> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# The Americas
> Week of March 9, 2026
## Regional Summary
**The Sovereignty Reflex**
Across the Americas this week, governments clashed with Washington — but the real story is how they are now shaping domestic politics more than foreign policy. From Ottawa to Mexico City to Brasília, leaders are discovering that standing up to the United States wins votes, consolidates coalitions and justifies spending that might otherwise face scrutiny. Sovereignty has become less a principle than a political instrument, and the leaders wielding it most boldly are the ones with the most to gain at home.
Mark Carney's pledge to defend Greenland "however necessary" against American pressure is the sharpest example. The Canadian prime minister's promise is striking not for its military weight — Canada lacks the means to do much about Greenland on its own — but for what it does for Mr Carney at home. His government sits two seats short of a majority, and his muscular posture on sovereignty has already lured a fourth opposition MP into the Liberal caucus, this time from the northern riding of Nunavut, where Arctic defence spending lands directly. The \$35 billion announced for northern military bases sounds formidable, but \$32 billion was already earmarked under the previous government. The repackaging is the point: in a country rattled by tariffs and presidential insults, the appearance of defiance matters more than the substance of new spending.
José Antonio Kast, Chile's new president, demonstrates that the sovereignty reflex can work in the opposite direction. Rather than distancing himself from Washington, Mr Kast signed a minerals agreement with the United States on his first full day in office, framing alignment with American interests as an assertion of Chilean independence after years of left-wing governance. The deal on rare earths and supply chains is thin on detail, but its political purpose was unmistakable: it told both his base and his opponents that Chile's rightward shift would be fast and transactional. His approval ratings, above 50%, give him room to move. Yet the same week brought reminders of the institutional rot he inherits — a police officer shot dead responding to a drunk and disorderly call, and plainclothes officers killing a man who mistook them for robbers — suggesting that governing will be harder than signalling.
Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil's president, both face the less comfortable version of this dynamic: sovereignty rhetoric that buys time but cannot paper over domestic fractures. Ms Sheinbaum's retort to Donald Trump — that Mexico's sovereignty is "non-negotiable" — played well with voters, yet the same week her own coalition allies handed her a first legislative defeat by blocking electoral reform, the clearest crack in the ruling alliance since 2018. In Brazil, Mr Lula revoked the visa of a Trump adviser who tried to visit Jair Bolsonaro in prison, casting the move as a defence of national dignity. But polls show him tied at 41% with Flávio Bolsonaro in a hypothetical run-off, his approval rating sinking, and 19 of his 38 ministers about to leave the cabinet to run for office. The visa spat distracted nicely from a 38-centavo diesel price rise that forced him to offer subsidies.
Incumbents and newcomers alike are converting external pressure from Washington — whether through tariffs, military posturing or diplomatic meddling — into domestic political capital. The conversion is often efficient: it rallies bases, justifies spending, and forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. But it is also depreciating. Each act of defiance must be louder than the last to register, while the underlying problems — fragile coalitions, split voters, institutional decay, commodity-price shocks — remain stubbornly unresolved. Sovereignty is a renewable rhetorical resource; the political credit it buys is not.
## Country Summaries
***
### 
Canada
Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, promised to defend Greenland against American threats "however necessary," the strongest rejection of US leadership since the trade war began.
At a summit in Oslo with five Nordic countries and Germany, Mr Carney said his country stands "four square behind the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity" regarding Greenland. Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's prime minister, thanked Mr Carney for helping Denmark withstand "totally unacceptable pressure" from the Trump administration. The leaders issued a joint statement on closer defence cooperation.
The Greenland commitment shows a broader pattern of Canadian defiance. Mr Carney also rejected the Trump administration's decision to ease Russian oil sanctions, saying Canada will keep its sanctions and join European leaders in opposing the US move. Chrystia Freeland, a former Liberal minister, called the American decision "effectively writing a cheque to Putin." Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor, noted that six of seven G7 members opposed the US move.
Even as Canada distances itself from Washington, Mr Carney is consolidating power at home. Lori Idlout, an NDP MP from Nunavut, became the fourth opposition member to join the Liberal caucus since November, bringing the government to 170 seats — just two short of a majority. Ms Idlout cited the need for a "strong and ambitious government" on northern sovereignty issues. Three byelections in Toronto-area ridings on April 13 could deliver that majority.
The government is also boosting security. Mélanie Joly, the industry minister, announced over \$900 million through the National Research Council for defence innovation, including drone technologies, quantum applications, and biomedical countermeasures. Separately, Ottawa introduced legislation giving police and CSIS more powers to track suspects online and obtain telecommunications data from foreign social media companies.
Mr Carney announced \$35 billion for northern defence and infrastructure, including military bases in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit. But roughly \$32 billion comes from existing NORAD modernisation funds set aside by the Trudeau government rather than new spending.
Economic policy faces outside pressures. The Bank of Canada is expected to hold its policy rate at 2.25 per cent when it meets on March 18, as oil prices have risen more than 40 per cent since the Iran war began. Unemployment rose to 6.7 per cent in February, with 84,000 job losses. Economists expect tougher talk from the central bank about rate increases if oil prices stay high.
* **Poilievre announces auto industry plan during US trip** — Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, unveiled a plan for a tariff-free auto pact with the United States during a visit to Michigan and Windsor, proposing to remove GST on Canadian-made cars and eliminate tariffs on Canadian vehicle sales to the US. The plan aims to double domestic vehicle production. *([ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/autos/article/conservative-leader-to-announce-auto-plan-following-meetings-in-michigan/))*
* **Trump repeatedly calls Carney 'future Governor of Canada'** — Donald Trump, the US president, has repeatedly referred to Mark Carney as the 'future Governor of Canada' in social media posts and statements, continuing his pattern of provocative remarks about Canadian sovereignty and potential US annexation. *([ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/trump-refers-to-pm-carney-as-future-governor-of-canada-in-social-media-post/))*
* **High approval ratings and Liberal polling gains under Carney leadership** — Multiple polls show Mr Carney maintaining historically high approval ratings with the Liberal Party leading the Conservatives by significant margins. Polling shows 57% of Canadians choose Mr Carney as best PM choice, with the Liberals at 46% nationally versus 35% for Conservatives. *([thewalrus.ca](https://thewalrus.ca/carneymania-sweeps-the-country-yes-even-quebec-and-alberta/))*
* **NDP leadership race underway as voting begins** — Voting has begun in the federal NDP leadership race with five candidates competing to replace Jagmeet Singh. Avi Lewis leads in fundraising with over \$1.2 million raised, while about 100,000 party members are eligible to vote. The winner will be announced March 29. *([cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/voting-ndp-leadership-race-convention-9.7119241))*
* **CSIS assesses Iran threat level, new lawful access bill introduced** — The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) says the threat level from Iran remains at 'medium' following the start of the Iran war. Separately, the Liberal government introduced new lawful access legislation giving police and the agency enhanced powers to track suspects online and obtain telecommunications data. *([ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/csis-says-threat-level-associated-with-iran-or-its-proxies-remains-unchanged-likely-to-continue/))*
* [Submarines off the table as Carney meets with leaders of Norway, Germany — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/submarines-canada-norway-germany-carney-9.7126976)
* [Nordic leaders meet in Oslo with Carney as Arctic tensions sharpen over Greenland, Russia — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-norway-nordic-summit-defence-russia-greenland-9.7129246)
* [Carney heading to Norway to watch NATO exercises, meet with PM — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-norway-uk-9.7121275)
* [Mark Carney, in Norway on NATO trip, says 'ready to defend' — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/politics/article/carney-to-observe-nato-drills-in-northern-norway-with-norwegian-and-german-leaders)
* [Nordic Leaders Praise Carney as They Discuss Arctic Security — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/03/15/world/canada/nordic-leaders-praise-carney-as-they-discuss-arctic-security.html)
* [Carney Rallies Allies as Canada Faces Economic Strains From US Tariffs — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-14/globe-trotting-carney-turns-to-allies-as-economic-pressures-build-in-canada)
