> ## 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 16, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Strongman's Paradox**

From Santiago to Brasília to Ottawa, leaders are projecting power outward while confronting the limits of their authority, suggestsing that foreign-policy theatre has become a substitute for governing.

José Antonio Kast's five-metre border trenches are the week's most vivid case. Chile's president has moved at remarkable speed—2,905 arrests in three days, corporate tax cuts from 27% to 23%, the scrapping of 43 environmental decrees—yet the breadth of the offensive betrays its fragility. Thousands marched in 16 cities against the environmental rollbacks, and his approval ratings, though high at 57%, carry the highest disapproval of any new president since 2010. Mr Kast can build walls and appoint retired admirals, but his arithmetic depends on a divided opposition that may unite. Washington's eagerness to negotiate access to Chile's rhenium supply, where the country controls roughly half the world's stock, gives him a foreign-policy prize that costs nothing at home. The border barrier is a prop; the mineral deal is the real leverage, handed to him by American need, not Chilean strength.

Mark Carney's 47 trips in 100 days make the same point from the opposite direction. Canada's prime minister has turned diplomacy into a full-time job because the alternative—dependence on a hostile Washington—is untenable. That he and Pierre Poilievre, his Conservative rival, now text each other to coordinate abroad is less a sign of national unity than of shared desperation. At home, Mr Carney is gaining power not through defections and helpful by-election numbers, inching toward a majority he never won at the ballot box. His budget cuts \$60 billion from science, tourism and foreign aid to fund defence—a shift that makes strategic sense but concedes that Canada's room at home has narrowed even as its ambitions abroad have expanded.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president, achieved the week's tidiest diplomatic result when King Felipe VI acknowledged Spanish colonial abuses, ending a freeze that began under her predecessor in 2019. The gesture cost Spain little and gave Mexico a symbolic triumph it can brandish alongside a pending EU trade deal and World Cup preparations. Yet Pemex, the state oil company, tells the story at home more honestly: safety risks at its facilities have risen 117% across recent administrations, with nearly four-fifths of known problems past their repair deadlines. Mexico can stage a reconciliation with a European monarch and rehearse bomb-detection drills for a football tournament, but it cannot fix corroding pipelines.

Brazil's contest is the starkest example of the gap between political spectacle and governance. Lula flew to a Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Bogotá attended by just five heads of state to deliver speeches on Latin American sovereignty, then announced the re-nationalisation of a refinery Jair Bolsonaro had privatised—gestures aimed at his base, not at economic logic. His real problem is closer to home: Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign is gaining ground even in the northeast, traditionally unfriendly terrain for the Bolsonaro family, while the Workers' Party has focused its attack on a single opponent. That Brazil's two political camps have reached rough parity—one led by a president wielding Petrobras investments as campaign tools, the other by the convicted son of a prisoner in intensive care—says more about the limits of both sides' agendas than about either's strength.

The common thread is not ideology but evasion. Left or right, these leaders find it simpler to build fences, sign communiqués and rack up air miles than to repair refineries, balance budgets or hold together fractious coalitions. Foreign policy is where executives enjoy the widest discretion and the fewest legislative vetoes; it is also where results can be announced before they are delivered. When governing at home grows hard, leaders head for the airport.

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/cl.svg" alt="Chile flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Chile

José Antonio Kast spent his first week as president building trenches on Chile's northern border, a blunt symbol of how fast he plans to implement his far-right agenda.

Kast travelled to the border with Peru to oversee construction of barriers up to five metres high, backed by increased military presence. He declared Chile had been 'violated by illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organised crime' as he launched his Border Shield Plan. The barriers mark the most concrete policy shift since he took office, implementing the anti-migration stance that helped him win the presidency.

While building barriers, Kast acted elsewhere. His government arrested 2,905 fugitives in police operations during his first three days, seizing over a ton of drugs. He appointed former Navy officers to senior posts, including ex-Vice Admiral Alberto Soto as commissioner for the troubled Northern Macrozone. The appointments show his preference for military experience in civilian security roles.

On the economy, Kast unveiled his National Reconstruction Plan with corporate tax cuts from 27% to 23% over four years, elimination of inheritance taxes, and removal of VAT on housing sales. But controversy erupted over the fiscal situation he inherited, with the government claiming only \$40 million remained in the treasury. Opposition parties launched investigations under the slogan 'Where are the bucks?'

The environmental rollbacks provoked the strongest resistance. After Kast withdrew 43 environmental decrees signed by his predecessor Gabriel Boric, thousands marched in Santiago and 15 other cities under the banner 'Don't Kast-igate Nature.' The protests drew environmental groups opposing the scrapping of species protections, national park plans, and pollution controls.

Despite domestic protests, Kast found Washington eager to work with him. The United States began negotiations for access to Chile's critical minerals, particularly rhenium, where Chile controls roughly 50% of global supply. The bilateral talks are the first concrete result of Kast's declared preference for closer US ties.

