Category: Americas
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Laura Fernández, a political scientist and former senior official, has won Costa Rica’s presidential election, securing an apparent first-round victory, according to preliminary results released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. At 39, Fernández becomes the country’s second female president, benefiting from the popularity of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who is constitutionally barred from re-election. Key…
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The United States has begun limited contact with Cuban officials, US President Donald Trump said, as Washington intensifies pressure on the communist-run island by restricting oil supplies. Speaking while travelling to Florida, Trump said recent US actions could push Havana towards negotiations, adding: “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.” He offered no details on the…
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Costa Rica votes in a tightly watched presidential election on Sunday (1 February) as the ruling movement aligned with outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica, seeks to retain power amid voter apathy and a fragmented opposition. Polling suggests continuity candidate Laura Fernández, former minister and chief of staff, is leading, but a large…
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The US government entered what is expected to be a brief shutdown on Saturday (31 January) after Congress missed a midnight deadline to approve a spending deal. • The Senate passed the package 71–29, but the House of Representatives is out of town and not expected to take up the measure until Monday. • Lawmakers…
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Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced plans for a sweeping general amnesty law, covering political violence from 1999 to the present, weeks after the US-led removal of Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at the Supreme Court of Justice, Rodríguez said the proposal aims to restore justice, ease political tensions, and reform the judiciary. She also outlined…
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Panama’s Supreme Court has annulled a long-standing port concession held by a unit of CK Hutchison Holdings, ruling that the contract to operate terminals at either end of the Panama Canal was unconstitutional. The unanimous decision follows lawsuits filed since 2021 and a 2025 government audit that alleged contractual irregularities and significant revenue losses. The…
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Unrest escalated across Minneapolis and several US cities on Sunday (25 January) as Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, warned the country had reached a “turning point” and urged US President Donald Trump to withdraw federal immigration agents from the city. Tensions intensified following the fatal shooting of Alex Preti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and military…
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US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Canadian imports if Ottawa proceeds with a proposed trade arrangement with China. In a post on Truth Social Mr Trump said: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a “Drop Off Port” for China to send goods and products…
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A New York Times Editorial Board review argues that US President Donald Trump, in his second term, has generated substantial personal income linked to the presidency, raising concerns over conflicts of interest and institutional integrity. The review estimates at least $1.4bn in documented gains since January 2025, noting this is likely an underestimate based on…
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Ecuador will impose a 30% “security tariff” on imports from Colombia from 1 February 2026, citing cross-border drug trafficking and illegal mining, President Daniel Noboa has announced. In a social media statement, Noboa said the measure would remain until Colombia demonstrates “real commitment” to joint enforcement, arguing Ecuador faces a trade deficit exceeding $1bn while…
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