Regional Summary
All the President’s Levers Left or right, civilian or ex-military, Latin America’s biggest economies this week reached for the same tool: direct presidential control. Leaders set prices by decree, filled posts with loyalists, and treated courts and companies as extensions of the executive branch. They see checks on power as roadblocks, not safeguards. Brazil shows this most clearly. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president, called routine fuel-price adjustments “stupidity and banditry” and threatened to cancel gas auctions—declaring that he sets pump prices. Petrobras is a listed company with minority shareholders and rules rebuilt after the Lava Jato scandals. Mr Lula treats it as a ministry. The numbers explain his anger: polls show a dead heat with Flávio Bolsonaro in 2026, and 17 ministers may resign to campaign. A president who cannot afford rising diesel costs before an election will bend company rules to fit the political calendar. The Supreme Court faces its own crisis, with Mr Lula’s nominee blocked and two sitting justices under corruption scrutiny. The institution meant to check the executive can barely govern itself. José Antonio Kast, Chile’s president, is building a different kind of control—military rather than partisan, but control all the same. Retired officers and police now hold intelligence, defence and divisional posts at levels unseen since democracy returned. Chilean pilots refuelling American F-35s matters less as a signal to Washington than as proof that the armed forces are back inside the state. Mr Kast’s approval rating has slid to 42%, hurt by his decision to sack the head of the National Women’s Service while she undergoes cancer treatment—a blunder that united his own coalition against him. His response to fuel-price anger was a $225 million subsidy package: different in ideology from Mr Lula’s Petrobras intervention, same in approach. Record profits at Codelco, the state copper company, give him breathing room, but his quiet cancellation of a promised international audit shows that accountability is optional when inconvenient. In Mexico, the central bank’s 3-2 vote to cut rates despite 4.63% inflation reveals a board that picked growth over its mandate, knowing that Pemex owes American firms more than $2.5 billion on the eve of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade review. Claudia Sheinbaum, the president, reshuffled six cabinet posts in one week and placed a North America specialist in the foreign ministry after her minister’s medical departure—smooth, but a reminder that Mexican continuity depends on one person’s choices. That her security secretary, Omar García Harfuch, is now sold on towels and blankets as “Mexico’s Batman” is absurd, but the cult of the capable strongman is never just absurd: it is where presidential power takes root. In Canada, Mark Carney’s whispered boast that he could “outlast” a mercury-poisoned Indigenous protester was a small cruelty that showed something bigger—the annoyance of a leader who sees dissent as a scheduling problem, not a signal. Mr Lula governs from the left, Mr Kast from the right, Ms Sheinbaum from a populist centre and Mr Carney from a technocratic liberal tradition. What they share is the urge to control rather than accommodate opposition—to set prices by order, appoint allies over objections, cut rates against evidence, and treat institutions as tools of the executive rather than brakes on it. Each decision makes sense alone; together they show a hemisphere where the machinery of restraint still runs, but no longer bites.Country Summaries
Brazil
Up to 17 Brazilian ministers are preparing to quit their jobs to run for office as polling shows the 2026 presidential race in a dead heat.
Surveys put Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro virtually tied. Paraná Pesquisas shows Lula ahead 41.3% to 37.8% in the first round, but Mr Bolsonaro leading 45.2% to 44.1% in a runoff. Lula confirmed Geraldo Alckmin as his running mate while technical staff prepare to take over key government posts.
The Workers’ Party (PT) has gone on the attack, launching television campaigns against Mr Bolsonaro while privately discussing alternatives to Lula’s candidacy. The party admits it could lose and is preparing backup plans.
Lula faces pressure elsewhere. He erupted at Petrobras, the state oil company, over fuel price rises, calling some decisions “stupidity and banditry” and threatening to cancel gas auctions. The confrontation shows direct presidential control over corporate pricing as diesel costs climb.
The Supreme Court faces a credibility crisis. Lula’s nominee Jorge Messias meets resistance from Davi Alcolumbre, the Senate president, who refuses to support his appointment. Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Dias Toffoli face scrutiny over connections to the Master Bank corruption case.