The rapid implementation created unprecedented political polarisation. Cadem polling shows 57% approval but also 34% disapproval — both the highest initial ratings for a new president since 2010. Yet the opposition appears divided, with some centre-left parties backing his border security measures while Frente Amplio criticises them. The splits suggest Kast will find selective support for popular policies like immigration control, while environmental and civil rights groups organise resistance.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Kast launches 'Border Shield Plan' with trenches and barriers on Peru border** — Kast travelled to the northern border to inaugurate his signature Border Shield Plan, supervising construction of trenches and barriers along the Peru frontier. The plan includes physical barriers up to 5 metres high and increased military presence to control irregular migration. *([bbc.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chile-begins-construction-anti-migration-trenches-peru-border-2026-03-17/))*
  * **Opposition tensions emerge over Kast's early moves** — Opposition parties warned of potential social unrest over Kast's policies, while some centre-left sectors expressed support for border security measures. The mixed response highlights divisions within the opposition coalition. *([emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/19/1194713/oposicion-advierte-protestas-medidas-kast.html))*
  * **Kast launches comprehensive government audit of Boric administration** — Kast established a Strategic Audit and Fiscal Review Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the previous government's performance. The audit will focus on sensitive cases including Convenios and ProCultura scandals. *([latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/comite-de-auditoria-de-kast-se-constituye-y-acuerda-revision-especial-por-caso-convenios-y-procultura))*
  * **Gabriel Boric establishes post-presidency office and team** — Former president Boric opened his post-presidency office in the Bellavista neighbourhood and appointed his team, including former La Moneda officials Antonia Illanes as executive director and Nicole Vergara as communications director. The office aims to continue contributing to Chile's development. *([emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/16/1194411/boric-nueva-oficina-y-equipo.html))*
  * **Frente Amplio holds first ideological congress with Boric appearance** — The Frente Amplio coalition held its first ideological congress at Universidad de Santiago, featuring former president Boric's first public appearance since leaving office. The event focused on criticising early Kast administration policies and defining the opposition's future direction. *([puranoticia.pnt.cl](https://www.ex-ante.cl/la-reaparicion-de-boric-en-congreso-del-frente-amplio-en-medio-de-criticas-de-constanza-martinez-al-actual-gobierno/))*
  * **Chile Vamos tensions with Kast government over appointments** — The Chile Vamos coalition expressed concerns to the government about being excluded from key appointments and lack of information sharing. The coalition demanded greater participation in naming regional secretaries, ambassadors, and service heads. *([latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/partidos-alzan-la-voz-por-nominaciones-pendientes-y-marcan-el-debut-de-alejandro-irarrazaval-en-comite-politico/))*
  * **Chile's 2025 GDP growth reaches 2.5% despite mining sector decline** — Chile's economy grew 2.5% in 2025, beating forecasts, driven by investment and consumer spending despite weakness in the mining sector. The Central Bank data gives the Kast administration a stronger economic starting point than expected. *([elciudadano.com](https://reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-economic-growth-slows-2025-despite-fourth-quarter-rebound-2026-03-18))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Kast launches 'Border Shield Plan' with trenches and barriers on Peru border" type="March 16–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Chile's president begins building border barrier less than week into term — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg1227k00eo)
      * [Chile begins construction of anti-migration trenches at Peru border — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chile-begins-construction-anti-migration-trenches-peru-border-2026-03-17/)
      * [Chile's new far-right president launches border barrier plan to curb illegal immigration — france24.com](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260316-chile-president-launches-border-barrier-illegal-immigration)
      * [Chile Building Border Shield to Stop Migrants Entering Country — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/chile-building-border-shield-to-stop-migrants-entering-country-11686561)
      * [Una polémica zanja antimigración en la frontera marca la primera semana de Kast en el poder — lanacion.com.ar](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/una-polemica-zanja-antimigracion-en-la-frontera-marca-la-primera-semana-de-kast-en-el-poder-nid17032026/)
      * [José María Balcázar advierte a José Antonio Kast sobre el Plan Escudo Fronterizo — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/peru/2026/03/18/jose-maria-balcazar-advierte-a-jose-antonio-kast-cuidado-volvamos-a-los-tiempos-del-muro-de-berlin-que-termino-siendo-un-fracaso)
      * [Kast devuelve a Chile a la derecha y arranca su mandato con muros fronterizos — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/kast-devuelve-a-chile-a-la-derecha-y-arranca-su-mandato-con-muros-fronterizos-y-medidas-contra-la-inmigracion-272207)
      * [Presidente Kast supervisa trabajos del Plan Escudo Fronterizo en la frontera con Perú — noticiaslosrios.cl](https://www.noticiaslosrios.cl/2026/03/16/presidente-kast-supervisa-trabajos-del-plan-escudo-fronterizo-en-la-frontera-con-peru/)
      * [Kast blinda la frontera norte de Chile con zanjas, muros y el mayor despliegue militar — pucara.org](https://pucara.org/post/kast-blinda-la-frontera-norte-de-chile-con-zanjas-muros-y-el-mayor-despliegue-militar-del-plan-esc)
      * [La primera semana de Kast: franja antimigración, recortes y guiño a Estados Unidos — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/internacional/america/primera-semana-kast-franja-antimigracion-recortes-guino-estados-unidos_2026031869bb206e219e1f762b6a826c.html)
      * [Triángulo Terrestre: El punto crítico que llevaría el muro de Kast a tribunales de La Haya — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/peru/2026/03/18/por-que-el-muro-de-jose-antonio-kast-en-la-frontera-con-peru-podria-reactivar-una-disputa-en-la-haya)
      * [El Ejército de Chile exhibe al presidente Kast sus capacidades operativas en visita oficial — infodefensa.com](https://infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5814659/ejercito-chile-exhibe-presidente-kast-capacidades-operativas-visita-oficial-cuartel-general)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast withdraws 43 environmental decrees from Boric era, sparking Water Day protests" type="March 17–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Thousands of Chileans protest President Kast's environmental rollbacks on World Water Day — pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/thousands-of-chileans-protest-president-kasts-environmental-rollbacks-on-world-water-day)
      * [Chile's President Kast tosses out dozens of environmental protections — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/17/chiles-president-kast-tosses-out-dozens-of-environmental-protections)
      * [Chile Cools on Climate, Penguins in Risk to Green Credits — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-19/chile-cools-on-climate-penguin-defense-in-risk-to-green-credits)
      * [Presidente Kast y propuesta de eliminar feriados irrenunciables — meganoticias.cl](https://meganoticias.cl/nacional/517285-presidente-jose-antonio-kast-eliminacion-feriados-irrenunciables-decretos-43-ministerio-medio-ambiente-contraloria-gratuidad-17-3-2026.html)
      * [Sedini defiende retiro de decretos medioambientales — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/sedini-defiende-retiro-de-decretos-medioambientales-es-importante-revisarlos-porque-pueden-tener-problemas/)
      * [Medio Ambiente retira 43 decretos de Contraloría de la era Boric — df.cl](https://www.df.cl/empresas/medio-ambiente/nuevo-golpe-de-timon-de-medio-ambiente-retira-43-decretos-de-contraloria)
      * [Gobierno retira 43 decretos ambientales heredados de la administración de Boric — ex-ante.cl](https://www.ex-ante.cl/gobierno-retira-43-decretos-ambientales-heredados-de-la-administracion-de-boric/)
      * [Matthei por retiro de decretos: El progreso no puede ser a costa de nuestro patrimonio natural — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/18/matthei-por-retiro-de-decretos-el-progreso-no-puede-ser-a-costa-de-nuestro-patrimonio-natural.shtml)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast announces economic reconstruction plan with tax cuts and deregulation" type="March 16–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Chile's Kast Races to Harden Border, Cut Tax, Slash Red Tape — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-16/chile-s-kast-races-to-harden-border-cut-taxes-slash-red-tape)
      * [¿Se compensa la baja de impuestos con mayor crecimiento? El intenso debate que abrió el plan de Kast — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2026/03/17/1194460/kast-impuesto-corporativo-chile.html)
      * [Reintegración del sistema tributario que propone Kast implica una menor recaudación fiscal — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/pulso/noticia/reintegracion-del-sistema-tributario-que-propone-kast-implica-una-menor-recaudacion-fiscal-de-us700-a-us800-millones)
      * [La batería de medidas económicas propuestas por Kast — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/economia/actualidad-economica/2026/03/16/la-bateria-de-medidas-economicas-propuestas-por-kast-incluye-baja-al-impuesto-corporativo-y-herencias.shtml)
      * [Qué implica el proyecto de Kast que elimina temporalmente el IVA a la venta de viviendas — ex-ante.cl](https://ex-ante.cl/que-implica-el-proyecto-de-kast-que-elimina-temporalmente-el-iva-a-la-venta-de-viviendas)
      * [Chile: José Antonio Kast anuncia sus primeros proyectos — portafolio.co](https://www.portafolio.co/internacional/chile-jose-antonio-kast-anuncia-sus-primeros-proyectos-490162)
      * [Chile Economy Grows 2.5% in 2025, Kast Eyes 4% — riotimesonline.com](https://riotimesonline.com/chile-economy-grows-2025)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast government conducts mass arrests of fugitives in first days" type="March 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [3 mil prófugos detenidos en 3 días con Kast — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/17/1194491/redadas-detenidos-gobierno-kast-boric.html)
      * [Homicidio, secuestro y abuso sexual: Casi 3 mil prófugos fueron detenidos en primeros días del Gobierno de Kast — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/16/1194437/detenidos-operativos-comite-seguridad-kast.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast appoints ex-Navy officials to key government positions" type="March 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Desembarco de ex altos oficiales de la Armada en el Gobierno de Kast — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/21/1194904/ex-funcionarios-armada-gobierno-kast.html)
      * [Gobierno de Kast activa las balas de plata: Estos son lo servicios donde cambiará altos directivos — cnnchile.com](https://cnnchile.com/pais/gobierno-de-kast-activa-las-balas-de-plata-estos-son-lo-servicios-donde-cambiara-altos-directivos_20260321)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast approval ratings show record high support and opposition at launch" type="March 16–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Cadem muestra inédito arranque de Kast: supera en apoyo y desaprobación inicial — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/cadem-muestra-inedito-arranque-de-kast-supera-en-apoyo-y-desaprobacion-inicial-a-gobiernos-de-pinera-bachelet-y-boric/)