* [Carney to discuss energy security during three-day trip to Norway — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-carney-travel-norway-defence-focused-northern-trip)
* [Carney observes NATO exercises, Poilievre kicks off US trip — toronto.citynews.ca](https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2026/03/13/carney-observes-nato-exercises-poilievre-kicks-off-us-trip/)
* [Mark Carney talks geopolitical pragmatism and a confident Canada — monocle.com](https://monocle.com/affairs/politics/mark-carney-interview-canada-strong-davos-2026)
* [Carney heads to Arctic war games as NATO flexes muscle in Norway — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-nato-war-games-norway-canada-9.7124665)
* [Carney and other G7 leaders oppose U.S. pause on Russian oil sanctions — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/carney-and-other-g7-leaders-oppose-u-s-pause-on-russian-oil-sanctions)
* [Politics Insider: Carney rebukes U.S. for easing sanctions on Russian oil sales — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-politics-insider-carney-rebukes-us-for-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil)
* [Time Is Ticking for Mark Carney — macleans.ca](https://macleans.ca/politics/time-is-ticking-for-mark-carney/)
* [Mark Carney can and should travel the world. But he must still be accountable to Canadians — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-mark-carney-can-and-should-travel-the-world-but-he-must-still-be)
* [Carney announces \$35B for defence, infrastructure in Canada's North — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-defence-north-announcement-9.7126640)
* [PM Carney announces \$35B investment in Arctic defence, Northern infrastructure — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/pm-carney-announces-35b-investment-in-arctic-defence-northern-infrastructure/)
* [What are Prime Minister Mark Carney's four newly announced Northern major projects? — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/business/article-a-list-of-carneys-major-projects-centred-on-the-north)
* [Carney announces \$32B for northern defence and infrastructure projects — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/northwest-territories/carney-announces-32b-for-northern-defence-and-infrastructure-projects/article_3c04dfc0-4e7b-52b0-9701-ef742464a83a.html)
* [LIVE: Government of Canada to announce new investments to strengthen defence industrial capacity — vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca](https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video/live/2026/03/06/live-government-of-canada-to-announce-new-investments-to-strengthen-defence-industrial-capacity)
* [NDP MP Lori Idlout crossing floor to Liberals, bringing Carney closer to majority — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/idlout-crossing-floor-liberals-9.7123443)
* [Carney inches closer to majority, as fourth MP defects to Liberals — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e5jwz0703o)
* [This is what is driving PM Carney's ability to woo floor crossers — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/whats-driving-pm-carneys-ability-to-court-floor-crossers/)
* [Mark Carney edges closer to majority government — politico.com](https://politico.com/news/2026/03/10/carney-poaches-another-lawmaker-as-liberals-close-in-on-majority-00822423)
* [Canada's Carney calls three by-elections that could grant him a majority — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cnv69zp3z4ro)
* [Canada PM Carney Approaches Majority in Parliament With Fourth Defecting Rival — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/canada-pm-carney-approaches-majority-with-fourth-defecting-rival)
* [Liberals are elated while Poilievre accuses Carney of 'backroom deals' after NDP defection — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lori-idlout-floor-crossing-liberals-elated-conservatives-fume-9.7123932)
* [NDP MP Idlout crosses to Liberals, nudging Carney close to majority — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/ndp-mp-lori-idlout-joins-liberals)
* [NDP MP Lori Idlout to cross the floor to Liberals — thestar.com](https://thestar.com/politics/federal/ndp-mp-lori-idlout-to-cross-the-floor-to-liberals/article_73ae8fd3-001a-45b2-9a3f-561f77ad8870.html)
* [Liberals celebrate after MP quits New Democrats to join Mark Carney's government — thestar.com](https://thestar.com/politics/federal/liberals-celebrate-after-mp-quits-new-democrats-to-join-mark-carneys-government/article_b9263c60-1d87-41e5-bfbe-56da05f66455.html)
* [Of the floor crossings so far, Lori Idlout's defection will leave a mark — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opinion/article-of-the-floor-crossings-so-far-lori-idlouts-defection-will-leave-a-mark/)
* [Nunavut MP Lori Idlout cites Northern priorities in joining Liberals — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-nunavut-mp-lori-idlout-cites-northern-priorities-in-joining-liberals)
* [NDP's Idlout crossing to Liberals effectively gives Carney a majority — torontosun.com](https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/ndp-floor-crosser-mark-carney-effectively-has-majority)
* ['An extraordinary MP': PM Carney welcomes Lori Idlout to the Liberal party — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2026/03/11/an-extraordinary-mp-pm-carney-welcomes-lori-idlout-to-the-liberal-party/)
* [House leader says Liberals still courting opposition to floor-cross — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/house-leader-says-liberals-are-still-courting-opposition-mps-to-cross-the-floor)
* [How a byelection in Quebec could help the Liberals win a majority government — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/byelection-terrebonne-liberal-9.7121566)
* [Carney's Majority Shortcut and the Case for Floor Crossing — policymagazine.ca](https://www.policymagazine.ca/carneys-majority-shortcut-and-the-case-for-floor-crossing/)
* [Just one-in-four say Canadian MPs who cross the floor should be allowed to finish term with new party — angusreid.org](https://angusreid.org/floor-crossing-liberals-conservatives-carney-majority-poilievre/)
* [This chart shows how rare it is for floor-crossers to survive the next election — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/charting-floor-crossers-historic-9.7124302)
* [Latest floor-crossing puts Liberal majority within grasp — but Carney could still hit snags — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-house-hurdles-majority-9.7123815)
* [Experts say a Liberal majority is now likely after Lori Idlout crosses the floor — nowtoronto.com](https://nowtoronto.com/news/experts-say-a-liberal-majority-is-now-likely-after-lordi-idlout-crosses-the-floor)
* ['Floor crossings are nothing new': Liberal MPs cheer Idlout's decision to join their party — hilltimes.com](https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2026/03/11/floor-crossings-are-nothing-new-liberal-mps-defend-the-partys-efforts-to-seek-a-majority-without-a-general-election/495181/)
* [Politics Insider: Nunavut MP's floor crossing brings Liberals closer to majority government — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-politics-insider-nunavut-mps-floor-crossing-brings-liberals-closer-to)
* [Mark Carney rejects Trump administration move to ease sanctions on Russian oil — thestar.com](https://thestar.com/politics/federal/mark-carney-rejects-trump-administration-move-to-ease-sanctions-on-russian-oil/article_3dc515ce-b13d-45d4-b4ad-ad6758035c4b.html)
* [Carney joins European leaders in criticizing US easing of Russian oil sanctions — politico.com](https://politico.com/news/2026/03/13/carney-russian-oil-sanctions-us-nato-00828041)
* [Carney and other G7 leaders oppose U.S. pause on Russian oil sanctions — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/carney-and-other-g7-leaders-oppose-u-s-pause-on-russian-oil-sanctions)
* [Politics Insider: Carney rebukes U.S. for easing sanctions on Russian oil sales — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-politics-insider-carney-rebukes-us-for-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil)
* [Poilievre announces auto plan aiming for tariff-free access to U.S. market — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/autos/article/conservative-leader-to-announce-auto-plan-following-meetings-in-michigan/)
* [Poilievre proposes tariff-free Canada-U.S. auto pact to boost production — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11731897/poilievre-tariff-free-canada-u-s-auto-boost-production/)
* [Poilievre set to unveil Conservative auto pact back in Canada's car capital Sunday — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/poilievre-usa-detroit-visit-canada-trade-auto-conservative-9.7125759)
* [Pierre Poilievre setting out on U.S. tour to advocate for Canadian auto and energy sectors — torontosun.com](https://torontosun.com/news/national/pierre-poilievre-u-s-tour-canadian-auto-energy-sectors)
* [Poilievre pitches tariff-free auto industry pact with U.S. — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-poilievre-pitches-tariff-free-auto-industry-pact-with-us)
* [Poilievre pitches U.S. automakers 'dollar-for-dollar' tariff rule — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/pierre-poilievre-tariff-pitch-u-s-automakers)
* [Conservative leader says his plan is 'the only hope' for Canada's auto industry — ca.finance.yahoo.com](https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/conservative-leader-says-plan-only-160812831.html)
* [Poilievre's plan to rejuvenate Canada's auto sector — winnipegsun.com](https://www.winnipegsun.com/national-news/poilievres-plan-to-rejuvenate-canadas-auto-sector/article_c008a5ea-9be0-494e-bcc6-2eb2f8a93aae.html)
* [Pierre Poilievre says his plan is best for Canada auto industry — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/conservative-leader-says-his-plan-is-the-only-hope-for-canadas-auto-industry/)
* [Poilievre makes auto sector announcement during stop in Windsor — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/conservative-leader-to-announce-auto-plan-following-meetings-in-michigan/)
* [Poilievre reveals the Conservative Party's automotive plan in Windsor — stl.news](https://www.stl.news/poilievre-reveals-the-conservative-partys-automotive-plan-in-windsor/)
