Colombia had an election
There seems to be a political trend in Latin America towards the right, and Colombia has just joined it:
The latest: Abelardo de la Espriella’s victory in Colombia’s presidential election after President Donald Trump endorsed him.
De la Espriella beat left-winger Iván Cepeda by vowing to crack down on crime and corruption and to rescue the economy, in part by cooperating with Team Trump.
His supporters even wore hats that read “Make Colombia Great Again.”
Milei of Argentina has led the way, and it’s been noticed. Other Latin American countries who have since turned to the right or at least the center in elections: Chile, Peru, Honduras, Bolivia and Costa Rica. Venezuela is a question mark and the jury is still out; it hasn’t had an election, but things may be looking up there economically (see this) after the Maduro capture.
And of course Cuba hangs in the balance:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a fresh round of sanctions on the Cuban regime on Tuesday.
Rubio designated five entities generating revenue for the current Cuban regime, including three associated with the previously designated Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), and one member of the extended Castro family. …
Rubio’s Tuesday announcement expands upon what was already the most significant package of U.S. sanctions on Cuban entities in decades.
I’m sure Milei’s success in Argentina has had a large effect. I wonder if the loss of USAID funding for leftists may also be helping.
Bukele in El Salvador was the real trend setter.
I think Kate’s onto something….Ro Khanna squealing like a pig about USAID may be highly indicative.
Yes, Kate, the defunding of USAID is playing a very big role. And I’m speaking from the insider perspective of a former (Acting) USAID Country Director in an African country.