      * [Behind Chile's pivot back to the hard-right — theweek.com](https://theweek.com/world-news/chile-new-president-right-wing-jose-kast-pinochet)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Opposition tensions emerge over Kast's early moves" type="March 17–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [El gobierno está provocando: Parte de la oposición vaticina escenarios de protestas — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/19/1194713/oposicion-advierte-protestas-medidas-kast.html)
      * [Escudo Fronterizo de Kast divide a la oposición — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/escudo-fronterizo-de-kast-divide-a-la-oposicion-fa-lo-critica-y-sectores-del-socialismo-democratico-lo-respaldan)
      * [Chile Vamos muestra los dientes: ultimátum tensiona al Gobierno de emergencia — elmostrador.cl](https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2026/03/22/chile-vamos-muestra-los-dientes-ultimatum-tensiona-al-gobierno-de-emergencia/)
      * [Oposición rechaza llamado a la unidad del Presidente Kast por indultos a uniformados — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/oposicion-rechaza-llamado-a-la-unidad-del-presidente-kast-por-indultos-a-uniformados)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Fiscal inheritance controversy erupts over government finances" type="March 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Squella defiende medidas anunciadas por Kast y acusa que Boric se llevó hasta los seguidores — puranoticia.pnt.cl](https://puranoticia.pnt.cl/nacional/squella-defiende-medidas-anunciadas-por-kast-y-acusa-que-boric-se-llevo)
      * [Kast entra a debate por caja fiscal y afirma que Chile tiene que gastar bien lo que tiene — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/pulso/noticia/kast-entra-a-debate-por-caja-fiscal-y-afirma-que-chile-tiene-que-gastar-bien-lo-que-tiene)
      * [Boric deja la caja fiscal chilena casi a cero: la herencia tóxica que lastra a Kast — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/libremercado/2026-03-17/boric-deja-la-caja-fiscal-chilena-casi-a-cero-la-herencia-toxica-que-lastra-a-kast-7375007)
      * [RN lanza ofensiva contra gobierno de Boric por catástrofe fiscal — radio.uchile.cl](https://radio.uchile.cl/2026/03/21/rn-lanza-ofensiva-contra-gobierno-de-boric-por-catastrofe-fiscal-y-exige-auditoria-total)
      * [Dónde están las lucas: Bancada RN anuncia agenda de fiscalización contra gobierno de Boric — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/21/1194968/bancada-rn-ofensiva-fiscalizacion-boric.html)
      * [Dónde están las lucas: Diputados RN anuncian plan de fiscalización contra exgobierno de Boric — 24horas.cl](https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/politica/donde-estan-las-lucas-diputados-rn-anuncian-plan-de-fiscalizacion-contra-ex-gobierno-de-boric)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast launches comprehensive government audit of Boric administration" type="March 19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Comité de auditoría de Kast se constituye y acuerda revisión especial por caso Convenios y ProCultura — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/comite-de-auditoria-de-kast-se-constituye-y-acuerda-revision-especial-por-caso-convenios-y-procultura)
      * [En qué consiste y cómo funcionará la auditoría al gobierno de Boric — malaespinacheck.cl](https://www.malaespinacheck.cl/politica/2026/03/19/en-que-consiste-y-como-funcionara-la-auditoria-al-gobierno-de-boric/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Gabriel Boric establishes post-presidency office and team" type="March 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Boric abre nueva oficina en Bellavista y comienza a conformar su equipo — emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/16/1194411/boric-nueva-oficina-y-equipo.html)
      * [Boric inicia nueva etapa: abre su propia oficina y suma a excolaboradoras — biobiochile.cl](https://biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/16/boric-inicia-nueva-etapa-abre-su-propia-oficina-y-suma-a-excolaboradoras-de-la-moneda-a-su-equipo.shtml)
      * [Boric ya tiene oficina para ejercer labor de expresidente: estará en Bellavista — elmostrador.cl](https://elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2026/03/16/boric-ya-tiene-oficina-para-ejercer-labor-de-expresidente-estara-en-bellavista)
      * [Expresidente Boric tendrá su oficina entre Recoleta y Santiago — t13.cl](https://t13.cl/noticia/politica/expresidente-boric-tendra-su-oficina-entre-recoleta-santiago-16-3-2026)
      * [En medio de polémica herencia fiscal, la oficina de Boric toma forma — df.cl](https://df.cl/economia-y-politica/politica/en-medio-de-polemica-herencia-fiscal-la-oficina-de-boric-toma-forma-y)
      * [Boric empieza a definir su futuro político — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/boric-los-primeros-pasos-para-definir-su-futuro-politico)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Frente Amplio holds first ideological congress with Boric appearance" type="March 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Con el exPresidente Boric a la cabeza, Frente Amplio realizó su primer congreso ideológico — puranoticia.pnt.cl](https://puranoticia.pnt.cl/nacional/con-el-expresidente-boric-a-la-cabeza-frente-amplio-realizo-su-primer)
      * [Reaparece Boric en congreso Frente Amplio en medio de críticas de Constanza Martínez — ex-ante.cl](https://www.ex-ante.cl/la-reaparicion-de-boric-en-congreso-del-frente-amplio-en-medio-de-criticas-de-constanza-martinez-al-actual-gobierno/)
      * [Con reaparición de Boric: FA realiza su primer Congreso ideológico — emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/03/21/1194977/frente-amplio-congreso-presencia-boric.html)
      * [VIDEO: Expresidente Boric reaparece en congreso ideológico del Frente Amplio — 24horas.cl](https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/politica/video-expresidente-boric-reaparece-en-congreso-del-frente-amplio)
      * [Expresidente Boric reaparece tras dejar La Moneda — t13.cl](https://t13.cl/noticia/politica/expresidente-boric-reaparece-por-primera-vez-tras-dejar-moneda-llego-junto-su-p-21-3-2026)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="US seeks critical mineral supply agreement with Chile" type="March 16–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [U.S. eyes Chile's dominant global rhenium supply — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/03/18/US-eyes-Chiles-dominant-global-rhenium-supply/4381773848658)
      * [U.S. Approaches Chile for Critical Mineral Supply — oilprice.com](https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/US-Approaches-Chile-for-Critical-Mineral-Supply.html)
      * [La primera semana de Kast: franja antimigración, recortes y guiño a Estados Unidos — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/internacional/america/primera-semana-kast-franja-antimigracion-recortes-guino-estados-unidos_2026031869bb206e219e1f762b6a826c.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Chile Vamos tensions with Kast government over appointments" type="March 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Partidos alzan la voz por nominaciones pendientes y marcan el debut de Alejandro Irarrázaval — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/partidos-alzan-la-voz-por-nominaciones-pendientes-y-marcan-el-debut-de-alejandro-irarrazaval-en-comite-politico/)
      * [El mensaje que pasó Chile Vamos a Alejandro Irarrázaval por nuevos nombramientos — ex-ante.cl](https://www.ex-ante.cl/el-mensaje-que-paso-chile-vamos-a-alejandro-irarrazaval-factotum-de-kast-por-nuevos-nombramientos-y-demoras/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Chile's 2025 GDP growth reaches 2.5% despite mining sector decline" type="March 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Chile's Economy Grows by 2.5% in 2025 Driven by Investment and Consumer Spending — elciudadano.com](https://elciudadano.com/en/chiles-economy-grows-by-2-5-in-2025-driven-by-investment-and-consumer-spending/03/18)
      * [Chile crece un 2,5 % en 2025 gracias a la inversión y el consumo — es.investing.com](https://es.investing.com/news/economy-news/chile-crece-un-25--en-2025-gracias-a-la-inversion-y-el-consumo-3567813)
      * [Chile's economic growth slows in 2025 despite fourth-quarter rebound — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-economic-growth-slows-2025-despite-fourth-quarter-rebound-2026-03-18)
      * [Chilean GDP beats 2025 forecast despite mining dip — themountaineer.com](https://themountaineer.com/news/national/chilean-gdp-beats-2025-forecast-despite-mining-dip/article_c2fc4afb-2a05-5a00-9819-30e833f4f3c3.html)
      * [Economía chilena crece 2,5% en 2025 y gobierno de Boric cierra con alza promedio de 2% — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/pulso/noticia/economia-chilena-crece-25-en-2025-y-gobierno-de-boric-cierra-con-alza-promedio-de-2/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast meets with Michelle Bachelet amid UN candidacy uncertainty" type="March 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Presidente José Antonio Kast recibe a Michelle Bachelet en La Moneda — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/presidente-jose-antonio-kast-recibe-a-michelle-bachelet-en-la-moneda)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Kast withdraws Boric's collective bargaining reform project from Congress — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2026/03/17/1194511/negociacion-ramal-kast-retira.html)
      * [Government pressures CAE student loan debtors to pay up or face exposure — cooperativa.cl](https://cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/educacion/beneficios/kast-emplazo-a-deudores-del-cae-a-ponerse-al-dia-quieren-aparecer/2026-03-17/200126.html)
      * [Kast designates new ambassadors to international organizations — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/18/presidente-kast-designa-a-embajadores-de-chile-ante-organismos-internacionales.shtml)
      * [Government gives urgency to project criminalizing clandestine border entry — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/16/gobierno-da-urgencia-a-proyecto-que-castigaria-con-carcel-o-multa-el-ingreso-clandestino-a-chile.shtml)
      * [Chamber of Deputies committee presidencies mostly go to government coalition — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/se-definen-las-primeras-presidencias-en-las-comisiones-de-la-camara-de-diputados-la-mayoria-quedo-en-manos-del-oficialismo)
      * [Controversial appointment of Rapa Nui delegate with illegal business links revealed — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-valparaiso/2026/03/16/revelan-que-delegado-de-rapa-nui-nombrado-por-kast-posee-negocio-en-ocupacion-ilegal-desde-2021.shtml)
      * [Senate President confirms MEPCO fuel subsidy will be modified by decree — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/03/21/senadora-nunez-rn-el-gobierno-ya-decidio-modificar-el-mepco-por-decreto.shtml)
      * [Health Ministry appoints advisors from Chile Vamos and former Piñera officials — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/entre-militantes-de-chile-vamos-y-una-exsubsecretaria-de-pinera-los-asesores-clave-del-minsal-de-may-chomali/)
      * [Communist and Frente Amplio deputies travel to Cuba with humanitarian aid — tiempo21.cl](https://www.tiempo21.cl/diputados-del-partido-comunista-y-frente-amplio-viajan-a-cuba-con-ayuda-humanitaria-en-medio-de-crisis-energetica/)
      * [Kast proposes eliminating mandatory holidays in business competitiveness push — emol.com](https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2026/03/22/1195002/contribuciones-kast-modelo-california.html)
      * [Former Boric house in Yungay neighborhood listed for sale at \$680 million — 24horas.cl](https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/nacional/casa-expresidente-boric-yungay)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/ca.svg" alt="Canada flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Canada

