> ## 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 30, 2026

## 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

***

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

<Accordion title="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](https://www.nsctotal.com.br/noticias/michelle-e-carlos-se-contradizem-ao-atualizar-estado-de-saude-de-jair-bolsonaro))*
  * **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](https://noticias.r7.com/brasilia/conflito-na-direita-entenda-briga-antiga-entre-nikolas-ferreira-e-eduardo-bolsonaro-05042026/))*
  * **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](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/04/7390642-ex-rival-de-lula-katia-abreu-se-filia-ao-pt.html))*
  * **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](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/04/stf-e-pgr-preveem-dilema-se-delacao-de-vorcaro-implicar-toffoli-e-moraes.shtml))*
  * **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](https://www.metropoles.com/brasil/janja-mostra-preparo-do-almoco-de-pascoa-de-lula-saiba-o-cardapio))*
  * **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](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/02/04/dino-autoriza-acareacao-entre-lira-e-deputado-que-denunciou-indicacao-irregular-de-emendas.ghtml))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro show tight race in 2026 presidential polling" type="March 29 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Pesquisas eleitorais: após novo Paraná Pesquisas, como fica disputa Flávio x Lula — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/pesquisas-eleitorais-apos-novo-parana-pesquisas-como-fica-disputa-flavio-x-lula/)
      * [As intenções de voto de Lula e Flávio Bolsonaro no Paraná, segundo nova pesquisa Atlas — cartacapital.com.br](https://www.cartacapital.com.br/politica/as-intencoes-de-voto-de-lula-e-flavio-bolsonaro-no-parana-segundo-nova-pesquisa-atlas/)
      * [O que revelam as pesquisas sobre Flávio x Lula no estado que costuma definir eleições — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/o-que-revelam-as-pesquisas-sobre-flavio-x-lula-no-estado-que-costuma-definir-eleicoes/)
      * [AtlasIntel: em MG, Lula e Flávio têm empate técnico no segundo turno — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/minas-gerais/atlasintel-em-mg-lula-e-flavio-tem-empate-tecnico-no-segundo-turno)
      * [Atlas Intel/Arko Advice: Lula tem 50,6% de rejeição; Flávio Bolsonaro, 24% — jovempan.com.br](https://jovempan.com.br/noticias/politica/atlas-intel-arko-advice-lula-tem-506-de-rejeicao-flavio-bolsonaro-24.html)
      * [Fim da janela partidária mantém suspense sobre palanques de Lula e Flávio em Minas — itatiaia.com.br](https://www.itatiaia.com.br/politica/eleicoes/fim-da-janela-partidaria-mantem-suspense-sobre-palanques-de-lula-e-flavio-em-minas/)
      * [Todo mundo odeia o Lula? — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/politica/renato-meirelles/coluna/2026/04/todo-mundo-odeia-o-lula.ghtml)
      * [Lula encurralado é um perigo — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/opiniao/lula-encurralado-e-um-perigo/)
      * [Atlas/Estadão: Flávio e Lula aparecem tecnicamente empatados em SP — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/atlasestadao-flavio-e-lula-aparecem-tecnicamente-empatados-em-sp-com-senador-a-frente-no-2-turno/)
      * [Com popularidade em queda, Lula aposta em 'pacote de bondades' pré-eleitoral — cbn.globo.com](https://cbn.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/04/05/com-popularidade-em-queda-lula-aposta-em-pacote-de-bondades-pre-eleitoral.ghtml)
      * [PL e PT Lideram Preferência Partidária no Brasil, Indica AtlasIntel — blogdovalente.com.br](https://blogdovalente.com.br/politica/2026/04/pl-e-pt-lideram-preferencia-partidaria-no-brasil-indica-atlasintel)
      * [PT x PL: a preferência partidária dos eleitores, segundo nova pesquisa Atlas — cartacapital.com.br](https://cartacapital.com.br/cartaexpressa/pt-x-pl-a-preferencia-partidaria-dos-eleitores-segundo-nova-pesquisa-atlas)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Jorge Messias STF nomination faces Senate resistance from Alcolumbre" type="March 29 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Em conversa com Lula, Davi Alcolumbre lava as mãos sobre indicação de Messias ao STF — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/em-conversa-com-lula-davi-alcolumbre-lava-as-maos-sobre-indicacao-de-messias-ao-stf/)
