Latin America has gone through a series of events in recent days, from natural disasters destroying the land, to political disputes that put democracy at risk. Here is some of the news that will continue to generate impact in the region for months to come.
Destructive forest fires in Chile
This tragedy has been described as one of the most devastating that Chile has experienced in recent decades. The images of the area, one of the country’s tourist destinations, are alarming. The fires, which have spread rapidly, have hit the central-south zone of Chile hard, with the region of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Quilpué, about 120 kilometers from Santiago, the most affected.
In the area, some of the villas have been reduced to ashes and in Las Tablas the fire has consumed 6,800 hectares.
Drone shots by @AFPespanol @UlloaG_Fernando show absolute devastation in Chile after devastating forest fires@guardian reporting 99 people killed, 200 missing.
The fires broke out during a week of record high temperatures in central Chile #ClimateCrisis pic.twitter.com/MEMeDOZQCF
— Sophie McNeill (@Sophiemcneill) February 4, 2024
For the moment, the authorities have reported more than 100 people dead and about 15,000 homes affected. However, in some areas of Viña de Mar, more than 370 people are reported missing, while the fires have not yet been controlled despite the efforts of the emergency services.
Weather conditions have complicated the work of firefighters trying to extinguish the flames. Strong winds, low humidity and high summer temperatures have contributed to the rapid and destructive spread. Although the South American country has experienced fires of great magnitude in the past, this one has been the most damaging, and authorities are even assessing the possibility that some of the fires may have been intentional.
Firefighters and other emergency services are still trying to access some areas of the territory to make a full casualty survey, however current figures already make 2024 the deadliest year for fires in Chile — the biggest tragedy since the 2010 earthquake.
Political disqualification of María Corina Machado in Venezuela
At the end of 2023, the population elected María Corina Machado with 93% as the candidate to face Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections scheduled for the last month of 2024. However, due to threats from the government, and the history of political bans in Venezuela, many expected some delaying or restrictive tactic prior to the elections, especially when Machado is emerging as the favorite according to polls that place her almost 2 to 1 to date.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice issued a ruling at the end of January and banned Machado from holding public office for 15 years. In theory, this entity is independent from the government, but it has been accused for years of acting in favor of Chavismo and Madurismo supporters.
María Corina Machado en el programa Vicky en la semana_: >>> Rechaza nombrar un sustituto y afirma que el Gobernador de Barinas , Sergio Garrido es aliado de Nicolas Maduro.
"Todo esto equivale a decir que no hay elecciones en Venezuela porque el que está eligiendo… pic.twitter.com/EFbSckAU58— LuisSucesosLuis (@LuisSucesosLuis) February 6, 2024
These decisions can only undermine democracy and the rule of law, according to representatives of the European Union for Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, experts in Venezuelan law say the sentence has no legal basis and has been made without due process.
But, as Machado is the strongest candidate for the elections, it is unlikely that the decision will be overturned.
The ban is also a threat to the international opening of the country, which has been under negotiation since the end of last year. The first U.S. response to the disqualification includes a call for Maduro to allow elections, the participation of candidates and the release of political prisoners.
The White House gave until April for a favorable response, which is when the package of decrees that included the withdrawal of sanctions in the oil sector expires. If the Maduro government doesn’t guarantee electoral participation, Biden will not renew the agreement.
Meanwhile, in the mining sector, sanctions have been reactivated, which means a setback in the negotiations. Thus, Maduro’s decision not only threatens the democratic process, but also the economic stability of the country.
Land blockades due to political decisions in Bolivia
An organized group of peasants, encouraged by former president Evo Morales, have closed some of the mainland communication routes paralyzing part of Bolivia. They are demanding the judicial elections that were scheduled for last year but were postponed due to lack of consensus in the Legislative Assembly.
The roadblocks have paralyzed the country and its economy for 15 days.
Protest blockades have interrupted transport and supply routes in #Bolivia amid a political standoff with supporters loyal to former president Evo Morales.
Morales supporters are calling for judicial elections that were reportedly due last year. pic.twitter.com/pOiYNSnz7X— AIBS News 24 (@AIBSNews24) February 2, 2024
Morales is interested in this election, which would allow changes in the Constitutional Tribunal towards indefinite presidential reelection.
Morales was in power from 2006 to 2019, achieving three reelections despite the fact that the constitution only admitted two, however, at that time he appealed to the indefinite reelection as a human right — an answer that he will not be able to have after the Constitutional Court established that the current parameters that do not allow it.
However, Morales is burning all bridges to change these rulings and establish himself in power for many more years, like others among his counterparts in the region.
Image: Carlos Díaz
.jpg){kind=link}