News
News and context on what is happening around the world.
Guadalupe Taddei leaves the presidency of Mexico's INE: why she resigned, who replaces her and what the ASF is investigating
Guadalupe Taddei resigned as president of Mexico's National Electoral Institute amid allegations over contracts with election-material suppliers. Blanca Cruz García is acting president, the Chamber of Deputies is preparing to elect a replacement and the federal auditor is reviewing operations worth 8.87 billion pesos.
Keiko Fujimori and CECOT-style mega-prisons: what Peru proposes after visiting Bukele
Keiko Fujimori said Peru can build two mega-prisons inspired by El Salvador's CECOT in seven months, after visiting the country. What she announced, the agreements signed with Bukele and how it compares with Peru's prison overcrowding.
Women in parliament in Latin America 2026: ranking by country
Cuba (55.7%), Nicaragua (54.9%), Bolivia (50.8%) and Mexico (50.2%) are the Latin American countries with the most women in their lower or single house, according to the World Bank and the IPU. Brazil ranks last with 18.1%. Ranking of 19 countries, trends since 2000 and changes after the 2026 elections.
Chile abstains for the first time at the UN on the Cuba embargo: what changed and how the region voted
Chile abstained in the UN General Assembly vote calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, after 33 years of voting in favour. The result (130-17-25), how Latin America voted, the government's arguments and the opposition's criticism.
Truckers' strike in San Antonio, Chile: what they want, how much cargo is stuck and how it affects the port
Independent truckers have been blocking the container depots of Chile's port of San Antonio since October 28 over rising diesel prices, haulage rates and new toll gantries on Route 78. What they want, what is known and what the government said.
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas dies at 92: who he was and his role in Mexico's democracy
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas Solórzano, founder of the PRD, three-time presidential candidate and the first elected head of government of Mexico City, died on October 28, 2026, at 92. His career, the 1988 election and the reactions.
Flávio Bolsonaro left through Argentina for the United States: what we know about the trip and what Milei's government says
Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro, defeated by Lula in the runoff, crossed into Argentina at Puerto Iguazú and flew to Miami via Guayaquil despite an order to surrender his passport. The timeline, what Argentina's immigration office and Santilli say, and the court investigation.
Fertility rate in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the World Bank
Chile has the lowest fertility rate in Latin America, at 1.14 births per woman in 2024, according to the World Bank. Ranking of 19 countries, how it has fallen since 2000 and how many countries remain above the replacement level of 2.1.
Military spending in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to SIPRI and the World Bank
Colombia is the Latin American country that spends the most on defense relative to its economy, at 3.2% of GDP in 2025, and Brazil spends the most in dollars, US$23.95 billion, according to SIPRI and the World Bank. Ranking of 19 countries and trends.
Argentina's 2027 budget: what the government projects and why it is stalled in Congress
Milei's 2027 budget projects 4% growth, 18% inflation and a surplus, but the committee report in the lower house was delayed by PRO's demands. The bill's figures, what allies want and the new timetable.
Peru's SUTEP national teachers' strike on October 29: is there school and what do teachers want?
Peru's SUTEP union confirmed a 24-hour national strike for Thursday, October 29. The Education Ministry has not suspended classes: it depends on each school. What teachers demand, Law 32581 on pensions and whether an indefinite strike is coming.
Homicide rate in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the UN
Ecuador has the highest homicide rate in Latin America, 45.7 per 100,000 people, according to UNODC and the World Bank. Ranking of 20 countries, trends since 2010 and why the region has nearly four times the world average.
Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition: what the A3C is and why Chile has not signed
Chile is attending the third meeting of the US-backed Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (A3C) in the Dominican Republic only as an observer. What it is, who belongs, what the government said and what the parties want.
How much does a candidate get per vote in Chile: the Servel refund explained with figures
A presidential candidate can recover up to 0.04 UF per vote in the first round and 0.01 UF in the runoff, but only as a refund of campaign expenses. What it is in pesos, what each 2025 candidate was entitled to and the Servel's requirements.
Mexico's national truckers' strike: what they want, how many blockades and what happens on Tuesday
The October 26 truckers' strike reached 19 states and 38 sites, according to the Interior Ministry. What Canacar and other groups demand, the toll-road tax incentive in the 2027 Revenue Law and Tuesday's talks with the Finance Ministry.