Mark Carney has made 47 international trips in his first 100 days as prime minister, spending 84 days abroad in his first year—triple the normal rate for Canadian leaders. The pace reflects Canada's push to build alternatives to American partnership, but the most striking aspect is how his Conservative rival is helping.

Mr Carney and Pierre Poilievre, the opposition leader, now text regularly during their international travels to coordinate and show a united Canadian front abroad. Bipartisan coordination on foreign policy is unprecedented in recent Canadian politics, suggesting both parties see seeking new partners as essential regardless of who governs. The two also backed Canada joining France, Germany, Italy and Britain in condemning Hezbollah attacks on Israel—aligning with European rather than North American partners.

At home, Mr Carney is consolidating power through defections rather than elections. Lori Idlout, an MP for the New Democratic Party (NDP), crossed the floor to join the Liberals this week, bringing the governing caucus to roughly 170 seats. With byelections on April 13 in three ridings where the Liberals are favoured, the party could reach the 172-seat majority threshold without calling a general election. Polls show the Liberals holding 45-55% support against Conservative 30-39%, with Mr Carney's personal approval steady at 63%.

The government is reallocating money to match its international ambitions. Mr Carney's 2026 budget cuts \$60 billion from science, tourism and foreign aid over four years while increasing defence spending—what François-Philippe Champagne, the finance minister, called spending less to "invest more" in priority areas. The Bank of Canada held rates at 2.25% as Tiff Macklem, the governor, cited a "dilemma" between oil price inflation from the Iran war and domestic weakness from ongoing US trade disputes.