Lula plans to promote the Mercosur-EU trade agreement during trips to Spain and Germany, including the Hannover technology fair. He will push the deal with supportive European partners.
Other Stories
Other Stories
- Bolsonaro family members give conflicting health updates from house arrest — Jair Bolsonaro’s family provided contradictory reports about his health during house arrest. His wife Michelle said he was six days without hiccups and improving, while his son Carlos had reported ongoing health issues. (nsctotal.com.br)
- Eduardo Bolsonaro feuds with Nikolas Ferreira as Flávio calls for unity — Eduardo Bolsonaro publicly criticised Nikolas Ferreira on social media, accusing him of disrespecting the Bolsonaro family. Flávio Bolsonaro later intervened calling for right-wing unity and pacification. (noticias.r7.com)
- Former senator Kátia Abreu joins PT despite past opposition to Lula — Kátia Abreu, a former Lula opponent and agribusiness defender, joined the Workers’ Party (PT) in Tocantins. Some PT factions contested her membership, questioning whether she shares party values, but leadership is expected to maintain the affiliation. (clebertoledo.com.br)
- STF faces credibility crisis over justices’ connections to Master Bank — Supreme Court justices Alexandre de Moraes and Dias Toffoli are under scrutiny for using private jets linked to banker Daniel Vorcaro of Master Bank. The scandal raises questions about ethics codes and threatens court credibility as Chief Justice Fachin pushes for reforms. (folha.uol.com.br)
- Lula shares Easter messages while Janja showcases family meal preparation — President Lula published Easter messages emphasising renewal and family unity. First lady Janja shared videos of preparing Easter lunch, including cooking paca meat, with Lula praising the meal on social media. (metropoles.com)
- Arthur Lira faces investigation over irregular budget amendment accusations — Justice Flávio Dino authorised Federal Police to conduct depositions and confrontation between Arthur Lira and José Rocha, who accused Mr Lira of irregularities in secret budget amendments. (g1.globo.com)
Notes
Notes
Lula confirms Alckmin as running mate amid cabinet reshuffling for elections
March 29 – April 02, 2026
PT plans strategic attacks on Flávio Bolsonaro while discussing succession scenarios
March 29 – April 01, 2026
Lula criticizes Petrobras over fuel pricing and threatens to cancel auctions
March 31 – April 05, 2026
Arthur Lira faces investigation over irregular budget amendment accusations
March 29 – April 02, 2026
Other
Chile
Chilean pilots refueled American F-35 fighters in flight this week, the first time a South American air force has refueled fifth-generation aircraft.
The milestone shows how José Antonio Kast is reshaping Chile’s security ties in his first month as president. His government has appointed retired military and police officers to positions across ministries and agencies, the biggest integration of former uniformed personnel since the return to democracy. The appointments include the intelligence chief, defense subsecretaries, and division heads.
While he deepens military cooperation with Washington, Mr Kast made his first foreign trip to meet Javier Milei in Argentina. The visit was complicated by the failed capture of Chilean fugitive Galvarino Apablaza, creating diplomatic tensions. Mr Kast brought leaders from the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) to press for faster extradition and emphasized shared fights against organized crime and drug trafficking.
The president faces political pressure. His approval rating fell to 42% in the Criteria poll, the second monthly drop from a peak of 47%. Disapproval now stands at 46%. The decline follows controversial decisions that drew criticism even from allies.
The most damaging was requesting the resignation of Priscilla Carrasco, the director of the National Women’s Service, who is receiving treatment for breast cancer. Opposition politicians and Chile Vamos leaders, including Evelyn Matthei and Karla Rubilar, condemned the decision as inhumane. The controversy highlighted broader coalition tensions, with the UDI proposing to dissolve Chile Vamos and create a single government coalition. But the Republican Party rejected the idea, and National Renewal (RN) defended its right to criticize the government while supporting it.