Keiko Fujimori travels to El Salvador: Bukele meeting, CECOT visit and who is in charge
Peru's president will be in El Salvador from October 28 to 31 to meet Nayib Bukele and visit CECOT, then head to the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid. Schedule, delegation, costs, who takes over and the criticism.
Population of Latin America 2025: ranking by country, growth and fertility
The 20 Latin American countries have 655 million inhabitants in 2025, according to the World Bank. Brazil, Mexico and Colombia lead; Venezuela and Cuba have fewer people than in 2015 and Chile has the lowest fertility. Ranking with official data.
Lula wins Brazil's runoff with 51.79%: results by state and what comes after Flávio Bolsonaro's call to annul the vote
Lula da Silva was re-elected president of Brazil with 64.3 million votes (51.79%) against 59.8 million for Flávio Bolsonaro (48.21%), according to the TSE with 100% counted. Results by state, how Lula overturned the first round and what happens with the annulment request.
Cadem poll: Kast's approval falls to 29%, the lowest of his government, and 92% reject the sentence reductions
Cadem poll No. 700 puts José Antonio Kast at 29% approval and 66% disapproval, his worst reading since March. 89% heard about the sentence reductions for 56 people convicted of sexual crimes against minors and 92% disagree with them.
How much does a prosecutor earn in Chile: pay of assistant, regional and national prosecutors
An assistant prosecutor in Chile earns between 4.9 and 7.4 million pesos gross a month depending on grade and region, according to the official 2025 recruitment rules of the Public Prosecutor's Office. Pay by grade, the National Prosecutor, regional prosecutors and requirements.
Life expectancy in Latin America 2026: ranking by country, from Chile (81.4 years) to Haiti (65.1)
Chile has the highest life expectancy in Latin America, 81.4 years, followed by Costa Rica (81) and Panama (79.8), according to World Bank data for 2024. Ranking of 20 countries, gaps between men and women and the effect of the pandemic.
Chile's deportations of migrants pass 2,000 in 2026: the eleventh flight and how the figures compare with past years
With the October 23 flight, Chile has deported 2,000 foreigners in 2026, according to the government, 1,700 of them since March 11. Yearly figures, who was on the flight and why the former head of migration disputes the comparison.
$LIBRA case: why an Argentine judge dismissed the case against Javier and Karina Milei and what happens now
Federal judge Marcelo Martínez De Giorgi dismissed the $LIBRA case against Javier Milei, Karina Milei and nine other defendants on October 23, 2026. The ruling's arguments, the timeline and pending appeals.
Peru's non-working days for Pope Leo XIV's visit: dates, regions and how hours are made up
Supreme Decree 020-2026-TR declares compensable non-working days between November 11 and 16 in Lima, Callao and six regions for Pope Leo XIV's visit. Dates by department, hours, itinerary and how time is made up.
Chile's sentence reductions for 56 sex offenders: the government suspends the decrees and the opposition weighs impeaching Rabat
Chile's Justice Ministry suspended the processing of sentence reductions on October 23 after granting 56 to people convicted of sexual crimes against minors. The opposition is weighing a constitutional accusation against Minister Rabat, and 92% reject the reductions, according to Cadem.
Peru's MAPE bill: what the government proposes for small-scale mining and the end of Reinfo
Keiko Fujimori's government presented the MAPE bill: it closes Reinfo on December 31, 2026, and creates a consolidation regime from 2027. What it proposes, the deadlines, mercury and experts' criticism.
How much does a soldier earn in Mexico in 2026: pay by rank according to Sedena
A private in the Mexican Army earns MXN 18,840.42 net per month in 2026, according to Sedena's pay table. Pay for corporals, sergeants, officers and generals, the increase versus 2025, year-end bonus and benefits.
Carabineros Strengthening Plan: what changes under the law passed by Chile's Congress
Chile's Congress passed on October 21 the law that overhauls the Carabineros police career: cadets go from CLP 70,000 to 248,000, the risk bonus can reach 100% of salary and civilians join.
Mexico's 2027 midterm elections: date, what is at stake and polls (updated October 2026)
Mexico votes on June 6, 2027: 500 federal deputies, 17 governorships and more than 19,000 posts. INE calendar, polls for Morena and the opposition, and what happened to the judicial election.
Peru's S/ 8.2 billion supplementary budget: where the money goes and how it is financed
Peru's bicameral Budget Committee approved on October 21 a S/ 8,228 million supplementary budget for public works, health, education and El Niño. The breakdown, bond financing and criticism.