Canada is positioning itself for a prolonged period of reduced American partnership. The combination of diplomacy, cross-party coordination, and building power at home points to a strategy that outlasts elections—a recognition that the relationship with Washington may not recover regardless of who wins the next American or Canadian election.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Poilievre appears on Joe Rogan podcast during high-profile US tour** — Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre sat for a 2+ hour interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, discussing tariffs, Trump's 51st state comments, and Canadian-American relations. The appearance was part of a broader US tour including meetings with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Michigan officials. *([cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-9.7135349))*
  * **Liberal majority within reach as MPs cross floor to join Carney** — The Liberal Party gained seats through floor-crossings, with NDP MP Lori Idlout and Conservative MPs joining Carney's caucus. Liberals now hold 170 seats and could secure a majority through upcoming April 13 byelections in three ridings. *([nationalobserver.com](https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/03/18/why-party-insiders-believe-a-liberal-sweep-on-april-13-wont-necessarily-stop-new-floor-crossings-or-push-off-an-election-call/))*
  * **Carney government appeals Federal Court Emergencies Act ruling** — The Mark Carney government filed for leave to appeal the Federal Court of Appeal decision that found the invocation of the Emergencies Act was unlawful. Critics say Carney is doubling down on the previous government's mistakes. *([theccf.ca](https://theccf.ca/carney-asks-scc-to-overturn-emergencies-act-ruling/))*
  * **Montreal protests urge Carney to avoid Middle East military involvement** — Hundreds of protesters gathered in Montreal calling on PM Mark Carney to keep Canada out of Middle East conflicts and not participate in efforts to ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. *([ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/protesters-in-montreal-urge-carney-to-keep-canada-out-of-middle-east-conflicts))*
  * **Carney and Poilievre show rare unity on international issues** — Despite being political rivals, PM Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have shown alignment on international issues, with reports that they text regularly during their respective international travels to present a united Canadian front abroad. *([cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-carney-texting-respectful-9.7136865))*
  * **Carney climate agenda faces setbacks from oil industry pressure** — Key elements of PM Carney's climate plan are at risk of missing implementation targets as Canadian oil companies push to boost production and seek new export markets, particularly in Asia. The plan includes Alberta pipeline discussions amid uncertain U.S. trade policy. *([reuters.com](https://reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/carney-climate-plan-risk-canadian-oil-companies-stress-need-boost-production-2026-03-18))*
  * **Mayor criticizes federal response to antisemitic violence** — Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca criticized the Carney Liberal government's response to antisemitic violence, saying officials are 'too busy counting votes, rather than standing up for Canadian values' and called for more federal action. *([nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/mayor-calls-out-carney-liberals-response-to-antisemitic-violence))*
  * **Lobbying strategies shift under Carney government approach** — Lobbyists report that the Carney government requires increased focus on data, economics, and return on investment compared to previous Liberal administrations. The approach reflects Carney's background and different policy priorities. *([hilltimes.com](https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/03/16/lobbying-under-the-carney-government/495158/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Carney sets record pace with international travel as PM" type="March 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Mark Carney is travelling much more than other prime ministers—here's why it matters — thehub.ca](https://thehub.ca/2026/03/17/mark-carney-is-travelling-more-than-any-other-prime-minister-heres-why-it-really-matters)
      * [The CANZUK countries are stronger together during this time of turmoil — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-canzuk-countries-are-stronger-together-during-this-time-of-turmoil/)
      * [ANALYSIS | Carney meets world: Is prime minister a more international job now? — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-international-travel-9.7136513)
      * [Carney, Starmer meet amid deepening Middle East crisis — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/carney-canada-iran-oil-blockade-starmer-uk-9.7130065)
      * [Carney's Canada-Australia Upgrade: From Strategic Cousins to Strategic Partners — policymagazine.ca](https://policymagazine.ca/carneys-canada-australia-upgrade-from-strategic-cousins-to-strategic-partners)
      * [How Mark Carney sold Canada to China — spectator.com](https://spectator.com/article/how-mark-carney-sold-canada-to-china)
      * [As Carney Seeks Canadian Alliances with China, India and Qatar, He Looks Away on Human Rights — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/17/world/canada/canada-carney-alliances-human-rights.html)
      * [Carney rencontre Starmer alors que la guerre au Moyen-Orient s'aggrave — ici.radio-canada.ca](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2239283/visite-mark-carney-rencontre-keir-starmer-roi-charles-londres-otan)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Poilievre appears on Joe Rogan podcast during high-profile US tour" type="March 18–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (26)">
      * [7 key takeaways from Poilievre's Joe Rogan interview — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-9.7135349)
      * [Pierre Poilievre frames himself as prime-minister-in-waiting on whirlwind U.S. tour — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/ive-been-texting-mark-carney-during-my-us-trip-pierre-poilievre-tells-joe-rogan/article_225b44e1-4e12-4b44-b6a7-024973b7f68a.html)
      * [Conservative Leader Fights for Canada in the Lone Star State — conservative.ca](https://www.conservative.ca/conservative-leader-fights-for-canada-in-the-lone-star-state/)
      * [Pierre Poilievre égrène ses idées politiques au balado de Joe Rogan — ici.radio-canada.ca](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2240378/pierre-poilievre-balado-joe-rogan)
      * [Canada Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre talks tariffs and martial arts with Joe Rogan — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx9l84v0j9o)
      * [On Joe Rogan, Pierre Poilievre Talks Trump, Canada Tariffs and Bruce Lee — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/world/canada/joe-rogan-pierre-poilievre-canada-trump.html)
      * [Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Takes on Foreign Policy — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-03-20/conservative-leader-pierre-poilievre-takes-on-foreign-policy)
      * ['Knock that s\*\*\* off' — Poilievre uses appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast to slam Trump's 51st state comments — ipolitics.ca](https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/03/19/pierre-poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-trump-canada/)
      * [Pierre Poilievre au balado de Joe Rogan | « Nous ne serons jamais le 51e État » — lapresse.ca](https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2026-03-19/pierre-poilievre-au-balado-de-joe-rogan/nous-ne-serons-jamais-le-51e-etat.php)
      * [Poilievre pitches Canadian kindness on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast — ca.finance.yahoo.com](https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/poilievre-appearing-joe-rogan-experience-132356841.html)
      * [Le chef conservateur à l'aise chez Joe Rogan | «Si c'était le Poilievre du quotidien, les sondages seraient très différents» — 985fm.ca](https://www.985fm.ca/audio/764614/si-c-etait-le-poilievre-du-quotidien-les-sondages-seraient-tres-differents)
      * [Pierre Poilievre was on Joe Rogan's podcast. Here are the big takeaways — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/pierre-poilievre-was-on-joe-rogans-podcast-here-are-the-big-takeaways/)
      * [Six main takeaways from Pierre Poilievre's appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-joe-rogan-pierre-poilievre-podcast-takeaways-canada-us/)
      * [Pierre Poilievre tells Joe Rogan public servants offer MAID — ottawacitizen.com](https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/pierre-poilievre-joe-rogan-public-servants-maid)
      * [Poilievre set up Joe Rogan podcast appearance himself: Conservative campaign manager — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/poilievre-set-up-joe-rogan-podcast-appearance-himself-conservative-campaign-manager/)
      * [The story behind that apple video and 9 key moments from Pierre Poilievre's Joe Rogan episode — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/pierre-poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-episode)
      * [5 choses à retenir du passage de Pierre Poilievre — journaldequebec.com](https://journaldequebec.com/2026/03/19/5-choses-a-retenir-du-passage-de-pierre-poilievre-au-joe-rogan-experience)
      * [From oil and tariffs to kettlebells: Five highlights from Pierre Poilievre on Joe Rogan — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/from-oil-and-tariffs-to-kettlebells-five-highlights-from-pierre-poilievre-on-joe-rogan/article_aabfc8ea-217c-44aa-a12f-a88eb05ac75e.html)
      * [Poilievre makes Canada's case to Joe Rogan's massive audience — torontosun.com](https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/poilievre-politics-51st-state-joe-rogan)
      * [Poilievre, Rogan chat MMA, exercise and trade: 'Knock the tariffs down' — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11737554/pierre-poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast)
      * [Poilievre says he used Joe Rogan podcast to argue against U.S. tariffs and 'fight for Canada' — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-9.7134185)
      * [Poilievre to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast after turning it down during last election — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-pierre-poilievre-joe-rogan-podcast-interview-conservative-leader)
      * [Pierre Poilievre sits down for interview with podcaster Joe Rogan — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/pierre-poilievre-sits-down-for-interview-with-podcaster-joe-rogan/)
      * [Poilievre appearing on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast Thursday — ottawa.citynews.ca](https://ottawa.citynews.ca/2026/03/19/poilievre-appearing-on-the-joe-rogan-experience-podcast-thursday/)
      * [En tournée aux États-Unis, Pierre Poilievre fait un saut au populaire balado de Joe Rogan — journaldequebec.com](https://www.journaldequebec.com/2026/03/18/en-tournee-aux-etats-unis-pierre-poilievre-fait-un-saut-au-populaire-balado-de-joe-rogan)
      * [Le Canada « pas à vendre », dit Poilievre au balado de Rogan — ici.radio-canada.ca](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/en-bref/90-15733/balado-joe-rogan-poilievre-canada)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney's first budget features major spending cuts and priorities shift" type="March 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [ANALYSIS: Carney promised spending cuts — but not all cuts are equal — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11740469/analysis-carney-spending-cuts-budget-2026)
      * [To chop spending, Ottawa will cut science, tourism, foreign aid programs — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11737460/mark-carney-spending-plans-cuts/)
      * [PM Carney's first budget outspends Trudeau's plan by \$67.6 billion over next four years; runs deficits twice as large — newswire.ca](https://newswire.ca/news-releases/pm-carney-s-first-budget-outspends-trudeau-s-plan-by-67-6-billion-over-next-four-years-runs-deficits-twice-as-large-856173268.html)
      * [What programs may be cut in Carney's spending review — ottawacitizen.com](https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/government-programs-cut-carney-spending-review)
      * [Carney plans to spend even more on Privy Council Office than Trudeau did, records show — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/carneys-planned-privy-council-office-budget-tops-that-of-trudeau)
      * [END THE LIBERAL HOUSING CRISIS — conservative.ca](https://www.conservative.ca/cpc/end_the_liberal_housing_crisis_email/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of Canada holds rates at 2.25% amid Iran war inflation concerns" type="February 18 – March 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (19)">
      * [Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25%, caught between inflation risks and growth amid war-driven oil spike — ca.finance.yahoo.com](https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-at-225-with-iran-war-inflation-risks-and-trade-tensions-in-sharp-focus-110026464.html)
      * [Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25 per cent — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/business/bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-at-225-per-cent/article_62de73cc-7b94-490e-bf08-e6d8b5efebd2.html)
      * [U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of Canada keep key interest rates unchanged amid oil-driven inflation risks — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-bank-of-canada-federal-reserve-interest-rates-march-18-live-updates/)
      * [Bank of Canada holds interest rates as Iran war rattles global economies — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11735955/bank-of-canada-rate-announcement-march-2026/)
      * [Money markets raise Bank of Canada 2026 rate hike bets by 75 basis points — bnnbloomberg.ca](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2026/03/20/money-markets-raise-bank-of-canada-2026-rate-hike-bets-by-75-basis-points/)
      * [Canada interest rate: Bank of Canada holds — bnnbloomberg.ca](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/economics/2026/03/18/boc-holds-interest-rate-but-warns-of-downstream-effects-of-iran-war/)
      * [Markets raise bets on Bank of Canada hikes as oil fears mount — canadianmortgagetrends.com](https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2026/03/markets-raise-bets-on-bank-of-canada-hikes-as-oil-fears-mount/)
      * [Iran war is 'a dark cloud' over Bank of Canada and the spring fiscal update — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11734350/bank-of-canada-iran/)
      * [Bank of Canada holds key rate steady as Middle East war clouds outlook — toronto.citynews.ca](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/03/18/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-announcement-2/)
      * [Bank of Canada holds interest rate, warns Iran war will boost inflation — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/bank-of-canada-holds-key-rate-steady-as-middle-east-war-clouds-outlook/)
      * [Bank of Canada expected to hold interest rates as nation faces trade uncertainty, global conflict — financialpost.com](https://financialpost.com/news/economy/bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-interest-rates-2)
      * [Bank of Canada Policy Interest Rate Schedule 2026 — nesto.ca](https://www.nesto.ca/mortgage-basics/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-schedule/)
      * [New \$20 Bill Canada: King Charles III Release Date & Layout — insidehalton.com](https://www.insidehalton.com/news/canada-new-20-dollar-bill-king-charles/article_fc545c62-38c4-50b5-821e-fd714e5df830.html)
      * [Bank of Canada Governor Warns of Potential Impact from Volatile Economy — vocm.com](https://vocm.com/2026/03/19/bank-of-canada-governor-warns-of-potential-impact-from-volatile-economy/)
      * [Text of the Bank of Canada's latest interest rate decision — bnnbloomberg.ca](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2026/03/18/text-of-the-bank-of-canadas-latest-interest-rate-decision/)
      * [Bank of Canada to make interest rate announcement amid clouded outlook — cp24.com](https://www.cp24.com/news/money/2026/03/18/bank-of-canada-to-make-interest-rate-announcement-amid-clouded-outlook/)
      * [Making sense of the Bank of Canada interest rate decision on March 18, 2026 — moneysense.ca](https://moneysense.ca/spend/real-estate/mortgages/boc-interest-rate-decision-mar18)
      * [Bank of Canada holds interest rate steady — castanet.net](https://www.castanet.net/news/Business/604252/Bank-of-Canada-holds-interest-rate-steady)
      * [Bank of Canada holds key lending rate amid global uncertainty — sarnianewstoday.ca](https://sarnianewstoday.ca/sarnia/news/2026/02/18/bank-of-canada-holds-key-lending-rate-amid-global-uncertainty)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Liberal majority within reach as MPs cross floor to join Carney" type="March 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Critics of Idlout's floor-crossing should offer Canadians something better — nationalobserver.com](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/03/16/opinion/lori-idlout-ndp-liberal-floor-crossing)
      * [Why party insiders believe a Liberal sweep on April 13 won't necessarily stop new floor-crossings or push off an election call — ipolitics.ca](https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/03/18/why-party-insiders-believe-a-liberal-sweep-on-april-13-wont-necessarily-stop-new-floor-crossings-or-push-off-an-election-call/)
      * [Liberals are almost guaranteed a majority — but 172 seats would be a 'poison pill' — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/liberals-are-almost-guaranteed-a-majority-but-172-seats-would-be-a-poison-pill)
      * [The Liberal Party's evolution — hilltimes.com](https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/03/19/the-liberal-partys-evolution/496053/)
      * [OPINION: Conservative Party base upset with floor crossers — cochraneeagle.ca](https://www.cochraneeagle.ca/opinion/commentary-conservative-party-supporters-upset-with-floor-crossers-12029472)
      * [Carney offers an NDP revival, if it's shrewd enough to take it: Ivison — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ivison-carney-offers-ndp-chance-at-revival)
      * [The Carney Government and Alberta's Quest for a New Pipeline — policymagazine.ca](https://www.policymagazine.ca/the-carney-government-and-albertas-quest-for-a-new-pipeline/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney Liberals maintain commanding polling lead over Conservatives" type="March 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Carney Liberals continue to outpace struggling Tories in polls — torontosun.com](https://torontosun.com/news/mark-carney-liberals-continue-to-outpace-struggling-tories-polls)
      * ['One elbow up, one down': The Carney government after its first year — barrie360.com](https://barrie360.com/mark-carney-year-one)
      * [Conservative campaign manager shrugs off polls showing Liberals have significant lead — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/steve-outhouse-pierre-poilievre-mark-carney-polls-canada-election-9.7137921)
      * [Carneymania Sweeps the Country. Yes, Even Quebec and Alberta — thewalrusca.substack.com](https://thewalrusca.substack.com/p/carneymania-sweeps-the-country-yes?action=share)
      * [Manitobans' support for Carney's Liberals 'strong and stable' as federal NDP slumps: poll — winnipegfreepress.com](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/03/22/manitobans-support-for-carneys-liberals-strong-and-stable-as-federal-ndp-slumps-poll)
      * [Carney's first year defined by 'polished' appeal, but 'new-government shine' won't last forever, say pollsters — hilltimes.com](https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/03/18/carneys-first-year-defined-by-polished-appeal-but-new-government-shine-wont-last-forever-say-pollsters/495816/)
      * [Federal Tracker: Liberals Maintain 14-Point National Lead — press.liaisonstrategies.ca](https://press.liaisonstrategies.ca/federal-tracker-liberals-maintain-14-point-national-lead/)
      * [The Numbers: Have we hit Carney's ceiling and Poilievre's floor? — thewrit.ca](https://www.thewrit.ca/p/the-numbers-have-we-hit-carneys-ceiling)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney government appeals Federal Court Emergencies Act ruling" type="March 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Carney government asks Supreme Court of Canada to overturn Emergencies Act ruling — theccf.ca](https://theccf.ca/carney-asks-scc-to-overturn-emergencies-act-ruling/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Montreal protests urge Carney to avoid Middle East military involvement" type="March 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Protesters in Montreal urge Carney to keep Canada out of Middle East conflicts — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/protesters-in-montreal-urge-carney-to-keep-canada-out-of-middle-east-conflicts)
      * [Des manifestants contre la guerre en Iran demandent à Carney de ne pas la joindre — ledevoir.com](https://ledevoir.com/actualites/societe/965697/manifestants-contre-guerre-iran-demandent-carney-ne-pas-joindre)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney and Poilievre show rare unity on international issues" type="March 20–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Carney and Poilievre find rare common ground on the global stage — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-carney-texting-respectful-9.7136865)
      * [Susan Delacourt: Pierre Poilievre is playing for Team Canada — with Mark Carney as captain — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/pierre-poilievre-is-playing-for-team-canada--with-mark-carney-as-captain/article_6cea5578-cdbc-482e-aa71-f594fc87188e.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney climate agenda faces setbacks from oil industry pressure" type="March 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Carney climate plan at risk as Canadian oil companies stress need to boost production — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/carney-climate-plan-risk-canadian-oil-companies-stress-need-boost-production-2026-03-18)
      * [The Carney Government and Alberta's Quest for a New Pipeline — policymagazine.ca](https://www.policymagazine.ca/the-carney-government-and-albertas-quest-for-a-new-pipeline/)
      * [Pierre Poilievre's auto plan shows he still believes in America — nationalobserver.com](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/03/18/opinion/pierre-poilievre-auto-plan-us)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mayor criticizes federal response to antisemitic violence" type="March 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Mayor calls out Carney Liberals' response to antisemitic violence — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/mayor-calls-out-carney-liberals-response-to-antisemitic-violence)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lobbying strategies shift under Carney government approach" type="March 16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Lobbying under Carney: 'it is a very different Liberal government' — hilltimes.com](https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/03/16/lobbying-under-the-carney-government/495158/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Carney reverts telecommunication surveillance policy after backlash — lesoleil.com](https://www.lesoleil.com/chroniques/helene-buzzetti/2026/03/20/les-reculs-de-carney-VOCTLPKQAZGLZHWGDYNKFBWCKY/)
      * [Analysis of Mark Carney's first year as Prime Minister — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/the-decibel/article-an-analysis-of-mark-carneys-first-year-as-prime-minister)
      * [Carney was the adult in Davos according to policy analysis — policyoptions.irpp.org](https://policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/03/carney-davos-canada-hard-choices)
      * [Globe editorial: For Carney, the time for talk is done — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-mark-carney-prime-minister-time-for-talk-done/)
      * [One-year retrospective on Carney government — narcity.com](https://narcity.com/mark-carney-government-anniversary)
      * [Opinion piece on Quebec Liberal Party fundraising probe timing — ledevoir.com](https://www.ledevoir.com/opinion/libre-opinion/964947/planete-ottawa-appelle-premier-ministre-carney)
      * [Revolver News critique of Carney's economic policies — r.zry.net](https://r.zry.net/2026/03/carney-is-letting-his-country-implode-just-to-score-points-against-trump/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/mx.svg" alt="Mexico flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Mexico