      * [Lula mantém Silveira ministro e pode abrir caminho para destravar Messias — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/blogs/matheus-teixeira/politica/alcolumbre-pede-e-lula-retira-silveira-da-eleicao-para-destravar-messias/)
      * [Lula segura Silveira no governo por Messias no STF e Pacheco em MG — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-eleicoes/lula-segura-silveira-no-governo-por-messias-no-stf-e-pacheco-em-mg/)
      * [Vídeo: Saiba quem é Jorge Messias, indicado por Lula para o cargo de ministro do STF — ocafezinho.com](https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/04/04/video-saiba-quem-e-jorge-messias-indicado-por-lula-para-o-cargo-de-ministro-do-stf/)
      * [Bônus e ônus da indicação de Messias ao Supremo para Lula na eleição — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/colunistas/luiz-carlos-azedo/2026/04/7389187-bonus-e-onus-da-indicacao-de-messias-ao-supremo-para-lula-na-eleicao.html)
      * [Messias será cobrado em sabatina a se posicionar sobre ligação de ministros do STF com Master — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/coluna-do-estadao/messias-sera-cobrado-em-sabatina-a-se-posicionar-sobre-ligacao-de-ministros-do-stf-com-master/)
      * [Governo oficializa no Senado a indicação de Jorge Messias para o STF — metropoles.com](https://metropoles.com/brasil/governo-envia-ao-senado-a-indicacao-de-jorge-messias-para-o-stf)
      * [Bastidores do STF expõem resistência e articulações políticas em torno de Messias — raninewstv.com.br](https://raninewstv.com.br/bastidores-messias-stf)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lula confirms Alckmin as running mate amid cabinet reshuffling for elections" type="March 29 – April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Com troca de até 17 ministros, presidente Lula forma equipe com mais técnicos — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/com-troca-de-ate-17-ministros-presidente-lula-forma-equipe-com-mais-tecnicos/)
      * [Lula confirma que Geraldo Alckmin será candidato a vice na chapa que disputará reeleição — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/03/31/lula-confirma-alckmin-como-candidato-a-vice-presidente.ghtml)
      * [Planalto oficializa exonerações de Geraldo Alckmin e Gleisi Hoffmann — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/eleicoes/planalto-oficializa-exoneracoes-de-geraldo-alckmin-e-gleisi-hoffmann/)
      * [Lula confirma Alckmin como vice na chapa de reeleição — portalmarcossantos.com.br](https://www.portalmarcossantos.com.br/2026/03/31/lula-confirma-alckmin-como-vice-na-chapa-de-reeleicao/)
      * [Análise | Ala do PT que esnobou Alckmin para vice na chapa da reeleição só pensa no 'pós-Lula' — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/vera-rosa/ala-do-pt-que-esnobava-alckmin-para-vice-na-chapa-da-reeleicao-so-pensava-mesmo-no-pos-lula/)
      * [Montagem de equipe: quem já está confirmado na campanha de Lula — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/platobr/2026/04/7389499-montagem-de-equipe-quem-ja-esta-confirmado-na-campanha-de-lula.html)
      * [Quem é Márcio Elias Rosa, novo ministro do Desenvolvimento nomeado por Lula — obrasilianista.com.br](https://obrasilianista.com.br/juliacarmo/quem-marcio-elias-ministro-desenvolvimento/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bolsonaro family members give conflicting health updates from house arrest" type="April 2–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Michelle e Carlos se contradizem ao atualizar estado de saúde de Jair Bolsonaro — nsctotal.com.br](https://www.nsctotal.com.br/noticias/michelle-e-carlos-se-contradizem-ao-atualizar-estado-de-saude-de-jair-bolsonaro)
      * [Michelle Bolsonaro revela estado de saúde de Bolsonaro após pedido para voltar ao hospital — revistaforum.com.br](https://revistaforum.com.br/politica/michelle-bolsonaro-revela-estado-de-saude-de-bolsonaro-apos-pedido-para-voltar-ao-hospital/)
      * [Michelle diz que Bolsonaro está sem soluços há seis dias e contraria relato de Carlos — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/04/04/michelle-diz-que-bolsonaro-esta-sem-solucos-e-contraria-relato-de-carlos.ghtm)
      * [Michelle diz que Bolsonaro está sem soluços há seis dias e contradiz Carlos — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/04/7390561-michelle-diz-que-bolsonaro-esta-sem-solucos-ha-seis-dias-e-contradiz-carlos.html)