* [Conservative leader to announce auto plan following meetings in Michigan — pentictonherald.ca](https://pentictonherald.ca/news/national_news/article_4318a838-62fa-503b-ab2b-cb79128ae7df.html)
* [Poilievre to travel to U.S. to 'fight for tariff-free access' to American market — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/poilievre-to-travel-to-u-s-to-fight-for-tariff-free-access-to-american-market)
* [Poilievre announces U.S. tour to talk trade, promote auto and energy sectors — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-poilievre-us-tour-conservative-trade-auto-energy)
* [CTV National News: Poilievre promising to promote tariff-free auto sector during U.S. trip — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2026/03/13/ctv-national-news-poilievre-promising-to-promote-tariff-free-auto-sector-during-us-trip/)
* [Poilievre promising to promote a tariff-free auto sector during first U.S. visit as Conservative leader — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/politics/article/poilievre-promising-to-promote-a-tariff-free-auto-sector-during-first-us-visit-as-conservative-leader)
* [Pierre Poilievre unveils Conservative auto plan in Windsor — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2026/03/15/pierre-poilievre-unveils-conservative-auto-plan-in-windsor/)
* [Pierre Poilievre s'apprête à se rendre aux États-Unis, sans passer par Washington — ici.radio-canada.ca](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2237693/pierre-poilievre-voyage-etats-unis)
* [The Front Bench weighs in on the risks and potential rewards of Pierre Poilievre's U.S. trip — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/video/2026/03/12/the-front-bench-weighs-in-on-the-risks-and-potential-rewards-of-pierre-poilievres-us-trip)
* [Trump refers to PM Carney as 'future Governor of Canada' — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/trump-refers-to-pm-carney-as-future-governor-of-canada-in-social-media-post/)
* [Trump calls PM Carney 'governor.' It's not the first time — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/trump-referred-to-carney-as-future-governor-of-canada-its-not-the-first-time-hes-called-him-that)
* [What Donald Trump Calls Mark Carney in Truth Social Post Raises Eyebrows — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/donald-trump-calls-mark-carney-truth-social-post-raises-eyebrows-11657460)
* [Trump Calls Carney 'Future Governor of Canada' — time.com](https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-carney-canada-future-governor-annexation)
* [Trump qualifie Carney de « futur gouverneur du Canada » — lapresse.ca](https://lapresse.ca/international/2026-03-10/trump-qualifie-carney-de-futur-gouverneur-du-canada.php)
* [Carneymania Sweeps the Country. Yes, Even Quebec and Alberta — thewalrus.ca](https://thewalrus.ca/carneymania-sweeps-the-country-yes-even-quebec-and-alberta/)
* [Mark Carney helping push Liberals ahead of the Conservatives, poll suggests — thestar.com](https://thestar.com/politics/federal/mark-carney-helping-push-liberals-ahead-of-the-conservatives-poll-suggests/article_5b41b60c-4927-43b5-a45f-ac2e423261a2.html)
* [New Abacus Poll: Liberal Lead Widens to 11 as Government Approval Hits New High — abacusdata.ca](https://abacusdata.ca/new-abacus-poll-liberal-lead-widens-to-11-as-government-approval-hits-new-high/)
* [The Brand Image Shaping Mark Carney's Leadership — abacusdata.ca](https://abacusdata.ca/the-brand-image-shaping-mark-carneys-leadership)
* ['One elbow up, one down': The Carney government after its first year — vancouver.citynews.ca](https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/03/14/one-elbow-up-one-down-the-carney-government-after-its-first-year)
* [After one year in office, Carney's grades are mixed with a lot of 'waiting for results' — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/after-one-year-in-office-carneys-grades-are-mixed-with-a-lot-of-waiting-for-results)
* [Time Is Ticking for Mark Carney — macleans.ca](https://macleans.ca/politics/time-is-ticking-for-mark-carney/)
* [I spoke to over 30 sources about Mark Carney's first year as prime minister. This is the story they told me — stcatharinesstandard.ca](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion/columnists/i-spoke-to-over-30-sources-about-mark-carneys-first-year-as-prime-minister-this/article_55c3e954-a5f9-5c68-9414-e6887179d88e.html)
* [What to expect from the March Bank of Canada interest rate update — dailyhive.com](https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-march-2026)
* [Why bets are rising for Bank of Canada interest rate hikes — financialpost.com](https://financialpost.com/news/economy/bets-rising-bank-of-canada-interest-rate-hikes)
* [Bank of Canada expected to hold rates amid oil-driven inflation risk — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-rates-amid-oil-driven-inflation-risk/)
* [Iran war adds new uncertainty to the Bank of Canada's already clouded lens — edmonton.citynews.ca](https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2026/03/14/iran-war-adds-new-uncertainty-to-the-bank-of-canadas-already-clouded-lens/)
* [Bank of Canada expected to hold steady at 2.25% on March 18 — islandsocialtrends.ca](https://islandsocialtrends.ca/bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-steady-at-2-25-on-march-18)
* [Energy shock leads BofA to revise Bank of Canada rate cut outlook — ca.investing.com](https://ca.investing.com/news/economy-news/energy-shock-leads-bofa-to-revise-bank-of-canada-rate-cut-outlook-4505443)
* [Bank of Canada expected to hold key interest rate as global upheaval impacts economy — victoriabuzz.com](https://victoriabuzz.com/2026/03/bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-key-interest-rate-as-global-upheaval-impacts-economy)
* [This could force Bank of Canada to hike interest rates this year — financialpost.com](https://financialpost.com/news/this-could-force-bank-of-canada-hike-interest-rates-this-year)
* [Oil shock stirs inflation fears but Bank of Canada seen staying put — mpamag.com](https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/industry-trends/oil-shock-stirs-inflation-fears-but-bank-of-canada-seen-staying-put/568034)
* [Voting begins for new federal NDP leader as Lewis dominates fundraising — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/voting-ndp-leadership-race-convention-9.7119241)
* [Voting begins for New Democrats to choose their next leader — ndp.ca](https://ndp.ca/news/voting-begins-new-democrats-choose-their-next-leader)
* [NDP leadership voting begins today; read about each candidate's campaign — nowtoronto.com](https://nowtoronto.com/news/ndp-leadership-voting-begins-today-read-about-each-candidates-campaign)
* [Avi Lewis Sweeps Ahead in Fundraising as NDP Leadership Vote Starts — thetyee.ca](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/10/Avi-Lewis-Sweeps-Ahead-Fundraising-NDP-Leadership)
* [Avi Lewis dominates NDP leadership fundraising with \$1.23M in donations — theijf.org](https://theijf.org/article/ndp-leadership-fundraising)
* [NDP leadership voting begins, Singh's successor announced on March 29 — winnipeg.citynews.ca](https://winnipeg.citynews.ca/2026/03/09/ndp-leadership-voting-begins-singhs-successor-announced-on-march-29)
* [Avi Lewis pulls ahead in fundraising as end of federal NDP leadership race nears — rabble.ca](https://rabble.ca/politics/canadian-politics/avi-lewis-pulls-ahead-in-fundraising-as-end-of-federal-ndp-leadership-race-nears)
* [Iran threat level in Canada at 'medium', CSIS says — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/csis-says-threat-level-associated-with-iran-or-its-proxies-remains-unchanged-likely-to-continue/)
* [New lawful access bill would give police, CSIS more powers to track suspects online — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/lawfull-access-legislation-liberal-9.7125891)
* [Liberals offer more search and intercept powers to police and CSIS — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/liberals-offer-more-search-and-intercept-powers-to-police-and-csis-with-new-bill)
* [A new Canadian bill would make it easier for police & CSIS to access your online data — narcity.com](https://www.narcity.com/lawful-access-bill-canada-online-data)
* [Ottawa plans to support drone development, quantum tech with \$900-million for defence strategy — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/business/economy/article-ottawa-defence-industrial-strategy-drones-melanie-joly-david-mcguinty)
* [Canada advances Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen security, sovereignty and prosperity — newswire.ca](https://newswire.ca/news-releases/canada-advances-defence-industrial-strategy-to-strengthen-security-sovereignty-and-prosperity-857749604.html)
* [900 million to boost defence innovation, Defence Industrial Strategy — canadiandefencereview.com](https://canadiandefencereview.com/defence-industrial-strategy-announces-over-900-million-to-boost-defence-innovation)
* [Minister Joly, Minister McGuinty and Secretary of State Fuhr announce over \$900 million to boost defence innovation — truenorthstrategicreview.ca](https://www.truenorthstrategicreview.ca/p/minister-joly-minister-mcguinty-and)
* [Conservative MPs introduce 'stand your ground' self-defense bill — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/conservatives-introduce-bill-to-create-stand-your-ground-law-for-home-invasions/)
* [Conservation groups worry Carney's nature strategy won't include funding — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-nature-strategy-funding-9.7122893)
* [Carney absent from Iran war debate, attends Ramadan event instead — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/politics/article/carney-attends-question-period-after-absence-called-out-by-other-parties)
* [Banking regulator warns major lenders about condo mortgage appraisal practices — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/canadas-banking-regulator-warns-major-lenders-about-appraisal-practices-condo-2026-03-09)
* [Up to 16 Liberal MPs considering support for NDP arms-control legislation — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-support-ndp-arms-control-9.7122738)
***
### 
Chile
José Antonio Kast signed a minerals agreement with the United States on his first full day as Chile's president, making good on his pro-American campaign promises.