Mexico repaired its broken relationship with Spain this week when King Felipe VI acknowledged "much abuse" during the Spanish conquest, leading Claudia Sheinbaum to invite the monarch to the 2026 World Cup. The exchange ends a diplomatic freeze that began under López Obrador in 2019 and shows Mexico can fix damaged relationships while keeping its principles.

The breakthrough with Spain coincided with a visit from Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's president, who focused on finishing an EU-Mexico trade agreement by May 2026. Both leaders stressed an "international order based on law" and set their approach against Mr Trump's "hard demands" — words that show shared resistance to unilateral pressure as Mexico builds new diplomatic ties.

Mexico is also preparing for the World Cup. The defence ministry sent 1,170 troops to Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, and León for anti-cartel operations while running security exercises that rehearsed World Cup scenarios including explosive detection and diplomatic protection. The planning shows competence for the June 2026 tournament.

At home, Ms Sheinbaum announced major policies. Universal health registration starts in April, letting people receive medical care at any public hospital regardless of insurance. At the 89th Banking Convention, gas stations and toll booths agreed to accept digital payments by the end of 2026, with banks offering to cut temporary fees to reduce consumer costs.

But structural problems persist. Safety risks at Pemex facilities rose 117% from the Peña Nieto to Sheinbaum governments, with 78% of safety problems past their repair deadlines. The problems include aging installations, pipeline corrosion, and equipment failures — state energy companies struggle despite increased federal support.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Mexico continues humanitarian aid to Cuba amid regional solidarity push** — Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the foreign minister, reaffirmed Mexico's commitment to continue humanitarian assistance to Cuba during the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-Africa forum in Bogotá. Ms Sheinbaum announced another aid ship would be sent to Cuba and that civil society initiatives for Cuban solidarity would be facilitated. *([jornada.com.mx](https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/03/20/politica/mexico-enviara-otro-barco-con-ayuda-humanitaria-a-cuba-buscamos-darle-combustible-sin-afectar-a-mexico-sheinbaum))*
  * **Political tensions rise as electoral reform faces resistance from allies** — Ms Sheinbaum encountered legislative pushback on her electoral reform proposals, including resistance from coalition partners the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) and the Labour Party (PT). The tensions extend to other areas including responses to teachers' strikes and internal National Regeneration Movement (Morena) divisions over candidate selections. *([proceso.com.mx](https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/2026/3/22/reformas-nepotismo-bloqueos-los-desencuentros-de-sheinbaum-con-sus-aliados-370666.html))*
  * **Oil expropriation anniversary marked with energy sovereignty emphasis** — Ms Sheinbaum commemorated the 88th anniversary of Mexico's oil expropriation in Pueblo Viejo, Veracruz, highlighting Pemex's return to serving the people and emphasising energy sovereignty as a key policy priority for the administration. *([nmas.com.mx](https://nmas.com.mx/nacional/politica/sheinbaum-encabeza-88-aniversario-de-la-expropiacion-petrolera-en-veracruz))*
  * **Environmental cleanup operations address hydrocarbon spill affecting Gulf coast** — The Environment Ministry (Semarnat), the Naval Secretariat (Semar), and Pemex coordinate cleanup operations following a hydrocarbon spill affecting beaches in Veracruz and Tabasco. Officials report 85% progress in cleanup efforts after activating contingency plans to contain the environmental damage. *([jornada.com.mx](https://jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/03/16/politica/semarnat-reporta-avance-del-85-en-la-limpieza-de-playas-tras-derrame-en-el-golfo))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Sheinbaum meets with German President in Cancún to discuss trade and EU agreement" type="March 19–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * Sheinbaum se reúne con presidente de Alemania: ¿De qué hablaron en Cancún? — elfinanciero.com.mx
      * Presidente de Alemania hace visita oficial a México; se reunirá con Sheinbaum en Quintana Roo — elfinanciero.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum detalla que habló con el presidente de Alemania sobre temas comerciales y la situación internacional — latinus.us
      * Mañanera en vivo: Sheinbaum encabeza conferencia desde Cancún — tiempo.com.mx
      * Cancún, escenario de la mañanera durante visita de Sheinbaum — quintanaroo.heraldodemexico.com.mx
      * Mañanera de Claudia Sheinbaum hoy viernes 20 de marzo del 2026 — elimparcial.com
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Spain-Mexico relations warm as Sheinbaum invites King Felipe VI to 2026 World Cup" type="March 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * Sheinbaum reconoce 'el gesto' del rey de España Felipe VI, quien dijo que 'hubo mucho abuso' en la conquista de México — bbc.com
      * Sheinbaum celebra que el rey de España reconozca 'abusos' en la conquista: 'Es un gesto de acercamiento' — elfinanciero.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum invita al Rey de España al Mundial 2026: ¿Qué dice la carta que le envió a Felipe VI? — elfinanciero.com.mx
      * Felipe VI se planta ante Sheinbaum y no pedirá perdón a México: «No vamos a ir más allá» — theobjective.com
      * Sheinbaum valora con matices la alusión del Rey a los excesos de la conquista: 'No es todo lo que hubiéramos querido' — eldiario.es
      * Sheinbaum responde a declaraciones del rey Felipe sobre abusos en la Conquista — actualidad.rt.com
      * ¿Reconciliación en puerta? Sheinbaum invita al rey Felipe VI al Mundial 2026 — viveusa.mx
      * Sheinbaum extiende invitación a Felipe VI, Rey de España, para que visite México en el Mundial 2026 — tribunadelabahia.com.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banking Convention focuses on digital payments acceleration and financial inclusion" type="March 19–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * Convención Bancaria 2026: Seis temas clave que dominaron el encuentro en su edición 89 — eleconomista.com.mx
      * Banxico planea disminuir el efectivo y promover los pagos digitales en comercios — elfinanciero.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum: nos falta crecer, pero con bienestar y sustentabilidad — jornada.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum busca hacer obligatorio el pago digital en gasolineras y casetas este año — proceso.com.mx
      * Banxico facilita el uso digital para hacer más eficientes las transferencias electrónicas — heraldodemexico.com.mx
      * Banca y gobierno apuestan por más crédito, digitalización e inversión para impulsar crecimiento en México — revistafortuna.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum busca eliminar los pagos en efectivo en casetas y gasolineras — oem.com.mx
      * Busca Banxico impulsar pagos digitales — reforma.com
      * Equidad de género en la banca, un 'pendiente histórico' en el país: Banxico — diariodemexico.com
      * Banxico advierte que se han intensificado los riesgos geopolíticos — riodoce.mx
      * Banxico destaca rezago en liderazgo femenino — eluniversal.com.mx
      * Banxico se prepara para integrar CoDi y DiMo para expandir pagos digitales: ABM — laparadoja.com.mx
      * Banxico propone estandarizar UX en transferencias SPEI — fintechexpert.mx
      * Urge crecer presencia de mujeres en sector financiero: gobernadora de Banxico — forbes.com.mx
      * Pagos digitales: Banxico impulsa menos uso de efectivo — laverdadnoticias.com
      * Banqueros y autoridades urgen acelerar la digitalización de pagos en México — aristeguinoticias.com
      * México, en un momento clave y estratégico: Banamex — 24-horas.mx
      * Banorte proyecta un crecimiento económico superior al de Banxico — ruptura360.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mexico continues humanitarian aid to Cuba amid regional solidarity push" type="March 20–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * México enviará otro barco con ayuda a Cuba: Sheinbaum; apoyarán iniciativas civiles de solidaridad con la isla — jornada.com.mx
      * De la Fuente: México seguirá ayudando a Cuba — noticias.imer.mx
      * De la Fuente llama a América Latina a actuar unida ante crisis — elhorizonte.mx
      * Canciller de la Fuente refuerza lazos — entornoinformativo.com.mx
      * Afirma De la Fuente que México mantendrá apoyo a Cuba — eldiariodechihuahua.mx
      * SRE: México mantendrá ayuda humanitaria a Cuba y reforzará la relación — milenio.com
      * De la Fuente llama a la colaboración respetuosa y a fortalecer el multilateralismo — lopezdoriga.com
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pemex safety risks increase 117% with aging infrastructure posing growing threats" type="March 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * De Peña Nieto a Sheinbaum los peligros en Pemex se disparan 117% — proceso.com.mx
      * Pemex volvió a ser una empresa al servicio del pueblo: Sheinbaum — quadratin.com.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="SEDENA deploys military forces for security operations and World Cup preparations" type="March 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * Ejército refuerza vigilancia contra el crimen organizado — milenio.com
      * Sedena despliega 1,170 militares en Tijuana, Juárez y León para reforzar seguridad — publimetro.com.mx
      * Sedena afina plan de seguridad para el Mundial 2026 con escenarios de alto riesgo — lajornadaestadodemexico.com
      * SEDENA ensaya blindaje total rumbo al Mundial 2026 en México — elhorizonte.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="SEMAR conducts anti-cartel operations in Sinaloa, detains Mayo Zambada family member" type="March 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * Tras operativos en Sinaloa, hija del Mayo Zambada estuvo 'bajo custodia', pero fue liberada, dice el Gobierno de Sheinbaum — cnnespanol.cnn.com
      * Violencia en Culiacán: ataque armado en la colonia Lázaro Cárdenas deja tres víctimas — caribepeninsular.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sheinbaum announces universal health credentialing system starting in April" type="March 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * Confirma Sheinbaum credencialización universal de salud — reforma.com
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sheinbaum commemorates Benito Juárez anniversary with 4T continuity message" type="March 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * Juárez vive en la 4T, asegura Sheinbaum; encabeza homenaje en Oaxaca — excelsior.com.mx
      * Sheinbaum reivindica el legado juarista como guía ante presiones externas y retos internos — lachispa.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political tensions rise as electoral reform faces resistance from allies" type="March 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * Reformas, nepotismo y bloqueos: los desencuentros de Sheinbaum con sus aliados — proceso.com.mx
      * Beltrones presenta iniciativa alternativa al Plan B de Sheinbaum — riodoce.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Oil expropriation anniversary marked with energy sovereignty emphasis" type="March 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * Sheinbaum Destaca Soberanía Energética Durante 88 Aniversario de la Expropiación Petrolera — nmas.com.mx
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Environmental cleanup operations address hydrocarbon spill affecting Gulf coast" type="March 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * Semarnat concluye labores de contención de derrame de hidrocarburo en Veracruz; avanza en limpieza — jornada.com.mx
      * Semarnat limpia ríos y playas en cuatro estados ante crisis de contaminación hídrica — oem.com.mx
      * Pemex, Marina y Semarnat realizan operativo para contener derrame de hidrocarburo en Tabasco — infobae.com
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Sheinbaum achieves 82% positive media coverage amid electoral reform and El Mencho impacts — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sheinbaum-alcanza-82-de-cobertura-positiva-impacta-reforma-electoral-y-el-mencho/)
      * [Government denies AI-generated fake news linking Sheinbaum to actress Adela Noriega — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/mexico/2026/03/18/gobierno-de-mexico-aclara-la-supuesta-relacion-entre-sheinbaum-y-la-ex-actriz-de-televisa-adela-noriega)
      * [Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente reportedly may leave SRE position soon — elsiglodetorreon.com.mx](https://elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/2026/preven-salida-de-juan-ramon-de-la-fuente-de-relaciones-exteriores-segun-periodista.html)
      * [SEMAR graduates 58 medical specialists in naval health sciences — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/se-graduan-58-medicos-y-enfermeras-de-la-semar-almirante-escamilla-cazares-reconoce-importancia-de-los-especialistas/)
      * [Mexico-Canada commercial mission launched for 2026 cooperation expansion — heraldodemexico.com.mx](https://heraldodemexico.com.mx/nacional/2026/3/17/canciller-juan-ramon-de-la-fuente-impulsa-la-mision-comercial-mexico-canada-2026-781058.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/br.svg" alt="Brazil flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Brazil

Jair Bolsonaro was rushed to hospital with bacterial pneumonia this week, turning the former president's health into a weapon in Brazil's 2026 election battle.

Mr Bolsonaro remains in intensive care with no discharge date, while his family push for house arrest and Supreme Court justices privately debate whether to transfer him from prison. The health crisis triggered a battle for control of his movement just as his son Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign gains momentum across the country, including in the northeast where the family had little support.

Lula's Workers' Party has noticed. It published a resolution this week shifting strategy to attack Flávio Bolsonaro directly as the main opposition threat, linking him to the Master Bank corruption scandal and abandoning broader criticism of the Bolsonaro movement to focus on the heir. The shift reveals PT concern that the polls are tightening — Flávio is growing in both polls and social media engagement while postponing his government plan until June to avoid taking unpopular positions.

Even as the PT plots its offensive, Lula is using state resources to position himself. He attended a CELAC summit in Bogotá — only five heads of state showed up — to deliver speeches defending Latin American sovereignty against foreign military intervention. Government sources view the regional bloc as protection against American pressure. Meanwhile, he announced that Petrobras would resume investments in Minas Gerais, including a sustainable aviation fuel plant, and declared he would re-nationalize the Refinaria Landulpho Alves that Mr Bolsonaro had privatized.

Meanwhile, coalition politics in both camps continue to churn. Arthur Lira, the former Chamber president, launched his Senate campaign in Alagoas this week, showing the tensions with rival Renan Calheiros that complicate Lula's alliance-building in strategic states. Rising fuel prices driven by the Iran conflict prompted diesel tax cuts, but governors resist state tax reductions, showing the limits of federal coordination even within Lula's coalition.