Mr Kast has responded to pressure with relief measures. After fuel price increases sparked public anger, the government announced $225 million in subsidies for poor families, including free gas cylinders and fishing bonuses. The measures aim to help 7.5 million households while preserving market prices.
Business successes provide some political cover. State copper giant Codelco announced record profits of $2.42 billion for 2025, a 909% increase driven largely by lithium operations. The company contributed $1.78 billion to state coffers, validating the resource strategy inherited from Gabriel Boric.
But the government has also abandoned promises. Mr Kast cancelled plans for an international audit of the previous administration, citing budget constraints. Critics called it the first major broken promise. The government will now audit itself instead.
Other Stories
Other Stories
- Kast government announces fuel price relief measures after controversial fuel price hikes — After sharp fuel price increases, the government announced a package of relief measures including gas subsidies for vulnerable families, fishing bonuses, and paraffin stabilization funds. The measures aim to ease the impact of international oil price surges. (centralnoticia.cl)
- Chile Vamos faces internal tensions over UDI proposal to dissolve coalition — The UDI proposed dissolving Chile Vamos and creating a single broader coalition to support the Kast government, but the Republican Party rejected the idea. RN defended the right to criticize the government while maintaining support, highlighting coordination challenges within the ruling bloc. (elmostrador.cl)
- Codelco reports record profits of $2.42 billion for 2025, boosting state treasury contributions — State copper giant Codelco announced profits of $2.42 billion for 2025, a 909% increase from 2024, contributing $1.78 billion to state coffers. The surge was driven largely by lithium operations through its joint venture with Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM). (puranoticia.pnt.cl)
- Broad Front leaders criticize Kast government policies and defend opposition principles — Broad Front president Constanza Martínez criticized the government’s economic decisions, particularly fuel price increases and budget cuts, calling them irresponsible. Party leaders defended their core values while positioning for future electoral opportunities. (theclinic.cl)
Notes
Notes
Kast embarks on first international trip to Argentina amid Apablaza extradition tensions
March 31 – April 04, 2026
Government faces criticism over controversial removal of SernamEG director undergoing cancer treatment
March 29 – April 05, 2026
Kast government announces fuel price relief measures after controversial 'bencinazo'
March 30 – April 03, 2026
Government cancels promised international audit of Boric administration due to fiscal constraints
April 2–3, 2026
Codelco reports record profits of US\$2.42 billion for 2025, boosting state treasury contributions
March 30 – April 02, 2026
Kast administration integrates significant number of retired military and police officials
March 31 – April 02, 2026
Frente Amplio leaders criticize Kast government policies and defend opposition principles
April 1–5, 2026
Other
Canada
Mark Carney, the prime minister, told a mercury-poisoned Indigenous protester “I can outlast her” during a housing announcement in Toronto, creating the biggest political crisis of his tenure. Chrissy Isaacs, a woman from Grassy Narrows suffering from mercury poisoning, had disrupted the event when Mr Carney made the comment. First Nations chiefs and Conservative MPs are demanding an in-person apology, while his office claims he could not hear what the protesters were saying—Indigenous leaders dispute this defence.
The controversy erupted as Canada’s opposition parties undergo major shifts. Avi Lewis won the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership with 56% of first-ballot votes, promising to move the party further left with a stance against oil expansion, higher wealth taxes, and free university tuition. But he faced pushback from Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP leaders, who called his oil and gas position “ideological and unrealistic,” creating fractures between regions.
Mr Carney has also shifted Canada’s international position. He called Israel’s invasion of Lebanon “illegal” and a violation of sovereignty, using stronger language than his government had employed before. But talks between Ottawa and the provinces remain strained: he and Danielle Smith, the Alberta premier, missed their April 1 deadline for carbon pricing agreements and carbon capture deals under their November agreement, though talks continue.
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% for the sixth straight meeting, citing oil price volatility from the Iran war. Central bankers debated whether higher energy prices could push up inflation expectations but decided they could “look through” immediate effects. Mr Carney and Doug Ford, the Ontario premier, announced $8.8 billion in funding over ten years to help municipalities cut development charges by 50% for three years, potentially reducing new home costs by up to $200,000.
