Politics
Politics feedPolls show 7 points lead for Uruguayan incumbent presidential candidate
Uruguay’s ruling coalition presidential ticket,—Jose Mujica and Danilo Astori—, has a seven percentage points advantage over the opposition, Luis Alberto Lacalle and Jorge Larrañaga, for the run off the last Sunday of November, according to the latest opinion polls released in Montevideo
In spite of coup denials Paraguayan president continues with military purge
Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo continued to purge the top ranks of the military Friday, removing the armed forces’ commander. Lugo fired the commanders of the country’s army, air force and navy on Wednesday.
Chilean president Bachelet approval soars to record 80% in October
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet’s approval rating rose to a record 80% in October, from 76% the previous month, according to an opinion poll published Thursday by polling institute Adimark GfK.
Five days paid “honeymoon leave” for Chilean newlyweds
A proposed new law will guarantee Chilean employees five paid working days as “honeymoon leave” and will not take away from the legal yearly vacation days workers are given.
US economy shedding jobs for 22nd month in a row, longest period in 70 years
The unemployment rate in the United States rose to 10.2% in October, which was its highest rate since April 1983, according to figures from the US Labour Department. Unemployment in September was 9.8%.
Uribe’s public opinion support falls below 70% for the first time in 7 years
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe popularity rating is at it’s lowest in his seven years in government, according to a recent public opinion poll. Uribe’s popularity rating fell from 70% to 63% in the last two months.
Honduras crisis deal confirms Valenzuela nomination to the State Department
The United States Senate finally approved Thursday evening the nomination of Arturo Valenzuela as Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, putting an end to three months of Republican veto because of the Obama administration policy towards Honduras.
“Non aggression pact” to end secrecy of military agreements in South America
Brazilian diplomacy is working on a “non aggression” pact which it will propose to Colombia and other regional governments following on the military agreement signed by Bogotá with Washington and which has caused much concern in Brazil according to the Sao Paulo press.
EU/Mercosur round of talks agreed negotiations remain stalled
The European Union and Mercosur closed on Friday a three-day round of talks unable to re-launch the stalled trade negotiations, although both sides were quick to point out to the “advances” of the last five years.
Obama has forgotten about Latinamerica, claims Lula da Silva
Brazilian president Lula da Silva claims that his United States peer, Barack Obama has forgotten about Latinamerica after having promised a new relation with the continent. He also revealed he was working for a meeting between Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Colombia’s Alvaro Uribe “so they can address their differences”.