Gonzalo Arenas, Chile's new government spokesman: who he is and why he arrives now
President Kast appointed Gonzalo Arenas on October 21 as undersecretary of the Segegob and government spokesman, replacing José Francisco Lagos. His career, the context and what changes.
IMSS labor dispute: what workers want, the rejected raise and what happens with the strike
IMSS workers rejected a 6.8% overall raise and are asking for 10%. The union requested an extension to November 15 to avoid a strike, and Sheinbaum wants a new offer this week.
Myriam Bregman: who she is, her career and her 2027 bid
Profile of Myriam Bregman, Left Front national deputy: human rights lawyer, 2023 presidential candidate and one of Argentina's best-rated politicians in 2026. Facts, votes and polls.
Juan Schiaretti: who he is, his career and his 2027 bid
Profile of Juan Schiaretti, three-time governor of Córdoba, 2023 presidential candidate and leading figure of Provincias Unidas. Career, election results and what the polls say for 2027.
Peru's Senate approves legislative powers for Keiko Fujimori: 35 votes and the 27 points
Peru's Senate approved on October 21, with 35 votes for, 18 against and 6 abstentions, delegating powers to the Executive for 90 days on security and El Niño. The 27 points and how each caucus voted.
Rain in Santiago today: red alert in 10 districts, school closures and how many millimeters to expect
Chile's weather service forecasts 25 to 35 mm in the Santiago Metropolitan Region on Tuesday, October 20, peaking from 5 p.m. A red alert covers 10 districts and classes are suspended in 49 municipalities.
Cadem poll: Kast's approval falls to 30%, his lowest since March
Cadem's Plaza Pública poll No. 698 shows José Antonio Kast at 30% approval and 65% disapproval. 17 of 18 ministers lose ground and 55% back the highway toll cut. The full series since March.
César Jáuregui case: why Chihuahua's former prosecutor faces a treason charge
Mexico's Attorney General's Office accuses Chihuahua's former prosecutor of treason over an operation involving CIA agents in El Pinal, where four people died. What happened, what he faces and the upcoming hearings.
Keiko Fujimori and Daniel Noboa meet in Lima: what is at stake at the Peru-Ecuador Binational Cabinet
Peru's president and Ecuador's president lead the 17th Binational Cabinet at the Government Palace on Tuesday. Security, trade and the border, with figures on trade between the two countries.
Javier Milei: who he is, his career, his government and his 2027 bid
Profile of Javier Milei, Argentina's president since 2023 and a candidate for re-election in 2027: biography, career as an economist, election results, inflation under his government and polls.
Axel Kicillof: who he is, his career and his 2027 bid
Profile of Axel Kicillof, governor of Buenos Aires province and the Peronists' leading figure heading into 2027: biography, time as economy minister, the YPF expropriation, elections and polls against Milei.
Chile's 2027 budget: how much spending rises, its priorities and when Congress votes
The first budget of José Antonio Kast's government raises spending by 1.5% and prioritizes growth, security and children. Subcommittees review it until 21 October and the deadline is 29 November.
How much does a doctor earn in Chile in 2026: public-sector pay by hours and years of service
A doctor joining Chile's public health system on a 44-hour week earns 2,502,413 pesos gross a month and can exceed 5.9 million at the end of their career, according to the Health Ministry pay scale in force since June 2026.
Guadalajara water crisis: rotating cuts in 627 neighborhoods until March and which days will be without water
Since 15 October, Guadalajara's water utility SIAPA has rotated supply in 627 neighborhoods after shutting the Las Pintas source over contamination. Schedule by zone and the protests.
How much does the president of Mexico earn in 2026: Claudia Sheinbaum's salary and how it has changed since 2018
Claudia Sheinbaum earns 134,290 pesos net a month in 2026, according to Mexico's federal budget. For 2027, 134,239 pesos net and 193,671 gross are proposed. History of the presidential salary.
Argentina's 2027 presidential election: date, candidates and polls (updated October 2026)
Argentina elects a president on 24 October 2027. Javier Milei leads the Equipo Mide poll with 31% against 25% for Axel Kicillof. Date, runoff, primaries, candidates and all the polls.
Extraordinary coastal El Niño: what ENFEN says and which regions of Peru are at risk
Peru's ENFEN keeps its coastal El Niño alert and forecasts extraordinary magnitude until January 2027 and strong until autumn. Rain on the northern coast, rivers that could overflow and drought in the south.