The deal creates consultations on rare earths and supply chains vital to Washington's rivalry with China. Opposition parties questioned what this means for Chilean control over strategic resources, but for Mr Kast the timing sent a clear message: his inauguration on March 11 marked not just a change of government but Chile's sharpest rightward shift since the return to democracy, and he intends to act on it.
The ceremony completed what many thought impossible years ago — a peaceful transfer of power from Gabriel Boric's left-wing government to far-right leadership. Dozens of heads of state attended as Mr Kast promised an "emergency government" focused on security and immigration. The handover proceeded smoothly despite a breakdown in transition rules earlier this year, when the outgoing administration refused to cooperate fully with Mr Kast's team.
Mr Kast followed the American agreement with a domestic agenda. His National Reconstruction plan cuts corporate taxes from 27% to 23%, scraps property taxes for seniors on first homes, and restricts university fee waivers to students under 30. He unveiled the \$400 billion peso package from Chile's fire-hit Biobío region to show his government's focus on crisis response.
Early polling suggests Mr Kast has the political capital to push through much of his agenda. His approval ratings range from 47.5% to 57%, higher than most previous presidents when they took office. But the numbers show the constraints: 34% already disapprove, reflecting the deep polarisation that brought him to power. Support for his "emergency government" concept polls at 58%.
Two incidents during transition week showed the institutional problems he inherits. A Carabineros sergeant was shot in the head while responding to reports of public drinking in Puerto Varas. He was declared brain dead. In a separate incident, plainclothes police killed a 26-year-old man during a traffic stop in San Bernardo after he fled, thinking the unmarked officers were robbers. Both cases showed persistent problems with police procedures and use of force.
The Central Bank showed its independence by authorising nearly \$1 billion in gold purchases for the first time since 1997. The decision reflects a global trend among central banks to buy more varied assets amid geopolitical uncertainty, showing that monetary policy will run on its own track despite Mr Kast's political changes.
* **Gabriel Boric departs presidency, hands power to Kast after four years in office** — President Gabriel Boric completed his four-year term and officially handed power to José Antonio Kast on March 11. In his final days, Boric defended his record while acknowledging mistakes, met with his cabinet for farewell activities, and emphasized an 'impeccable transfer of power.' *([abc.es](https://bbc.com/mundo/articles/cm21pj8n25go))*
* [Kast takes office as Chile marks its sharpest shift to the right since dictatorship — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/chile-kast-inauguration-new-administration-00d398c96e0ff25378838dc8831dcbe8)
* [José Antonio Kast, the Pinochet fan about to swerve Chile to the far right — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/jose-antonio-kast-pinochet-fan-chile-far-right)
* [Chile turns right: Kast inaugurated as nation's most conservative leader since Pinochet — npr.org](https://www.npr.org/2026/03/11/nx-s1-5743653/chile-turns-right-kast-inaugurated-as-nations-most-conservative-leader-since-pinochet)
* [Chile's Kast sworn in as president in biggest right-wing shift in decades — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-kast-take-office-biggest-right-wing-shift-decades-2026-03-11/)
* [José Antonio Kast sworn in as Chile's president, in sharpest shift to the right since Pinochet — pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/jose-antonio-kast-sworn-in-as-chiles-president-in-sharpest-shift-to-the-right-since-pinochet)
* [With New Right-Wing President, Chile Shifts Toward Region's Conservative, Pro-Trump Alignment — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/03/12/world/americas/chile-kast-conservatism-trump.html)
* [Chile's new president has praised Pinochet, a dictator. What does it mean? — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/11/chiles-new-president-has-praised-pinochet-a-dictator-what-does-it-mean)
* [Chile's Jose Antonio Kast sworn in as president — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/chile-s-jose-antonio-kast-sworn-in-as-president/3860961)
* [Kast se estrena con decretos para auditar los recursos fiscales y destrabar proyectos de inversión por US\$16.300 millones — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/pulso/noticia/kast-se-estrena-con-decretos-para-auditar-los-recursos-fiscales-y-destrabar-proyectos-de-inversion-por-us16300-millones/)
* [José Antonio Kast becomes Chile's first hard-right president since dictatorship — latinamericareports.com](https://latinamericareports.com/jose-antonio-kast-becomes-chiles-first-hard-right-president-since-dictatorship/13849/)
* [Kast asume el poder con la incógnita abierta de cuán lejos podrá llegar en su promesa de cambiar Chile — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2026/03/11/69b18d25fdddff13218b4579.html)
* [José Antonio Kast Takes Office: Pragmatist or Radical Right? — americasquarterly.org](https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/jose-antonio-kast-presidency-chile/)
* [Chile's New Far-Right President José Antonio Kast Raises Alarm Over Mapuche Rights — counterpunch.org](https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/03/13/chiles-new-far-right-president-jose-antonio-kast-raises-alarm-over-mapuche-rights-and-a-revival-of-pinochet-era-repression/)
* [José Antonio Kast fue investido como presidente de Chile — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2026/03/11/en-vivo-jose-antonio-kast-asume-la-presidencia-de-chile/)
* [Kast, como Trump: su plan antiinmigración se basa en una zanja de tres metros de profundidad y un muro — cnnespanol.cnn.com](https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2026/03/13/latinoamerica/escudo-fronterizo-kast-chile-migracion-trump-orix)
* [Quién es José Antonio Kast, el nuevo presidente chileno de extrema derecha — univision.com](https://univision.com/noticias/america-latina/quien-es-jose-antonio-kast-el-nuevo-presidente-chileno-de-extrema-derecha)
* [Quién es José Antonio Kast, el ultraderechista presidente de Chile — economis.com.ar](https://economis.com.ar/quien-es-jose-antonio-kast-el-ultraderechista-que-asumio-la-presidencia-de-chile-para-darle-al-pais-su-mayor-giro-conservador-desde-pinochet)
* [José Antonio Kast, el hijo de un nazi y admirador de Pinochet que promete borrar el legado de Boric como presidente de Chile — elespanol.com](https://elespanol.com/mundo/america/20260311/jose-antonio-kast-hijo-nazi-admirador-pinochet-promete-borrar-legado-boric-presidente-chile/1003744163871_0.html)
* [Boric se va: el balance de un gobierno que prometió cambiar Chile — abc.es](https://abc.es/internacional/boric-balance-gobierno-prometio-cambiar-chile-20260310040323-nt.html)
* [Cambio de mando: cuáles son los logros y las deudas que deja Boric en Chile tras 4 años de gobierno — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/mundo/articles/cm21pj8n25go)