Other Stories
Other Stories
- Poilievre calls for federal gas tax holiday for rest of 2026 amid rising fuel prices — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants the government to eliminate federal gas taxes for the remainder of 2026, claiming it would save consumers about 25 cents per litre. The proposal comes as gas prices surge due to the Iran war. (cbc.ca)
- Poilievre promises to cancel $90 billion Alto high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced his party would cancel the Liberal government’s high-speed rail project, calling it a ‘boondoggle’ and criticising the expropriation powers included in the budget bill. (cbc.ca)
- Carney announces $3.8 billion nature protection strategy with new conservation areas — Mr Carney unveiled a nature protection strategy including two new conservation sites—the Wiinipaawk Indigenous Protected Area in eastern James Bay and the Seal River Watershed area in Manitoba—as part of Canada’s goal to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. (cbc.ca)
- Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and father of new federal leader, dies at 88 — Stephen Lewis, former Ontario New Democratic Party leader, UN ambassador, and humanitarian activist, died of cancer just days after his son Avi Lewis won the federal party leadership. He was known for his work on HIV/AIDS in Africa. (cbc.ca)
- Federal by-elections on April 13 could deliver Carney majority government — Three federal by-elections in Scarborough-Southwest, University-Rosedale, and Terrebonne could give the Liberals a parliamentary majority if they win two of the three seats. Advanced voting began Friday. (thestar.com)
- Up to 10 MPs reportedly in talks to cross floor to Liberals — Sources indicate up to 10 Members of Parliament are in discussions with Liberal delegates about potentially crossing to the governing party, which could further strengthen Mr Carney’s position in the House of Commons. (thedeepdive.ca)
- Air Canada CEO steps down after French language controversy over crash condolences — Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement after facing criticism for delivering condolences mostly in English following the deadly LaGuardia airport crash that killed two pilots. (thehub.ca)
Notes
Notes
Carney faces calls for apology after saying he could 'outlast' Grassy Narrows mercury poisoning protester
March 30 – April 03, 2026
Poilievre calls for federal gas tax holiday for rest of 2026 amid rising fuel prices
March 30–31, 2026
Avi Lewis wins federal NDP leadership, faces immediate pushback from provincial leaders over energy policy
March 30, 2026
Poilievre promises to cancel \$90 billion Alto high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City
March 31, 2026
Ford and Carney announce \$8.8 billion housing deal to cut development charges in half
March 30–31, 2026
Carney announces \$3.8 billion nature protection strategy with new conservation areas
March 31, 2026
Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and father of new federal leader, dies at 88
March 30, 2026
Air Canada CEO steps down after French language controversy over crash condolences
March 31 – April 03, 2026
Other
Mexico
Mexico’s central bank cut interest rates this week even as inflation climbed to 4.63%, choosing to support a weakening economy over price stability in a split 3-2 vote that divided the board.
The central bank (Banxico) lowered its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, with Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, the governor, saying they are “close to ending the adjustment period.” But private analysts are not convinced, raising their inflation forecasts for 2026 to 4.21% while cutting growth estimates to just 1.49%. The decision signals that the bank sees economic weakness as the bigger threat than rising prices.
The pressure shows elsewhere. The Trump administration reported that the state oil company Pemex owes more than $2.5 billion to American energy service providers — about 10% of its total supplier debt. The debt has piled up despite payment plans put in place by Claudia Sheinbaum’s government last year, and the timing is awkward: it comes as Mexico prepares for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade review.
The government handled a smooth transition when Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the foreign minister, stepped down for health reasons after spinal surgery. Ms Sheinbaum appointed Roberto Velasco Álvarez, the ministry’s North America chief, as his replacement. The choice of Mr Velasco — a specialist in US-Mexico relations — signals continuity during the trade talks ahead.
Omar García Harfuch, the security secretary, has become an unlikely pop culture phenomenon. Towels, blankets and other merchandise bearing his image have become bestsellers, with social media influencers promoting the “Mexico’s Batman” brand. The grassroots appeal could matter for the 2030 presidential succession, where Mr García Harfuch is seen as a potential candidate.