Chile's preventive climate emergency from Coquimbo to Biobío: what it means and how much rain is forecast
Chile declared a preventive climate emergency from Coquimbo to Biobío for 18-23 October as a new frontal system arrives. Which regions it covers, what it allows and how much rain the weather service expects.
Legislative powers for Keiko Fujimori: Peru's Senate committee approves 27 and sends them to the floor
Peru's Senate Constitution Committee voted 7-0 to approve the Deputies' 20 powers on security and El Niño and added seven more: 27 in total go to the full Senate, which has the final say.
How much does a judge earn in Chile in 2026: gross salary by grade, from trial judge to Supreme Court
A trial judge in Chile earns between 6.5 and 8.4 million pesos gross per month depending on grade, and a Supreme Court justice about 14.7 million, according to the Judiciary's pay scale in force since June 2026.
How much does a senator earn in Mexico in 2026: pay, year-end bonus and comparison with the president
A senator in Mexico earns 132,900 pesos net per month in 2026, according to the pay manual published in the Official Gazette. How much it rose, what benefits apply and how it compares with deputies, the president and the minimum wage.
How much Latin American presidents earn in 2026: a ranking of 16 countries
Colombia's president tops the ranking of presidential salaries in Latin America at about US$16,400 a month; Bolivia's is last at US$2,096. Ranking of 16 countries, official amounts and multiples of the minimum wage.
Brazil's 2026 runoff: date, first-round results and polls
Brazil chooses a president on October 25 between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula. Official first-round results, what Datafolha and Quaest show and the debate dates.
Flávio Bolsonaro: who he is, his career and the proposals of the candidate facing Lula
Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son and a senator since 2019, won Brazil's first round and faces Lula on October 25. His career, his proposals and the rachadinhas case.
Lula da Silva: who he is, his three governments and what he proposes for a fourth term
Lula da Silva, Brazil's president, seeks a fourth term in the October 25, 2026 runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro. His life, his governments, his time in prison and his proposals.
Chile's use of force rules: what Law 21,849 says, published while the Constitutional Court reviews a challenge
Law 21,849 on use of force rules was published on October 16. It sets five levels of response for the Carabineros and PDI police and eight rules for the armed forces. Sixteen senators are challenging it before the Constitutional Court.
How much does a minister earn in Chile in 2026: gross salary and differences between ministries
A minister of Finance, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defense or the General Secretariat of the Presidency earns 9,110,534 Chilean pesos a month in 2026; other ministers about 8.24 million. Official tables and comparison with other officials.
Hurricane Trudy: track, warnings and rainfall in Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco
Hurricane Trudy, with 150 km/h winds, will pass near the coast of Colima and Jalisco between Saturday night and Sunday. Hurricane warning from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes and rainfall of up to 380 mm.
Keiko Fujimori's approval falls to 40% and disapproval rises to 49%, Ipsos poll shows
The October Ipsos poll for Perú21 gives President Keiko Fujimori a 40% approval rating, down from 57% in August. Prime Minister Galarreta stands at 26%. Figures, methodology and context.
How much a senator earns in Chile in 2026: the salary, the allowances and how it differs from a deputy
A senator in Chile receives a gross salary of 8,291,039 pesos a month since March 11, 2026, according to the Senate. Who sets it, what the allowances are and how it compares with other posts.
Kast in Bolivia: the five agreements he signed with Rodrigo Paz on the first state visit in 71 years
José Antonio Kast and Rodrigo Paz signed five documents in La Paz on trade, mining, fibre optics and energy, plus a declaration with eight areas of work. What they signed, what they said and what is still pending.
How much the president of Peru earns: Keiko Fujimori's salary and how it has changed since 2001
Peru's president is paid 35,568 soles a month, set by Supreme Decree 136-2025-EF. In August she received 39,124.80 soles. Why the difference, how the salary has changed since Toledo and how it compares.
Minimum wage in Peru 2026: it rises to S/ 1,230 and will reach S/ 1,300 in 2027
Peru's minimum wage rose from S/ 1,130 to S/ 1,230 on October 1, 2026, with a second S/ 70 step due in 2027. How much it is, who it applies to and how it has risen since 2012.
Minimum wage in Mexico 2026: how much it is and how much it has risen since 2018
Mexico's general minimum wage is 315.04 pesos a day in 2026, 13% more than in 2025. On the northern border it is 440.87 pesos. Monthly amounts, history since 2018 and a regional comparison.
