public spending, and inclusion.

Gabriel Boric – Chilean President

Chile's New Constitution

In 2019, Chile erupted in mass protests following an increase in the price of the metro, the demonstrations, eventually turned into a fight against widespread inequality among the population, and to demand a new constitution to replace the one instituted during the Pinochet dictatorship. In October 2020, Chileans voted to rewrite this constitution in a referendum, and now in 2021 they elected the 155 new members who will rewrite it. With a surprising result, the majority of elected members are independent and from the opposition. Many Chileans are hopeful that this process will address the main problems plaguing Chilean society, and the eyes of Latin Americans are on this country in the hope that real change will begin here.  

Chile's New Constitution

Crisis in Venezuela

Since 2010, Venezuelans have been suffering under hyperinflation, hunger, and unprecedented levels of crime and disease. The social and economic disaster has led to massive emigration from the country. Learn more here about the protests, U.S. interference, various coup attempts, and international solidarity for the seemingly never-ending humanitarian catastrophe.

Crisis in Venezuela

President Bolsonaro

Undoubtedly, the 38thnBrazilian president has been the centre of many contentious headlines. He has been described as far-right and populist, and uncertainty about his decisions is growing. His management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his relaxation of several environmental protection policies is of particular concern to watching eyes around the globe.

President Bolsonaro

Ongoing political crisis in Bolivia

At the end of 2019, the country was rocked by 21 days of protests demanding the resignation of Evo Morales over election controversy. Since then, political unrest has been rife. Human rights concerns have been raised, and increased militarisation, and coup attempts have led to the urgent need to reforms, and a free and fair 2020 election. 

Ongoing political crisis in Bolivia