Ms Sheinbaum announced changes to six cabinet positions this week and unveiled a plan to provide free school supplies and uniforms to all primary school students starting in August 2026. The moves consolidate her control of the administration while advancing the Fourth Transformation’s social agenda.
Other Stories
Other Stories
- Sheinbaum claims AIFA airport at 100% capacity during Holy Week; opposition disputes with videos of empty terminals — President Sheinbaum posted photos claiming the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) was operating at full capacity during Holy Week. Opposition deputy Federico Döring countered with videos showing mostly empty terminals, sparking debate over the airport’s actual usage. (infobae.com)
- Gulf of Mexico oil spill affects coasts of Veracruz, Tabasco and Tamaulipas; government creates permanent monitoring observatory — A hydrocarbon spill in the Gulf of Mexico has contaminated beaches across three states. Authorities have collected nearly 900 tons of crude oil and established a Permanent Observatory of the Gulf of Mexico to monitor environmental risks. The spill’s origin remains under investigation. (lasillarota.com)
- SEDENA opens recruitment drive and conducts various security operations across Mexico — The Defence Ministry (SEDENA) launched its 2026 recruitment campaign for the Army, Air Force and National Guard, targeting youth aged 18-29. Meanwhile, the ministry participated in various security operations including drug seizures, infrastructure protection, and coordination with other agencies. (oem.com.mx)
- SEMAR conducts rescue operations and drug enforcement activities during Holy Week period — The Navy (SEMAR) carried out multiple operations during Holy Week including rescuing tourists in Oaxaca and Baja California, seizing cocaine at Mexico City airport, dismantling drug labs in Sinaloa, and continuing cleanup efforts related to the Gulf oil spill. (tvazteca.com)
- SRE provides consular assistance to detained Mexican journalists in South Africa — The Foreign Ministry (SRE) confirmed it is providing consular assistance to journalists Julio Ibáñez and Danny García, who are detained in South Africa on terrorism charges. The ministry stated both are under conditional release while their legal process continues. (elfinanciero.com.mx)
- Morena begins formation of municipal councils nationwide amid internal tensions over electoral strategy — The ruling party Morena initiated the formation of 2,053 municipal councils across Mexico to organise territorial work ahead of 2027 elections. However, internal tensions emerged over electoral alliances and anti-nepotism rules affecting potential candidates. (eluniversal.com.mx)
- Mexico rejects UN report on forced disappearances; committee requests case be elevated to General Assembly — The Mexican government rejected a UN Committee report that categorised forced disappearances in the country as potential crimes against humanity. The Committee on Enforced Disappearances requested the case be elevated to the UN General Assembly, while Mexico’s Foreign Ministry called the report biased. (eluniversal.com.mx)
Notes
Notes
Juan Ramón de la Fuente leaves Foreign Ministry due to health issues, Roberto Velasco named replacement
March 31 – April 01, 2026
Sheinbaum claims AIFA airport at 100% capacity during Holy Week; opposition disputes with videos of empty terminals
April 4–5, 2026
Gulf of Mexico oil spill affects coasts of Veracruz, Tabasco and Tamaulipas; government creates permanent monitoring observatory
April 4–5, 2026
Sheinbaum announces cabinet changes including six key positions; implements new education support policies
April 4–5, 2026
Banco de México cuts interest rate to 6.75% despite inflation concerns; market analysts revise growth projections downward
March 30 – April 01, 2026
Omar García Harfuch becomes social media phenomenon with merchandise bearing his image going viral
March 30 – April 02, 2026
SEDENA opens recruitment drive and conducts various security operations across Mexico
April 2–5, 2026
SEMAR conducts rescue operations and drug enforcement activities during Holy Week period
April 3–5, 2026
Morena begins formation of municipal councils nationwide amid internal tensions over electoral strategy
March 30–31, 2026
Mexico rejects UN report on forced disappearances; committee requests case be elevated to General Assembly
April 02, 2026
Other