The 2026 contest is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Brazil's two political camps reached rough parity — a remarkable fact given that one side's standard-bearer is the convicted son of a prisoner.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Flávio Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise as campaign gains ground** — Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign grew in polls and social media engagement, with events in northeastern states and postponement of his government plan until June to avoid unpopular positions. *([oglobo.globo.com](https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/flavio-bolsonaro-lidera-contra-lula-em-mais-um-estado-do-sudeste-diz-real-time-big-data/))*
  * **Master Bank scandal developments and political implications** — The Master Bank case continued to generate political controversy with attempts to link it to the current government, while banker Daniel Vorcaro prepared a plea bargain deal. Media coverage included disputed presentations connecting various political figures to the scandal. *([gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/vera-rosa/vorcaro-ameaca-atingir-pt-e-governo-lula-em-delacao-premiada-sobre-conexoes-do-master/))*
  * **Lulinha investigated in INSS fraud case, opens company in Spain** — Lula's son Fábio Luís Lula da Silva became the target of a federal police investigation over suspected involvement in an INSS fraud scheme, including alleged monthly payments from a lobbyist. He opened a shell company in Madrid amid the investigation. *([g1.globo.com](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/03/lulinha-abre-empresa-de-gaveta-na-espanha-em-meio-a-investigacoes-do-inss.shtml))*
  * **São Paulo deputy performs blackface in assembly targeting trans lawmaker** — State deputy Fabiana Bolsonaro performed blackface at the São Paulo Assembly while attacking federal deputy Erika Hilton, Brazil's first trans woman to chair the Women's Rights Commission. The incident sparked racism and transphobia accusations and calls for her removal. *([em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378775-deputada-fabiana-bolsonaro-faz-blackface-em-protesto-transfobico.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Lula attends sparsely attended CELAC summit in Colombia, criticizes foreign interference" type="March 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (14)">
      * [Lula embarca para reunião da Celac, que tenta protagonismo em meio aos movimentos de Trump na América Latina e Caribe — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/21/lula-embarca-para-reuniao-da-celac-que-tenta-protagonismo-em-meio-aos-movimentos-de-trump-na-america-latina-e-caribe.ghtml)
      * [Sem confirmar viagem aos EUA, Lula tenta usar Celac contra intervenções de Trump — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/platobr/2026/03/7380908-sem-confirmar-viagem-aos-eua-lula-tenta-usar-celac-contra-intervencoes-de-trump.html)
      * [Lula viaja à Cúpula da Celac esvaziada na Colômbia para não deixar grupo morrer de vez — estadao.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/internacional/lula-viaja-a-cupula-da-celac-esvaziada-na-colombia-para-nao-deixar-grupo-morrer-de-vez)
      * [Com baixa adesão de líderes, Lula participa de cúpula da Celac na Colômbia — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/com-baixa-adesao-de-lideres-lula-participa-de-cupula-da-celac-na-colombia)
      * [Em Celac esvaziada, Lula vai criticar intervenções na América Latina — metropoles.com](https://metropoles.com/mundo/em-celac-esvaziada-lula-vai-criticar-intervencoes-na-america-latina)
      * [Na Colômbia, Lula critica guerras e faz discurso de cooperação com a África — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/internacional/na-colombia-lula-critica-guerras-e-faz-discurso-de-cooperacao-com-a-africa)
      * [Lula e Petro defendem fortalecimento do multilateralismo regional — agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/internacional/noticia/2026-03/lula-e-petro-defendem-fortalecimento-do-multilateralismo-regional)
      * [Lula diz estar indignado com passividade da ONU sobre guerras — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/brasil/lula-diz-estar-indignado-com-passividade-da-onu-sobre-guerras/)
      * [Lula critica uso da força por nações ricas para invadir outros países — agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/politica/noticia/2026-03/lula-critica-uso-da-forca-por-nacoes-ricas-para-invadir-outros-paises)
      * ['They want to colonise us': Brazil's Lula warns of foreign interference — aljazeera.com](https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/21/they-want-to-colonise-us-brazils-lula-warns-of-foreign-interference)
      * [Na Celac, Lula critica invasões dos EUA e falta de ação da ONU — agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/politica/audio/2026-03/lula-participa-de-cupula-da-celac-em-bogota-colombia)
      * ['Não somos mais colonizados', diz Lula ao defender soberania de países da América Latina — otempo.com.br](https://otempo.com.br/politica/governo/2026/3/21/nao-somos-mais-colonizados-diz-lula-ao-defender-soberania-de-paises-da-america-latina)
      * [Lula viaja a Bogotá para cúpula da CELAC e fórum com África — jornaldebrasilia.com.br](https://jornaldebrasilia.com.br/noticias/politica-e-poder/lula-viaja-a-bogota-para-cupula-da-celac-e-forum-com-africa)
      * [VÍDEO - Lula reforça soberania de países latino-americanos e africanos: "Não somos mais colonizados" — diariodocentrodomundo.com.br](https://diariodocentrodomundo.com.br/video-lula-reforca-soberania-de-paises-latino-americanos-e-africanos-nao-somos-mais-colonizados)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Fuel price crisis prompts government response and re-nationalization discussions" type="March 2–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (13)">
      * [Os planos de Lula sobre nova estatal para distribuição de combustíveis — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/politica/os-planos-de-lula-sobre-nova-estatal-para-distribuicao-de-combustiveis/)
      * [Em Betim, Lula diz que vai reestatizar refinaria privatizada por Bolsonaro — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7380628-em-betim-lula-diz-que-vai-reestatizar-refinaria-privatizada-por-bolsonaro.html)
      * [Lula diz que preço do combustível subiu porque tem 'gente que gosta de tirar proveito da desgraça' — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/18/lula-aumento-combustivel.ghtml)
      * [Lula critica lucro sobre combustíveis "às custas do sofrimento" — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/lula-critica-lucro-sobre-combustiveis-as-custas-do-sofrimento/)
      * [Ameaça de greve de caminhoneiros: "Querem enfraquecer Lula" — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/platobr/2026/03/7378371-ameaca-de-greve-de-caminhoneiros-querem-enfraquecer-lula.html)
      * [Governadores sabotam Lula e não reduzem o ICMS sobre combustíveis — diariodocentrodomundo.com.br](https://www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br/governadores-sabotam-lula-e-nao-reduzem-o-icms-sobre-combustiveis/)
      * [Simões diz não poder cortar ICMS do diesel e chama Lula de 'mentiroso' — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378619-simoes-diz-nao-poder-cortar-icms-do-diesel-e-chama-lula-de-mentiroso.html)
      * [A ameaça de recriar o controle de preços — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/opiniao/a-ameaca-de-recriar-o-controle-de-precos/)
      * [Reestatização da BR: Lula precisa comprar esta briga — brasil247.com](https://www.brasil247.com/editoriais247/reestatizacao-da-br-lula-precisa-comprar-esta-briga)
      * [Contra alta de preços, PT articula para reestatização da Vibra e refinarias — correiobraziliense.com.br](https://correiobraziliense.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378869-pt-articula-para-reestatizacao-da-vibra-e-refinarias.html)
      * [Especulação? Bancada do PT diz que não há risco de falta de combustível e defende fiscalização — ndmais.com.br](https://ndmais.com.br/politica/combustiveis-pt-cobra-fiscalizacao-e-sugere-reestatizar-br)
      * [PT apoia 2 nomes para relatar MP do diesel; saiba quem são os cotados — poder360.com.br](https://poder360.com.br/poder-congresso/pt-apoia-2-nomes-para-relatar-mp-do-diesel-saiba-quem-sao-os-cotados)
      * [Vídeo tira de contexto fala de Lula sobre andar a pé e combustível — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378200-video-tira-de-contexto-fala-de-lula-sobre-andar-a-pe-e-combustivel.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Former President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia" type="March 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Médico diz que Bolsonaro apresentou melhora, mas evolução do quadro é lenta — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/18/bolsonaro-apresenta-melhora-progressiva-diz-medico.ghtml)
      * [Bolsonaro está estável clinicamente e sem febre, mas segue sem previsão de alta hospitalar — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/22/boletim-medico-bolsonaro-domingo.ghtml)
      * [Bolsonaro tem melhora clínica, mas segue na UTI sem previsão de alta da UTI, diz boletim — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/17/bolsonaro-tem-melhora-clinica-mas-queda-nos-marcadores-inflamatorios-diz-boletim.ghtml)
      * [Bolsonaro apresenta melhora, mas segue na UTI com pneumonia bacteriana — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/16/bolsonaro-boletim.ghtml)
      * [Ministros do STF defendem prisão domiciliar para Bolsonaro e alertam para aumento do desgaste da Corte — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/blog/andreia-sadi/post/2026/03/18/ministros-do-stf-prisao-domiciliar-para-bolsonaro.ghtml)
      * [Bolsonaro mantém melhora, mas ainda não tem previsão de alta da UTI, diz boletim — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/19/bolsonaro-mantem-melhora-mas-ainda-nao-tem-previsao-de-alta-da-uti-diz-boletim.ghtml)
      * [Hospital atualiza estado de saúde de Bolsonaro: "Evolução clínica" — metropoles.com](https://metropoles.com/brasil/hospital-atualizada-estado-de-saude-de-bolsonaro-evolucao-clinica)
      * [Bolsonaro teve resultado parcial bom e tendência é de melhora, diz médico — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/bolsonaro-teve-resultado-parcial-bom-e-tendencia-e-de-melhora-diz-medico)
      * [Prisão domiciliar de Bolsonaro é negada pelo STF — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/republica/por-que-a-justica-nega-a-prisao-domiciliar-para-jair-bolsonaro/)
      * [Hospital de Brasília divulga novo boletim médico sobre estado de saúde de Jair Bolsonaro — ric.com.br](https://ric.com.br/politica/hospital-divulga-novo-boletim-medico-de-bolsonaro)
      * [Bolsonaro está estável e sem previsão de alta, diz boletim médico — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/bolsonaro-permanece-estavel-e-sem-previsao-de-alta-diz-boletim-medico)
      * [Com pulmão comprometido, Bolsonaro deve ficar em UTI até sábado, diz médico — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/03/18/com-pulmao-comprometido-bolsonaro-deve-ficar-em-uti-ate-sabado-diz-medico.ghtm)