* [Chile's Boric Was Not the Failure He Is Made Out to Be — worldpoliticsreview.com](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/chile-boric-legacy-security-pension-reform/)
* [Chile's Boric leaves office, calls for unity after split with successor over China cable — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346275/chiles-boric-leaves-office-calls-unity-after-split-successor-over-china-cable)
* [La Plaza sin Boric. Por Matías Saá Leal — lemondediplomatique.cl](https://www.lemondediplomatique.cl/la-plaza-sin-boric-por-matias-saa-leal.html)
* [Fin al misterio: Gabriel Boric confirma qué era el papel que le entregó a José Antonio Kast en el cambio de mando — 13.cl](https://www.13.cl/programas/noticias-13/actualidad/fin-al-misterio-gabriel-boric-confirma-que-era-el-papel-que-le)
* [Foto oficial de Boric y sus ministros: Los contrastes y simbolismos entre la última imagen y la de 2022 — emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/11/1193955/boric-ultima-foto-ministros-subsecretarios.html)
* [Las últimas horas de Gabriel Boric en La Moneda — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/las-ultimas-horas-de-gabriel-boric-en-la-moneda/)
* [Gabriel Boric termina su periodo y se retira conduciendo vehículo particular en compañía de su familia — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/11/gabriel-boric-termina-su-periodo-y-se-retira-conduciendo-vehiculo-particular-en-compania-de-su-familia.shtml)
* [Boric se despide de La Moneda 'con las manos limpias' y asegurando dejar un Chile 'mejor que cuatro años atrás' — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/america/agencias/2026/03/11/boric-se-despide-de-la-moneda-con-las-manos-limpias-y-asegurando-dejar-un-chile-mejor-que-cuatro-anos-atras)
* [Cambio de mando: Siete ministros acompañaron a Gabriel Boric durante todo su gobierno — cnnchile.com](https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/cambio-de-mando-leo-siete-ministros-acompanaron-a-gabriel-boric-durante-todo-su-gobierno_20260311/)
* [María Corina Machado recuerda caso Ojeda y agradece a Boric defensa de DDHH en Venezuela — lanacion.cl](https://www.lanacion.cl/maria-corina-machado-recuerda-caso-ojeda-y-agradece-a-boric-defensa-de-ddhh-en-venezuela/)
* [¿Qué era el PAPEL que le entregó Boric al presidente José Antonio Kast? — 24horas.cl](https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/nacional/papel-boric-kast-cambio-mando)
* ['Amigo, el pueblo está contigo': La ovación que recibió Gabriel Boric en su llegada al Congreso — chilevision.cl](https://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/nacional/amigo-el-pueblo-esta-contigo-la-ovacion-que-recibio-gabriel-boric-en-su-llegada-al-congreso/)
* [Dieta vitalicia: ¿Cuál es el sueldo que recibirá Gabriel Boric como expresidente? — lahora.cl](https://lahora.cl/cronica/2026/03/11/cual-es-el-sueldo-que-recibira-gabriel-boric-como-expresidente)
* [Boric leaves office defending his record and acknowledging mistakes — en.mercopress.com](https://en.mercopress.com/2026/03/11/boric-leaves-office-defending-his-record-and-acknowledging-mistakes)
* [Homicidio frustrado a carabinero en Puerto Varas: Recibió disparo en la cabeza y está con muerte cerebral — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/11/1193944/homicidio-frustrado-carabinero-puerto-varas.html)
* [Confirman muerte cerebral de carabinero baleado durante una fiscalización en Puerto Varas — cooperativa.cl](https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/ff-aa-y-de-orden/carabineros/confirman-muerte-cerebral-de-carabinero-baleado-durante-una/2026-03-11/100305.html)
* [Sargento segundo y esposo de otra funcionaria: Quién es el carabinero con muerte cerebral tras ser baleado — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/11/1193961/quien-es-carabinero-baleado.html)
* ['Lo vi tendido con sangre': El relato del compañero del carabinero baleado en Puerto Varas — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/11/1194018/relato-carabinero-companero-baleado.html)
* [Padre, destacado funcionario y tiene 36 años: ¿Quién es el carabinero baleado en la cabeza? — biobiochile.cl](https://biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-los-lagos/2026/03/11/padre-destacado-funcionario-y-tiene-36-anos-quien-es-el-carabinero-baleado-en-la-cabeza.shtml)
* [Carabinero baleado en Puerto Varas: PDI trabaja en coordinación con la policía uniformada y no se descarta emboscada — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/nacional/noticia/carabinero-baleado-en-puerto-varas-pdi-trabaja-en-coordinacion-con-la-policia-uniformada-y-no-se-descarta-emboscada)
* [Quién es Javier Figueroa, carabinero con muerte cerebral tras ataque en Puerto Varas — 24horas.cl](https://24horas.cl/regiones/zona-sur/los-lagos/javier-figueroa-carabinero-muerte-cerebral-puerto-varas)
* [Carabinero en riesgo vital tras recibir un disparo en la cabeza en Puerto Varas: Todavía no hay detenidos — cnnchile.com](https://cnnchile.com/pais/carabinero-en-riesgo-vital-tras-recibir-un-disparo-en-la-cabeza-en-puerto-varas-todavia-no-hay-detenidos_20260311)
* [Quién es el carabinero baleado en Puerto Varas que se mantiene en riesgo vital: Tiene 35 años y un hijo — chilevision.cl](https://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/nacional/video/quien-es-el-carabinero-baleado-en-puerto-varas-que-se-mantiene-en-riesgo)
* [Trasladan a cuartel a hombre en medio de investigación por carabinero baleado en Puerto Varas — meganoticias.cl](https://meganoticias.cl/nacional/516754-detienen-persona-investigacion-carabinero-baleado-puerto-varas-pdi-11-03-2026.html)
* [Ataque a tiros deja con muerte cerebral a sargento de Carabineros en Puerto Varas — elciudadano.com](https://elciudadano.com/chile/carabinero-baleado-puerto-varas-muerte-cerebral/03/11)
* [Hospital de Puerto Montt actualiza estado de salud de carabinero baleado en Puerto Varas — t13.cl](https://t13.cl/noticia/nacional/hospital-puerto-montt-actualiza-estado-salud-carabinero-baleado-puerto-varas-14-3-2026)
* ['¿Qué hiciste?': habla testigo de ataque a carabinero en Puerto Varas — 24horas.cl](https://24horas.cl/regiones/zona-sur/los-lagos/habla-testigo-ataque-carabinero-puerto-varas)
* ['No soy un homicida': habla sujeto de interés en indagatoria por disparo a carabinero en Puerto Varas — biobiochile.cl](https://biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-los-lagos/2026/03/11/no-soy-un-homicida-habla-sujeto-de-interes-en-indagatoria-por-disparo-a-carabinero-en-puerto-varas.shtml)
* [Kast anuncia proyecto de ley de Reconstrucción Nacional: 40 medidas fiscales, económicas y en seguridad — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/14/1194287/kast-presenta-proyecto-reconstruccion-nacional.html)
* [Plan de 'Reconstrucción Nacional' de Kast divide al Congreso por rebaja de impuestos y ajustes a la gratuidad — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/plan-de-reconstruccion-nacional-de-kast-divide-al-congreso-por-rebaja-de-impuestos-y-ajustes-a-la-gratuidad/)