      * [Michelle Bolsonaro atualiza estado de saúde de Jair Bolsonaro — otempo.com.br](https://www.otempo.com.br/politica/judiciario/2026/4/4/michelle-diz-que-bolsonaro-esta-sem-solucar-ha-seis-dias)
      * [Michelle Bolsonaro mostra almoço de Páscoa nas redes sociais — correiobraziliense.com.br](https://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/politica/2026/04/7391025-michelle-bolsonaro-mostra-almoco-de-pascoa-nas-redes-sociais.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Eduardo Bolsonaro feuds with Nikolas Ferreira as Flávio calls for unity" type="April 2–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Conflito na direita: entenda briga antiga entre Nikolas Ferreira e Eduardo Bolsonaro — noticias.r7.com](https://noticias.r7.com/brasilia/conflito-na-direita-entenda-briga-antiga-entre-nikolas-ferreira-e-eduardo-bolsonaro-05042026/)
      * [Eduardo Bolsonaro e Nikolas batem boca nas redes, e Flávio intervém pedindo união — terra.com.br](https://www.terra.com.br/noticias/brasil/politica/eduardo-bolsonaro-e-nikolas-batem-boca-nas-redes-e-flavio-intervem-pedindo-uniao-todo-mundo-sai-perdendo,da9b52544fde20996a4451bbff042bf02123oino.html)
      * [Eduardo Bolsonaro discute com Nikolas Ferreira e diz que ele promove opositores do bolsonarismo — jovempan.com.br](https://jovempan.com.br/noticias/politica/eduardo-bolsonaro-discute-com-nikolas-ferreira-e-diz-que-ele-promove-opositores-do-bolsonarismo.html)
      * [Após bate-boca entre Eduardo Bolsonaro e Nikolas Ferreira, Michelle compartilha vídeo de deputado — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/sonar-a-escuta-das-redes/post/2026/04/apos-bate-boca-entre-eduardo-bolsonaro-e-nikolas-ferreira-michelle-compartilha-video-de-deputado.ghtml)
      * [Eduardo Bolsonaro bate boca com Nikolas: 'Desrespeito sem limites' — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/colunas/andreza-matais/eduardo-bolsonaro-bate-boca-com-nikolas-desrespeito-sem-limites)
      * [Flávio Bolsonaro pede paz após briga de Eduardo e Nikolas — folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/04/flavio-bolsonaro-pede-uniao-da-direita-apos-nova-rusga-entre-eduardo-e-nikolas-ferreira.shtml)
      * [Após crítica da Casa Branca, Eduardo Bolsonaro atacar Nikolas, Michelle posta vídeo do deputado — noticias.uol.com.br](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2026/04/05/apos-eduardo-bolsonaro-atacar-nikolas-michelle-post-video-de-deputado.ghtm)
      * [Nikolas 'concorda' com Flávio Bolsonaro em post após treta com Eduardo — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/brasil/nikolas-concorda-com-flavio-bolsonaro-em-post-apos-treta-com-eduardo)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Former senator Kátia Abreu joins PT despite past opposition to Lula" type="April 2–4, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Ex-adversária de Lula, ex-senadora Kátia Abreu se filia ao PT do Tocantins — clebertoledo.com.br](https://clebertoledo.com.br/em-off/ex-adversaria-de-lula-ex-senadora-katia-abreu-se-filia-ao-pt-do-tocantins/)
      * [Ex-rival de Lula, Kátia Abreu se filia ao PT — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/04/7390642-ex-rival-de-lula-katia-abreu-se-filia-ao-pt.html)
      * [Ex-senadora Kátia Abreu se filia ao PT no Tocantins — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/to/tocantins/eleicoes/2026/noticia/2026/04/04/ex-senadora-katia-abreu-se-filia-ao-pt-no-tocantins.ghtml)
      * [Ala do PT contesta filiação de Kátia Abreu — cartacapital.com.br](https://www.cartacapital.com.br/politica/ala-do-pt-contesta-filiacao-de-katia-abreu/)
      * [Ala do PT no Tocantins tenta barrar filiação de Kátia Abreu — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/politica/ala-minoritaria-da-pt-aciona-direcao-nacional-contra-filiacao-de-katia-abreu/)
      * [Ruptura histórica no PT do Ceará: Luizianne deixa partido após 37 anos — ocafezinho.com](https://ocafezinho.com/2026/04/02/ruptura-historica-no-pt-do-ceara-luizianne-deixa-partido-apos-37-anos)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="STF faces credibility crisis over justices' connections to Master Bank" type="March 29 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [STF e PGR preveem dilema se delação de Vorcaro implicar Toffoli e Moraes — folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/04/stf-e-pgr-preveem-dilema-se-delacao-de-vorcaro-implicar-toffoli-e-moraes.shtml)
      * [STF amplia decisões sob sigilo e sem sorteio e entra nas eleições em meio à crise de confiança — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/stf-amplia-decisoes-sob-sigilo-e-sem-sorteio-e-entra-nas-eleicoes-em-meio-a-crise-de-confianca/)