How much does a member of Congress earn in Mexico: allowance, bonus and support in 2026
A Mexican federal deputy receives a gross allowance of 110,578.67 pesos a month in 2026, about 79,846 pesos net. Plus a 40-day year-end bonus and support payments. How many minimum wages that is.
How much does the president of Argentina earn: Javier Milei's salary in 2026
Javier Milei earns 4,066,018 pesos gross a month, about US$ 2,685, a salary frozen since December 2023. What the vice president and other presidents earn, and how many minimum wages that is.
How much do members of Congress earn in Peru: deputies' and senators' pay in 2026
The 130 deputies and 60 senators of Peru's new two-chamber Congress are paid S/ 15,600 a month, plus allowances that bring the total to about S/ 32,000. How many minimum wages that is.
Chile's anti-spam call law: the Senate approves a ban without consent and fines of more than CLP 72 million
Chile's Senate unanimously approved a bill banning promotional calls without prior consent. Fines would reach 1,000 UTM. What changes and what comes next.
Population of Chile: how many people live there and how it has changed since 1960
Chile's 2024 census counted 18,480,432 people. World Bank estimates reach 19.86 million in 2025. Population by decade, by region and the aging trend.
Chile poll: Bachelet beats Boric as the left's best candidate, but within her own camp the lead is just 3 points
41% believe Michelle Bachelet would be the best presidential candidate of Chile's centre-left, against 24% for Gabriel Boric. Among those who identify with that camp, the gap narrows to 47% versus 44%. All the figures from the Cadem poll.
Minimum wage in Chile: how much it is in 2026 and how it has risen year by year since 1990
Chile's minimum wage has been 553,553 pesos a month since May 2026 and will be adjusted again in January 2027. The year-by-year table since 1990, the raises that added the most purchasing power and the take-home amount.
Unemployment in Chile: the ranking of the last 50 years, from 19.6% in 1982 to 4.4% in 1992
Chile's worst year for unemployment in half a century was 1982, at 19.6%; the best was 1992, at 4.4%. The year-by-year ranking, averages by decade and by government, and where it stands in 2026.
How much does a city councillor earn in Chile? The allowance, how it is set and what it depends on
A councillor in Chile receives a monthly allowance of 7 to 15 UTM, set each year by the council itself. What that means in pesos, the attendance rule and how it compares with other posts.
How much does a mayor earn in Chile? From 4.4 to 9.6 million pesos depending on the municipality
A mayor's salary in Chile depends on the grade of the municipality: in 2024 it ranged from about 4.4 million pesos in small towns to 9.6 million in Santiago. How it is calculated, with examples.
How much does a flight attendant earn in Chile? How pay is made up and what it takes to become one
There is no public pay scale for cabin crew in Chile: income combines base salary, flight activity and per diems. What the aviation authority requires and how long training takes.
How much does a prison officer earn in Chile in 2026? Pay by rank and requirements to apply
A newly graduated prison officer earns 1,169,235 pesos a month before deductions and a senior warrant officer 2,507,753. The 2026 scale by rank and the entry requirements.
How much does the president of Chile earn in 2026? The salary set for the new term
The president of Chile earns about 11 million pesos gross a month since March 2026, roughly 4 million more than in the previous term. Who sets the figure and why it went up.
How much does a member of Congress earn in Chile in 2026? Pay and what it includes
A deputy in Chile receives about 8.24 million pesos gross a month in 2026. What the leaders of each chamber earn, what the allowances are and who sets the amount.
How much does a police officer earn in Chile? Carabineros pay by rank, from recruit to director general
A newly graduated carabinero earns about 829,000 pesos net a month and a senior non-commissioned officer 2.27 million. The pay table by rank for both career paths.
How much does a teacher earn in Chile? The minimum teacher salary and how it rises with the career
The minimum pay for a teacher working 44 hours a week is 936,585 pesos gross. Actual pay depends on the career tier, years of service and qualifications.
Russia and China: record trade and a pipeline that is going nowhere
Trade between Russia and China grew 25.6% in the first half of 2026 and Putin puts it at 240 billion dollars. The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline remains stuck over price.
Texas prisons without air conditioning: a judge orders it installed by the end of 2029 and the state appeals
A federal judge ordered Texas to air-condition all its prisons by 31 December 2029. About 88,700 people live in units without air conditioning. The state has appealed.