* [Limitar gratuidad universitaria y cambios en impuestos : El proyecto de 'Reconstrucción Nacional' del Gobierno — chilevision.cl](https://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/nacional/limitar-gratuidad-universitaria-y-cambios-en-impuestos-el-proyecto-de-reconstruccion-nacional-del-gobierno/)
* [Kast anunció un proyecto de ley para reconstruir la región chilena del Biobío tras los devastadores incendios forestales — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2026/03/14/kast-anuncio-un-proyecto-de-ley-para-reconstruir-la-region-chilena-del-biobio-tras-los-devastadores-incendios-forestales/)
* [Carabinero de civil mata de un disparo a joven en San Bernardo: Habría ido camino a un partido de fútbol — chilevision.cl](https://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/casos-policiales/carabinero-de-civil-mata-de-un-disparo-a-joven-en-san-bernardo)
* [Carabinero mata a hombre que huyó de fiscalización en San Bernardo: vecinos cuestionan versión oficial — biobiochile.cl](https://biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-metropolitana/2026/03/13/carabinero-mata-a-hombre-que-huyo-de-fiscalizacion-en-san-bernardo-vecinos-cuestionan-version-oficial.shtml)
* [Carabinero mata a un hombre que escapó de control policial: vecinos aseguran que huyó por miedo a una encerrona — t13.cl](https://www.t13.cl/noticia/nacional/carabinero-mata-hombre-escapo-control-policial-vecinos-aseguran-huyo-por-miedo-14-3-2026)
* ['Tranquilo, sano, trabajador y de familia': El relato sobre el joven asesinado por carabineros de civil en San Bernardo — elciudadano.com](https://elciudadano.com/actualidad/tranquilo-sano-trabajador-y-de-familia-el-relato-sobre-el-joven-asesinado-por-carabineros-de-civil-en-san-bernardo/03/14)
* [Vecinos contradicen versión de Carabineros: joven de 26 años muere durante fiscalización en San Bernardo — adnradio.cl](https://adnradio.cl/2026/03/14/vecinos-contradicen-version-de-carabineros-joven-de-26-anos-muere-durante-fiscalizacion-en-san-bernardo)
* [Carabinero abatió a sujeto que habría evadido una fiscalización en San Bernardo — 24horas.cl](https://24horas.cl/actualidad/nacional/investigan-muerte-de-hombre-tras-procedimiento-policial-en-san-bernardo)
* [Encuesta Cadem: Kast inicia su Gobierno con 57% de aprobación y 41% apoya idea de indultar a uniformados — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/15/1194359/cadem-kast-inicia-alta-aprobacion.html)
* [Pulso Ciudadano: José Antonio Kast debuta como Presidente con un 47,5% de aprobación — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/15/1194332/pulso-ciudadano-kast-aprobacion-encuesta.html)
* [El primer indultado por Kast sería militar que dio muerte a Romario Veloz durante el estallido social — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/13/el-primer-indultado-por-kast-seria-militar-que-dio-muerte-a-romario-veloz-durante-el-estallido-social.shtml)
* ['Redes de comunicación fiables': Subsecretario de Estado de EE.UU da cuenta de lo que habló con Kast sobre cable chino — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/12/1194111/eeuu-cable-chino-kast.html)
* [Chile se suma a 'Escudo de las Américas: Firmará acuerdo con Trump sobre minerales críticos y seguridad — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://elfinanciero.com.mx/mundo/2026/03/11/chile-se-suma-a-escudo-de-las-americas-firmara-acuerdo-con-trump-sobre-minerales-criticos-y-seguridad)
* [EE.UU. dice que hay 'mucho que se puede hacer' con Chile para 'fortalecer' el suministro de los minerales críticos — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/pulso/noticia/eeuu-dice-que-hay-mucho-que-se-puede-hacer-con-chile-para-fortalecer-el-suministro-de-los-minerales-criticos)
* ['Chile no se arrodilla': Oposición arremete contra declaración con EE.UU. por minerales críticos y tierras raras — emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/13/1194187/oposicion-ofensiva-tratado-chile-eeuu.html)
* [Por primera vez desde fines de los 90: el Banco Central autoriza la compra de reservas de oro — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/economia/actualidad-economica/2026/03/11/por-primera-vez-desde-fines-de-los-90-el-banco-central-autoriza-la-compra-de-reservas-de-oro.shtml)
* [Banco Central de Chile vuelve a comprar oro tras 26 años — ex-ante.cl](https://ex-ante.cl/banco-central-de-chile-vuelve-al-oro-tras-26-anos-compra-casi-us1-000-millones-para-reforzar-sus-reservas)
* [Congressional leadership elections show right-wing gains in both chambers — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/la-derecha-da-golpe-a-pacto-de-la-izquierda-y-jorge-alessandri-se-queda-con-la-presidencia-de-la-camara-baja)
* [Republican party leadership acknowledges internal tensions after regional council disputes — elovallino.cl](https://www.elovallino.cl/republicanos-reconocen-tensiones-dentro-del-partido/)
* [CODELCO and Microsoft announce AI partnership for mining operations — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-corporation-msft-codelco-announce-115710320.html)
***
### 
Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum suffered her first legislative defeat when her own coalition allies blocked electoral reform in Congress, marking the most serious fracture in the ruling alliance since 2018.
The reform failed to win the required supermajority, getting just 259 votes against 234. The Labour Party (PT) and Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), which normally back the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), voted with the opposition. This was the first time since Andrés Manuel López Obrador took power that allied parties had rejected a constitutional amendment. Ms Sheinbaum announced a "Plan B" package, though how she will navigate the coalition split is unclear.
The defeat caps weeks of tension within the alliance over the changes. But the fracture appears limited to this issue — other parts of government continue working. Ms Sheinbaum's transparency push continues, with the Anticorruption Secretariat publishing pension details for 98,055 recipients from state companies including Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Some former officials collect over 1 million pesos monthly, with the highest Pemex pension reaching 1.1 million pesos.
On security, Omar García Harfuch, the security chief, has become a hero after the operation against El Mencho, a cartel leader. The two-hour operation using ground and air forces has sparked a merchandise craze — dolls, blankets and action figures of the security chief now sell in Mexican markets. Early polls show him leading potential candidates for the 2030 presidency, with an 81% approval rating.
Ms Sheinbaum handled a clash with Donald Trump over US military intervention against cartels. Mr Trump posted on Truth Social that "cartels control Mexico" and criticised her for rejecting American military help. She responded that Mexico cooperates with the US on security but national sovereignty is "non-negotiable," adding the president was "not well informed" about existing cooperation.
Economic engagement continues. Ms Sheinbaum received over 80 Nordic business executives at the National Palace, including representatives from ABB, Ericsson, Maersk, Nokia and Volvo. The Wallenberg Group delegation expressed investment interest after several days of meetings with cabinet officials.