      * [Bolsonaro tem estado de saúde atualizado por hospital e segue sem previsão de alta — nsctotal.com.br](https://nsctotal.com.br/noticias/bolsonaro-tem-estado-de-saude-atualizado-por-hospital-e-segue-sem-previsao-de-alta)
      * [Bolsonaro segue 'estável' na UTI e sem febre após melhora inicial — otempo.com.br](https://otempo.com.br/politica/judiciario/2026/3/22/bolsonaro-segue-estavel-na-uti-e-sem-febre-apos-melhora-inicial)
      * [Bolsonaro apresenta melhora clínica, com recuperação da função renal, diz boletim; ex-presidente segue sem previsão de alta da UTI — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/16/bolsonaro-apresenta-melhora-clinica-e-laboratorial-diz-boletim.ghtml)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PT releases new strategy document targeting Flávio Bolsonaro for 2026 elections" type="March 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Resolução do PT formaliza mudança de estratégia para 2026 e associa Flávio Bolsonaro à ameaça democrática — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/17/resolucao-do-pt-formaliza-mudanca-de-estrategia-para-2026-e-associa-flavio-bolsonaro-a-ameaca-democratica.ghtml)
      * [Resolução do PT faz elo do Master com Flávio e governo Bolsonaro; entenda — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/resolucao-do-pt-faz-elo-do-master-com-flavio-e-governo-bolsonaro-entenda/)
      * [Atendendo a ministros, PT associa caso Master a Bolsonaro e defende governo — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/03/17/pt-banco-master.ghtm)
      * [Resolução do PT associa caso Master a Flávio e ao governo Bolsonaro: 'Não tomou as medidas necessárias para intervir' — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/17/resolucao-do-pt-associa-caso-master-a-flavio-e-ao-governo-bolsonaro-nao-tomou-as-medidas-necessarias-para-intervir.ghtml)
      * [PT sobe o tom contra Flávio Bolsonaro: 'Autoritário e antipopular' — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378023-pt-sobe-o-tom-contra-flavio-bolsonaro-autoritario-e-antipopular.html)
      * [PT delineia estratégia para tentar massacrar Flávio Bolsonaro — estadao.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/politica/fabiano-lana/pt-delineia-estrategia-para-tentar-massacrar-flavio-bolsonaro)
      * [Nova resolução do PT ataca Flávio e mira Congresso, Master e Faria Lima — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://gazetadopovo.com.br/eleicoes/2026/nova-resolucao-pt-ataca-flavio-bolsonaro-mira-congresso-master-faria-lima)
      * [PT diz que Flávio é 'marcado' por rachadinha e enriquecimento 'incompatível com vida pública' — tnonline.uol.com.br](https://tnonline.uol.com.br/noticias/politica/pt-diz-que-flavio-e-marcado-por-rachadinha-e-enriquecimento-incompativel-com-vida-publica-1073447)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Flávio Bolsonaro campaign gains momentum with rising poll numbers" type="March 2–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Lula lidera em presença digital, mas Flávio tem maior crescimento de seguidores e engajamento nos posts — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/sonar-a-escuta-das-redes/post/2026/03/lula-lidera-em-presenca-digital-mas-flavio-tem-maior-crescimento-de-seguidores-e-engajamento-nos-posts.ghtml)
      * [Flávio Bolsonaro lidera contra Lula em mais um estado do Sudeste, diz Real Time Big Data — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/flavio-bolsonaro-lidera-contra-lula-em-mais-um-estado-do-sudeste-diz-real-time-big-data/)
      * [JOTA Principal: Maré positiva para Flávio Bolsonaro faz aliados adotarem cautela — jota.info](https://www.jota.info/newsletters/jota-principal/mare-positiva-flavio-bolsonaro-aliados-cautela)
      * [Flávio cogita adiar plano de governo e aguarda "match" com superministro — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/eleicoes/flavio-cogita-adiar-plano-de-governo-e-aguarda-match-com-superministro/)
      * [Flávio Bolsonaro inicia pré-campanha no Nordeste com críticas ao petismo — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/eleicoes/2026/flavio-bolsonaro-inicia-pre-campanha-no-nordeste-com-aceno-a-mulhers/)
      * [Flávio quer conduzir economia como Bolsonaro: 'Reconhecido mundialmente' — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7379780-flavio-quer-conduzir-economia-como-bolsonaro-reconhecido-mundialmente.html)
      * [Flávio Bolsonaro sobre Moro no PL: 'Alinhado com a gente' — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7379162-flavio-bolsonaro-sobre-moro-no-pl-alinhado-com-a-gente.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Arthur Lira announces Senate candidacy for Alagoas" type="March 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Arthur Lira anuncia pré-candidatura ao Senado Federal por Alagoas — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/al/alagoas/eleicoes/2026/noticia/2026/03/20/arthur-lira-lanca-pre-candidatura-ao-senado-federal-por-al-durante-evento-em-maceio.ghtml)
      * [JHC falta em lançamento de candidatura de Lira ao Senado — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/blogs/taina-falcao/eleicoes/jhc-falta-em-lancamento-de-candidatura-de-lira-ao-senado/)
      * [Sem JHC, Lira se lança ao Senado e confirma o filho na disputa pela Câmara — cartacapital.com.br](https://www.cartacapital.com.br/politica/sem-jhc-lira-se-lanca-ao-senado-e-confirma-o-filho-na-disputa-pela-camara/)
      * [Arthur Lira lança pré-candidatura ao Senado e confirma filho na disputa pela Câmara — infomoney.com.br](https://infomoney.com.br/politica/arthur-lira-lanca-pre-candidatura-ao-senado-e-confirma-filho-na-disputa-pela-camara)
      * [O anúncio de Arthur Lira que reforça a difícil vida de Lula em Alagoas — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/o-anuncio-de-arthur-lira-que-reforca-a-dificil-vida-de-lula-em-alagoas/)
      * [Arthur Lira: Coaf aponta repasse de R\$ 250 mil da J\&F para empresa do filho — revistaforum.com.br](https://revistaforum.com.br/politica/arthur-lira-coaf-aponta-repasse-de-r-250-mil-da-jf-para-empresa-do-filho)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Master Bank scandal developments and political implications" type="March 2–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Crise do Master aumenta incômodo de Lula com Moraes — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/sem-rodeios/crise-do-master-aumenta-incomodo-de-lula-com-moraes/)
      * [Master: GloboNews usa PowerPoint com graves distorções para atacar Lula e PT — revistaforum.com.br](https://revistaforum.com.br/politica/master-globonews-usa-powerpoint-com-graves-distorcoes-para-atacar-lula-e-pt/)
      * [GloboNews ressuscita o Powerpoint com o governo Lula no centro do Master — diariodocentrodomundo.com.br](https://www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br/globonews-ressuscita-o-powerpoint-com-o-governo-lula-no-centro-do-master/)
      * [Caso Master e Lulinha levam PT e Centrão a atuarem para sepultar CPI do INSS — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/19/caso-master-e-lulinha-levam-pt-e-centrao-a-atuarem-para-sepultar-cpi-do-inss.ghtml)
      * [Vorcaro mira PT e Lula em delação sobre o Master — ocafezinho.com](https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/03/17/vorcaro-mira-pt-e-lula-em-delacao-sobre-o-master/)
      * [Vorcaro ameaça atingir PT e governo Lula em delação premiada sobre conexões do Master — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/vera-rosa/vorcaro-ameaca-atingir-pt-e-governo-lula-em-delacao-premiada-sobre-conexoes-do-master/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lulinha investigated in INSS fraud case, opens company in Spain" type="March 2–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Defesa de empresária amiga de Lulinha diz ao STF que PF errou em relatório que traz suspeita de propina via agência de viagens — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/19/defesa-de-empresaria-amiga-de-lulinha-diz-ao-stf-que-pf-errou-em-relatorio-que-traz-suspeita-de-propina-via-agencia-de-viagens.ghtml)
      * [Lulinha abre empresa em Madri em meio ao caso INSS — www1.folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/03/lulinha-abre-empresa-de-gaveta-na-espanha-em-meio-a-investigacoes-do-inss.shtml)
      * [Amiga de Lulinha gasta R\$ 474,5 mil em joias, e PF suspeita de lavagem — metropoles.com](https://metropoles.com/colunas/tacio-lorran/amiga-de-lulinha-gasta-r-4745-mil-em-joias-e-pf-suspeita-de-lavagem)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lula announces Petrobras investments during Minas Gerais visits" type="March 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Lula anuncia a retomada de investimentos da Petrobras em Minas Gerais — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7380381-lula-anuncia-a-retomada-de-investimentos-da-petrobras-em-minas-gerais.html)
      * [Lula retorna a Minas Gerais nesta sexta (20/3) — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7380062-lula-retorna-a-minas-gerais-nesta-sexta-20-3.html)
      * [Em MG, Lula defende exploração de petróleo na Margem Equatorial — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/mg/minas-gerais/noticia/2026/03/20/lula-em-minas-gerais.ghtml)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="São Paulo deputy performs blackface in assembly targeting trans lawmaker" type="March 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Deputada Fabiana Bolsonaro faz 'blackface' em protesto transfóbico — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/03/7378775-deputada-fabiana-bolsonaro-faz-blackface-em-protesto-transfobico.html)
      * [Blackface: quem é Fabiana Bolsonaro, deputada que atacou Erika Hilton — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/sao-paulo/blackface-quem-e-fabiana-bolsonaro)
      * [Alesp: Partidos pedem cassação de deputada do PL que fez 'blackface' na tribuna — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/03/19/fabiana-bolsonaro-blackface-erika-hilton-cassacao-alesp.ghtm)
      * [Experimento social ou racismo? Performance da deputada Fabiana Bolsonaro com tinta preta gera polêmica — terra.com.br](https://www.terra.com.br/noticias/experimento-social-ou-racismo-performance-da-deputada-fabiana-bolsonaro-com-tinta-preta-gera-polemica,7e5bf770162e40bb445729a465ebfef2teaqqa7g.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Um país cansado de Lula - editorial opinion piece — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/opiniao/um-pais-cansado-de-lula/)
      * [Governo Lula se divide sobre projetos de terras raras em MG — observatoriodamineracao.com.br](https://observatoriodamineracao.com.br/governo-lula-se-divide-entre-aval-financeiro-para-projetos-de-terra-raras-em-mg-e-assumir-licenciamento-ambiental-questionado-da-gestao-zema/)
      * [Após confusão com ECA Digital, governo Lula cancela evento — oantagonista.com.br](https://oantagonista.com.br/brasil/apos-confusao-com-eca-digital-governo-lula-cancela-evento/)
      * [US-Brazil Critical Minerals Talks Stall as Lula Government Skips Summit — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-18/us-snubbed-by-lula-government-at-brazil-critical-minerals-summit)
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