News from South America
MercoPress South Atlantic News Agency
- Milei grants controversial powers to intelligence agents
on January 2, 2026Argentine President Javier Milei has issued a sweeping Emergency Decree to restructure Argentina's intelligence service, sparking concerns among opposition sectors, particularly regarding the new powers granted to field operatives.
- Venezuela releases 88 people detained in post-2024 elections riots
on January 2, 2026Venezuela's Bolivarian regime announced the release of 88 people who had been detained following the July 28, 2024, presidential elections, which Nicolás Maduro claimed to have won despite producing no corroborating evidence.
- New York's first-ever Muslim Mayor sworn in
on January 2, 2026Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the 112th mayor of New York City on Thursday, marking a historic shift in the city’s political landscape. The 34-year-old former State Assemblyman, an avowed democratic socialist, became the first Muslim to lead the nation's most populous city.
- New State of Emergency declared in Ecuador after mass killing
on January 2, 2026A violent mass shooting in the Ecuadorean port city of Manta left at least six people dead and a dozen wounded on New Year's Eve, as President Daniel Noboa declared a fresh 60-day State of Emergency across nine provinces.
- Bolsonaro leaves hospital, goes back to Police HQs
on January 2, 2026Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro left Brasilia's DF Star Hospital late Thursday afternoon and was transferred back to the Federal Police's detention facility, where he is serving his 27-year prison sentence for masterminding the Jan 8, 2023, coup attempt.
- China announces beef import quotas
on January 2, 2026Beginning in 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce will implement a three-year "protective measure" consisting of a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding specific quotas. The initiative was found to hit the United States, Brazil, and Australia. However, it would leave Uruguay unharmed and prevent any Argentine expansion.
- Paraguayan President highlights economic growth and 3.1% inflation
on December 31, 2025The Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) announced on Tuesday that the country has concluded 2025 with an annual inflation rate of 3.1%, successfully meeting its target range and demonstrating a trend of continued macroeconomic stability.
- Bolsonaro slated for endoscopy amid post-surgery complications
on December 31, 2025Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is scheduled to undergo a digestive endoscopy on Wednesday, as medical teams continue to treat him for recurring post-surgery complications.
- US embassies tasked with monitoring Latin America's migration policies
on December 31, 2025The US State Department formally instructed its embassies across Latin America to monitor and report on government policies that encourage or facilitate mass migration, it was announced on Tuesday.
- Bolivia lifts all fuel import restrictions
on December 31, 2025Bolivia's Hydrocarbons Ministry has announced a sweeping liberalization of the national fuel market, lifting long-standing import restrictions and implementing a zero Specific Consumption Tax (ICE) for private importers.