* **Trump-Sheinbaum clash over US military intervention proposals against cartels** — Donald Trump criticized Claudia Sheinbaum for rejecting US military assistance against Mexican cartels, posting on Truth Social that cartels control Mexico. Ms Sheinbaum responded that Mexico maintains security cooperation with the US but national sovereignty is non-negotiable. *([jornada.com.mx](https://eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sheinbaum-se-planta-ante-trump-no-a-la-intervencion-militar))*
* **Pemex contractor's lavish XV años party with Belinda and J Balvin sparks corruption concerns** — Juan Carlos Guerrero Rojas, a Pemex contractor with over 4 billion pesos in contracts, organized an extravagant quinceañera party featuring celebrities Belinda and J Balvin. The estimated 45 million peso celebration highlighted wealth disparities and raised questions about contractor relationships with the state oil company. *([eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/sorprende-millonario-con-fiesta-de-xv-anos-es-contratista-de-pemex/))*
* **Oil spill affects Veracruz and Tabasco coasts; government coordinates cleanup response** — Hydrocarbon residues appeared on beaches in southern Veracruz and parts of Tabasco. The federal government coordinates cleanup efforts through the Naval Secretariat (SEMAR), Pemex, and the Environment Secretariat (Semarnat). Governor Nahle reported the spill originated from a private vessel near Sánchez Magallanes, not Pemex operations. *([jornada.com.mx](https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/03/13/politica/semarnat-coordina-acciones-por-presencia-de-hidrocarburos-en-playas-de-tabasco-y-veracruz))*
* **Sheinbaum confirms likely Brazil visit before June following Lula invitation** — Claudia Sheinbaum said it's 'very probable' she will visit Brazil before June 2026, responding to multiple invitations from Lula da Silva. She indicated the visit would occur before Brazil's electoral campaign period begins. *([proceso.com.mx](https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/2026/3/10/es-muy-probable-que-sheinbaum-viaje-brasil-antes-de-junio-370002.html))*
* [Rechazan reforma electoral de Sheinbaum en Diputados; Morena anuncia Plan B — jornada.com.mx](https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/03/11/politica/rechaza-san-lazaro-la-reforma-electoral-de-sheinbaum)
* [Derrota de Sheinbaum en el Congreso: Cámara de Diputados rechaza su reforma electoral — cnnespanol.cnn.com](https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2026/03/11/mexico/sheinbaum-derrota-congreso-rechaza-reforma-electoral-orix)
* [Primer revés histórico para Sheinbaum: Se rompe la coalición de la 4T — cronista.com](https://cronista.com/mexico/actualidad-mx/primer-reves-historico-para-sheinbaum-se-rompe-la-coalicion-de-la-4t-y-cae-la-reforma-al-sistema-de-votos)
* [Sheinbaum: no está bien informado; sí existe colaboración — jornada.com.mx](https://jornada.com.mx/2026/03/14/politica/003n2pol?partner=rss)
* [Sheinbaum se planta ante Trump: No a la intervención militar — eluniversal.com.mx](https://eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sheinbaum-se-planta-ante-trump-no-a-la-intervencion-militar)
* [Trump insiste que Sheinbaum 'no debería haber rechazado' su 'ayuda' contra cárteles — codigoqro.mx](https://codigoqro.mx/nota/global/2026/03/13/trump-insiste-que-sheinbaum-no-deberi-haber-rechazado-ayuda-carteles)
* [Harfuch, disponible en muñecos, toallas y cobijas — forbes.com.mx](https://forbes.com.mx/harfuch-disponible-en-munecos-toallas-y-cobijas/)
* [Operativo contra 'El Mencho' duró dos horas, revela García Harfuch — milenio.com](https://www.milenio.com/policia/operativo-contra-el-mencho-duro-dos-horas-revela-garcia-harfuch)
* [El furor por Omar García Harfuch va de mantas y toallas a muñecos de acción — heraldodemexico.com.mx](https://heraldodemexico.com.mx/tendencias/2026/3/13/el-furor-por-omar-garcia-harfuch-va-de-mantas-toallas-munecos-de-accion-que-rompen-records-de-ventas-779847.html)
* [Sheinbaum recibe a delegación empresarial nórdica — forbes.com.mx](https://forbes.com.mx/sheinbaum-recibe-a-delegacion-empresarial-nordica)
* [Se reúne Sheinbaum con empresarios nórdicos — diario.mx](https://diario.mx/internacional/2026/mar/10/se-reune-sheinbaum-con-empresarios-nordicos-1108960.html)
* [Gobierno de Sheinbaum exhibe pensiones en Pemex, CFE y bancos estatales — proceso.com.mx](https://proceso.com.mx/nacional/2026/3/13/gobierno-de-sheinbaum-exhibe-pensiones-en-pemex-cfe-bancos-estatales-370226.html)
* [Se jubilaron de Pemex y Luz y Fuerza, ahora cobran pensiones de hasta un millón de pesos al mes — elimparcial.com](https://elimparcial.com/mexico/2026/03/14/se-jubilaron-de-pemex-y-luz-y-fuerza-ahora-cobran-pensiones-de-hasta-un-millon-de-pesos-al-mes-quienes-salen-en-la-lista-de-los-20-mas-beneficiados)
* [Empresario de la fiesta de XV años tiene al menos dos contratos con PEMEX por más de 4 mil mdp — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/sorprende-millonario-con-fiesta-de-xv-anos-es-contratista-de-pemex/)
* [Contratista de Pemex está detrás de lujosa fiesta de XV años amenizada por Belinda y J. Balvin — proceso.com.mx](https://proceso.com.mx/nacional/estados/2026/3/8/contratista-de-pemex-esta-detras-de-lujosa-fiesta-de-xv-anos-amenizada-por-belinda-j-balvin-en-tabasco-video-369881.html)
* [Gobierno federal coordina acciones por presencia de hidrocarburos en playas de Tabasco y Veracruz — jornada.com.mx](https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/03/13/politica/semarnat-coordina-acciones-por-presencia-de-hidrocarburos-en-playas-de-tabasco-y-veracruz)
* [¡No fue Pemex! Rocío Nahle revela quién causó el derrame en costas de Veracruz — enfoquenoticias.com.mx](https://enfoquenoticias.com.mx/nacional/no-fue-pemex-rocio-nahle-revela-quien-causo-el-derrame-en-costas-de-veracruz/)
* [Es muy probable que Sheinbaum viaje a Brasil antes de junio — proceso.com.mx](https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/2026/3/10/es-muy-probable-que-sheinbaum-viaje-brasil-antes-de-junio-370002.html)
* [La presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum dijo que es probable que viaje a Brasil — excelsior.com.mx](https://excelsior.com.mx/politica/mananera-sheinbaum-hoy-temas-conferencia-10-marzo-2026)
* [Sheinbaum announces 10 billion peso infrastructure investment for Colima — entornoinformativo.com.mx](https://entornoinformativo.com.mx/anuncia-sheinbaum-inversion-historica)
* [Semar reports rescue of four people at sea in Oaxaca — excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/semar-rescata-cuatro-personas-altamar-oaxaca)
* [T-MEC should accelerate projects: Foreign Minister de la Fuente — milenio.com](https://www.milenio.com/politica/t-mec-debe-ser-un-espacio-para-acelerar-proyectos-sre)
***
### 
Brazil
Brazil's next presidential race has become a dead heat between Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned former president now in intensive care.
Polls show Mr Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro tied at 41% each in runoff contests, with the younger Bolsonaro gaining three points above the margin of error. Government approval has fallen to 31% positive against 43% negative. Four polling institutes found these results, confirming that two years of Mr Lula's third presidency have failed to break the country's split.
The deadlock has grown more intense as Jair Bolsonaro, serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup, went to hospital with his worst case of pneumonia. His son demanded the former president be moved to house arrest, claiming "they are playing with my father's life." The health crisis adds a new factor to an unstable succession battle within the Bolsonaro movement.
Mr Lula is losing key ministers to next year's campaigns. Fernando Haddad, the finance minister, confirmed he will leave to challenge the governor of São Paulo. He is leaving because the president asked him to and represents the biggest change — 19 of 38 ministers will quit by April to run for office.
Brazil's relationship with Washington has grown testier. The Trump administration is pressing Brazil to label the First Capital Command (PCC) and Red Command crime syndicates as terrorist groups. Brazil sees this as meddling in internal matters. When Darren Beattie, a Trump adviser, sought to visit Mr Bolsonaro in prison, the foreign ministry revoked his visa for lying about the trip's purpose. Mr Lula linked the move to American treatment of a Brazilian minister's family visa applications.
The government moved quickly to cushion Brazilians from a surge in oil prices driven by Middle East conflicts. When Petrobras raised diesel prices by 38 centavos per litre — the first increase in 311 days — the government imposed subsidies of 32 centavos per litre and zeroed federal taxes, nearly offsetting the rise for consumers. The response showed how the state continues to manage economic pressures from abroad by intervening.
Meanwhile, Brazil's Supreme Court faces a crisis of confidence. Public distrust has reached a record 43%, up from 38% in December, driven by the Master Bank scandal linking several justices to banker Daniel Vorcaro. The court remains internally divided with no clear plan to resolve the crisis.
