Politics

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:56 UTC

  Argentina: “Blue” dollar pierces AR$ 500 barrier

  

  The “blue” (a euphemism for “black market”) dollar Wednesday pierced the AR$ $500 barrier and set a new record high, it was reported in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, the official exchange rate also went up despite the Central Bank (BCRA) selling some of its reserves.

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:39 UTC

  Uruguay's Tourism Minister says Argentine President's words were harmful

  

  Uruguay's Tourism Minister Tabaré Viera Wednesday said that Argentine President Alberto Fernández's remarks that no water came out when people opened the faucets in Montevideo had resulted in numerous cancellations.

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:15 UTC

  Brazilian scientists given back their decorations

  

  Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Wednesday presented researchers, professors, authorities, and representatives of entities that have made relevant contributions to national scientific and technological development with the National Order of Scientific Merit, Agencia Brasil reported. Joining Lula was Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Luciana Santos.

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:10 UTC

  Over 43 million Brazilians cross poverty line, gov't says

  

  Brazilian authorities announced Wednesday that over 43 million people –or 18.52 families– left the poverty line in June due to an increase in the allowances in the Bolsa Família welfare program, Agencia Brasil reported.

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:04 UTC

  Bolsonaro denies having taken part in a coup plot

  

  Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Wednesday testified before the Federal Police for about two hours about his alleged plans prior to Jan. 1 and denied any involvement in the plot to stage a coup d'état against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva denounced by Senator Marcos do Val.

• Thursday, July 13th 2023 - 10:00 UTC

  IAPA warns about risks of commission against disinformation in Chile

  

  The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) insisted that the creation of a commission against disinformation in Chile as promoted by the administration of President Gabriel Boric Font could open the door to sheer censorship. In response, the Chilean government invited IAPA to participate in a Senate committee discussing the issue, it was reported in Santiago.

• Wednesday, July 12th 2023 - 10:57 UTC

  Argentina: Javier Milei's party under investigation

  

  Argentine Judiciary authorities have launched a probe into allegations that the political party La Libertad Avanza of Deputy Javier Milei was charging up to US$ 50,000 for a slot on the ballot lists, it was reported in Buenos Aires.

• Wednesday, July 12th 2023 - 10:45 UTC

  Pinochet, not a “President,” Chile's Lower House approves

  

  Chile's Lower House Tuesday passed a resolution striping late dictator Augusto Pinochet Ugarte from the title of “president” by 67 votes against 47 and 8 abstentions, it was reported in Santiago. The initiative should not pass to the Senate as it is a draft statement that also defines Pinochet as a “military and political figure” and his government (1973-1990) as an “authoritarian regime.”

• Wednesday, July 12th 2023 - 10:16 UTC

  Brazilian Justice Minister outlines Amazon Security Plan

  

  Brazil's Justice Minister Flávio Dino Tuesday announced that the government's Amazon Security Plan foresees 34 river and land bases and will involve the presence of different police forces, Agencia Brasil reported.

• Wednesday, July 12th 2023 - 10:12 UTC

  Former Latin American presidents promote regional development

  

  At least 15 former Latin American presidents convened in Asunción for the two-day 2023 Latin American Forum of Ideas held at the South American Football Confederation's (Conmebol) Convention Center in Luque, Paraguay. The opening ceremony was attended by incumbent President Mario Abdo Benítez.