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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, May 23rd 2025 - 12:45 UTC

Stories for May 2nd 2025

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 19:37 UTC

    Brazilian workers push for shorter labor schemes

    Lula, a former union leader himself, voiced his support for public debate on the matter, emphasizing the need for a balance between work and well-being

    Demonstrators across Brazil marked Workers' Day Thursday with protests demanding an end to the 6x1 schedule (six consecutive workdays followed by one day of rest) and advocating for a reduction in the standard 44-hour workweek.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 19:07 UTC

    No injuries or damages reported as strong quake hits Strait of Magellan region

    Some 1,100 people were evacuated in Puerto Williams

    A 7.4-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale struck the Drake Passage Friday, triggering a tsunami warning for Chile's Magallanes region and Antarctic Territory. Chile and neighboring Argentina carried out preventive evacuations, relocating thousands from coastal areas. Shortly after, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit Puerto Williams, followed by a 6.1 aftershock in the Strait of Magellan. Chilean authorities later downgraded the tsunami alert but suspended maritime activities. No injuries or damages were reported, and both countries continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to remain in safe zones.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 10:50 UTC

    De Moraes grants house arrest to former President Collor de Melo

    De Moraes found Collor's health ailments proven and therefore his house arrest was in order

    Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) Alexandre De Moraes allowed Thursday former President Fernando Collor de Melo to serve his 8-year, 10-month sentence under house arrest, citing humanitarian grounds. The decision follows a defense request citing Collor's “chronic health conditions,” including “sleep apnea, Parkinson's disease, and bipolar disorder”—as well as his “advanced age of 75.” Collor must wear an “electronic monitoring device” and can only receive visits from his legal team.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 10:44 UTC

    Milei insists Argentines “do not hate journalists enough”

    “Today, they cannot extort and blackmail,” given the existence of social media, Milei also argued

    Argentine President Javier Milei launched a fierce attack on the press via social media, defending his advisor Santiago Caputo, who intimidated a Tiempo Argentino photographer during a Buenos Aires City electoral debate.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 10:37 UTC

    Argentine opposition sides with workers amid Milei's adjustment policies

    CFK, Kicillof, and Massa agreed that it was a sad Workers' Day

    Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (CFK) Thursday issued a Workers' Day message on X, criticizing President Javier Milei’s government for eroding labor rights and reducing wages to 2001 levels. CFK pointed out the “declared intention of Milei's government to continue sweeping away rights” and called on “to remain united in the defense of the right to a dignified life, with work as a tool for progress.”

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 10:20 UTC

    Argentine airline Flybondi closer to accessing Bolivian skies

    Flybondi has completed all the required phases for operational approval, the DGAC confirmed

    Bolivia's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) has authorized three new airlines to operate in the country: Argentina's budget carrier Flybondi for international routes, and local companies Andina Airlines and Go Airline for domestic flights. Flybondi has completed all required phases and is awaiting itinerary approval based on fleet availability. Andina Airlines is still in the certification process, while Go Airlines is in an earlier stage. Additionally, Arajet from the Dominican Republic is nearing authorization, only lacking the final demonstration phase.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 10:15 UTC

    Trump sacks Security Adviser but proposes him for UN diplomatic job

    Discussions within the White House about a potential replacement for Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser had been ongoing for weeks

    US President Donald Trump fired National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Thursday following a scandal involving a Signal group chat that mistakenly included a journalist and revealed sensitive military plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. The March 15 incident exposed operational details, including strike timings and targets, and implicated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Waltz's explanations were deemed inadequate, and he was criticized for poor staff vetting and ineffective foreign policy coordination.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 09:53 UTC

    Uruguayan Labor Minister recalls the Chicago workers' protests

    Castillo urged all Uruguayans to “join efforts” and “work to take care of children and adolescents living in poverty”

    Uruguayan Labor Minister Juan Castillo Thursday underlined the need to debate reducing working hours to improve quality of life, social justice, and equality. During his Workers' Day speech broadcast on national radio and television, he recounted the historical significance of the date, referencing the Chicago workers' protests for an eight-hour workday, which led to violent repression and the prosecution of union leaders. Castillo also highlighted his country's labor milestones, including the 1915 law establishing the eight-hour workday and its 2008 extension to rural and domestic workers.