* **Master Bank scandal creates crisis of confidence in Supreme Court** — The banking scandal involving Master Bank and its connections to Supreme Court justices has created an institutional crisis and divided the court. Multiple investigations revealed relationships between justices and banker Daniel Vorcaro, leading to recusals and internal tensions within the court. Public trust in the Supreme Court reached new lows according to polling. *([em.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/politica/carolina-brigido/stf-esta-dividido-preocupado-e-sem-um-plano-para-desembarcar-do-escandalo-master))*
* [Genial/Quaest: Flávio sobe 3 pontos e empata com Lula no segundo turno — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/03/11/genialquaest-flavio-sobe-3-pontos-e-empata-com-lula-no-segundo-turno.htm)
* [Futura: Lula perde para Flávio e empata com nomes da direita em 2º turno — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/eleicoes/futura-lula-perde-para-flavio-e-empata-com-nomes-da-direita-em-2o-turno/)
* [Meio/Ideia: em 2º turno, Lula tem empate com Flávio ou Tarcísio — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/eleicoes/meio-ideia-em-2o-turno-lula-tem-empate-com-flavio-ou-tarcisio/)
* [Genial/Quaest: Avaliação negativa de Lula vai a 43% — www1.folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/03/genialquaest-avaliacao-negativa-do-governo-lula-vai-a-43-contra-31-de-positiva.shtml)
* [Lula lidera com ampla vantagem entre os eleitores baianos, mostra pesquisa — cartacapital.com.br](https://www.cartacapital.com.br/politica/lula-lidera-com-ampla-vantagem-entre-os-eleitores-baianos-mostra-pesquisa/)
* [Lula lidera em MG, mas empata com Flávio Bolsonaro no 2º turno — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-pesquisas/lula-lidera-em-mg-mas-empata-com-flavio-bolsonaro-no-2o-turno/)
* [PT de São Paulo confirma Haddad na disputa ao governo estadual — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://gazetadopovo.com.br/eleicoes/2026/sao-paulo-2026/pt-confirma-fernando-haddad-contra-tarcisio-governo-sp/)
* [Candidatura de Haddad será anunciada no dia 19 com Lula em São Paulo — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/politica/candidatura-de-haddad-sera-anunciada-no-dia-19-com-lula-em-sao-paulo-dizem-fontes/)
* [Haddad confirma saída do governo, mas não crava candidatura contra Tarcísio — cartacapital.com.br](https://cartacapital.com.br/politica/haddad-confirma-saida-do-governo-mas-nao-crava-candidatura-contra-tarcisio)
* [Haddad deixa governo nos próximos dias e se aproxima de disputa em SP — jota.info](https://www.jota.info/eleicoes/eleicoes-2026/haddad-deixa-o-governo-nos-proximos-dias-e-se-aproxima-de-disputa-pelo-bandeirantes)
* [Bolsonaro está na UTI com broncopneumonia, diz boletim médico — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/13/bolsonaro-esta-com-broncopneumonia-aguda-diz-boletim.ghtml)
* [Médico diz que Bolsonaro está estável e não tem previsão de alta — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/13/bolsonaro-estado-saude.ghtml)
* [Situação do ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro é 'extremamente grave', diz equipe médica — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/jornal-nacional/noticia/2026/03/13/situacao-do-ex-presidente-jair-bolsonaro-e-extremamente-grave-diz-equipe-medica.ghtml)
* [Bolsonaro é internado em UTI hospitalar com broncopneumonia bilateral — agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/politica/noticia/2026-03/bolsonaro-e-internado-em-uti-hospitalar-com-broncopneumonia-bilateral)
* [Caso Master: evento com ministros do STF custou R\$ 31 milhões — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7372282-caso-master-evento-com-ministros-do-stf-custou-rs-31-milhoes.html)
* [STF está dividido, preocupado e sem um plano para desembarcar do escândalo Master — estadao.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/politica/carolina-brigido/stf-esta-dividido-preocupado-e-sem-um-plano-para-desembarcar-do-escandalo-master)
* [Datafolha: desconfiança sobre STF e Judiciário chega a 43% e atinge recorde — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/datafolha-desconfianca-sobre-stf-e-judiciario-chega-a-43-e-atinge-recorde/)
* [Um espinho entre Lula e Trump — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/opiniao/um-espinho-entre-lula-e-trump/)
* [Lula liga para líderes de México e Colômbia, cujos cartéis foram rotulados de terroristas por Trump — estadao.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/internacional/lula-liga-para-lideres-de-mexico-e-colombia-cujos-carteis-foram-rotulados-de-terroristas-por-trump)
* [Direita pressiona Lula com atuação nos EUA, e governo vê interferência da gestão Trump — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7372861-direita-pressiona-lula-com-atuacao-nos-eua-e-governo-ve-interferencia-da-gestao-trump.html)
* [PT vê tentativa de Trump interferir na eleição ao mirar facções no Brasil — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/blogs/jussara-soares/politica/pt-ve-tentativa-de-trump-interferir-na-eleicao-ao-mirar-faccoes-no-brasil/)
* [Itamaraty revoga visto de assessor do governo Trump que visitaria Bolsonaro na cadeia — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/13/itamaraty-revoga-visto-de-assessor-do-governo-trump-que-pediu-para-visitar-bolsonaro-na-cadeia.ghtml)
* [Itamaraty revogou visto de conselheiro de Trump após informações falsas sobre motivo da visita — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/brasil/noticia/2026/03/13/itamaraty-revogou-visto-de-conselheiro-de-trump-apos-informacoes-falsas-sobre-motivo-da-visita.ghtml)
* [Visita de assessor de Trump a Bolsonaro pode representar 'interferência externa', diz Itamaraty — cbn.globo.com](https://cbn.globo.com/brasilia/noticia/2026/03/12/visita-de-assessor-de-trump-a-bolsonaro-pode-representar-interferencia-externa-diz-itamaraty.ghtml)
* [Petrobras sobe os preços do diesel para distribuidoras — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/economia/noticia/2026/03/13/petrobras-sobe-precos-do-diesel-para-distribuidoras.ghtml)
* [Análise: Os riscos implícitos na estratégia da Petrobras no diesel — valor.globo.com](https://valor.globo.com/brasil/noticia/2026/03/14/analise-os-riscos-implicitos-na-estrategia-da-petrobras-no-diesel.ghtml)
* [Petrobras aprova adesão ao programa do governo para baratear diesel — agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/economia/noticia/2026-03/petrobras-aprova-adesao-ao-programa-do-governo-para-baratear-diesel)
* [Brasil ultrapassa Israel e Alemanha em ranking militar global e entra no top 11 das forças armadas mais poderosas — sociedademilitar.com.br](https://sociedademilitar.com.br/2026/03/brasil-ultrapassa-israel-e-alemanha-em-ranking-militar-global-e-entra-no-top-11-das-forcas-armadas-mais-poderosas-afch.html)
* [Ranking de forças militares coloca Brasil na frente de Irã, Israel e até da 3º maior potência econômica do mundo — correiodoestado.com.br](https://correiodoestado.com.br/mix/ranking-de-forcas-militares-coloca-brasil-na-frente-de-ira-israel-e-ate-da-3o-maior-potencia-economica-do-mundo)
* [Nem Israel, nem Irã: Brasil supera potências em conflito e até Alemanha em ranking de poder militar — revistaforum.com.br](https://revistaforum.com.br/global/nem-israel-nem-ira-brasil-supera-potencias-em-conflito-e-ate-alemanha-em-ranking-de-poder-militar)
* [Lula hosts private off-the-record meeting on Master Bank case — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/lauro-jardim/post/2026/03/a-longa-reuniao-fora-de-agenda-de-lula-com-um-seleto-grupo-no-alvorada.ghtml)
* [Lula announces measures against digital harassment and online betting — novojornal.com.br](https://www.novojornal.com.br/lula-anuncia-medidas-contra-assedio-digital-e-apostas-online/)
* [Brazil's foreign policy biography featured in Financial Times — valor.globo.com](https://valor.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/13/nova-biografia-mostra-que-lula-virou-figura-definidora-na-america-latina-diz-financial-times.ghtml)
* [PT party restructures leadership in various states for 2026 elections — correiodopovo.com.br](https://www.correiodopovo.com.br/not%C3%ADcias/pol%C3%ADtica/eleicoes-2026-entenda-a-crise-que-desgasta-alianca-do-pt-e-pdt-no-rs-1.1696793)