      * [Toffoli usou avião de empresário para visitar resort — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/republica/toffoli-empresario-aviao-empresario-resort/)
      * [Nunes Marques viajou a Maceió em voo pago por advogada do Master — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-justica/nunes-marques-viajou-a-maceio-em-voo-pago-por-advogada-do-master/)
      * [Ministros tentam confundir defesa do STF com acobertamento — oglobo.globo.com](https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/bernardo-mello-franco/coluna/2026/04/ministros-tentam-confundir-defesa-do-stf-com-acobertamento.ghtml)
      * [Ministros do STF atuam como cabos eleitorais para emplacar Jorge Messias no Senado — ocafezinho.com](https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/04/04/ministros-do-stf-atuam-como-cabos-eleitorais-para-emplacar-jorge-messias-no-senado/)
      * [Fachin reage a relatório dos EUA e contesta críticas ao STF — revistaoeste.com](https://revistaoeste.com/politica/fachin-reage-a-relatorio-dos-eua-e-contesta-criticas-ao-stf/)
      * [Por que o STF precisa de um código de conduta — newsrondonia.com.br](https://newsrondonia.com.br/politica/2026/03/30/por-que-o-stf-precisa-de-um-codigo-de-conduta)
      * [STF retoma julgamento de gratuidade na Justiça do Trabalho — migalhas.com.br](https://www.migalhas.com.br/quentes/453199/stf-retoma-julgamento-de-gratuidade-na-justica-do-trabalho)
      * [Jatinho de Vorcaro e escolta do STF viajaram para cidade de Dias Toffoli na mesma data — otempo.com.br](https://www.otempo.com.br/politica/judiciario/2026/4/4/jatinho-de-vorcaro-e-escolta-do-stf-viajaram-para-cidade-de-dias-toffoli-na-mesma-data-diz-site)
      * [Grupo de ministros do STF se irrita com falas de Fachin — folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/03/grupo-de-ministros-se-irrita-com-fachin-e-fala-em-presidente-do-stf-desmoralizado.shtml)
      * [Vergonha, fake news e carta na manga: as armas de Fachin para tirar o STF da crise — estadao.com.br](https://estadao.com.br/politica/carolina-brigido/vergonha-fake-news-e-carta-na-manga-as-armas-de-fachin-para-tirar-o-stf-da-crise)
      * [STF condena empresário a 14 anos por doação de R\$ 500 associada ao 8/1 — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/republica/primeira-turma-do-stf-condena-empresario-a-14-anos-de-prisao-por-doacao-de-r-500-associada-ao-8-1/)
      * [STF dá 14 anos de cadeia a empresário que doou R\$ 500 para 8 de Janeiro — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-justica/stf-condena-empresario-de-sc-a-14-anos-por-atos-de-8-de-janeiro/)
      * [Mal-estar entre ala do STF e Fachin trava até aprovação de plano administrativo — infomoney.com.br](https://infomoney.com.br/politica/mal-estar-entre-ala-do-stf-e-fachin-trava-ate-aprovacao-de-plano-administrativo)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PT plans strategic attacks on Flávio Bolsonaro while discussing succession scenarios" type="March 29 – April 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [PT discute plano B para 2026 e admite nos bastidores risco de Lula ficar fora da disputa — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/pt-discute-plano-b-para-2026-e-admite-risco-de-lula-ficar-fora-da-disputa/)
      * [Eleições 2026: O plano do PT para conter alta de Flávio Bolsonaro nas pesquisas — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/articles/cjr9nv7dx3yo)
      * [Por que o PT ainda não começou a bater para valer em Flávio Bolsonaro — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/colunas/igor-gadelha/por-que-o-pt-ainda-nao-comecou-a-bater-para-valer-em-flavio-bolsonaro)
      * [PT vai usar inserção na TV para atacar Flávio Bolsonaro em estreia de nova estratégia de Lula — em.com.br](https://www.em.com.br/politica/2026/04/7389722-pt-vai-usar-insercao-na-tv-para-atacar-flavio-bolsonaro-em-estreia-de-nova-estrategia-de-lula.html)
      * [PT nacional pressiona por apoio à candidatura de Juliana Brizola no RS — brasil247.com](https://brasil247.com/regionais/sul/pt-nacional-pressiona-por-apoio-a-candidatura-de-juliana-brizola-no-rs)
      * [Flávio Bolsonaro acumula vitórias na Justiça contra PT nas redes — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/eleicoes/2026/flavio-acumula-vitorias-na-justica-contra-pt-nas-redes-sociais-durante-pre-campanha/)
      * [Lula enfrenta desafio de reconectar o PT ao novo perfil da classe trabalhadora — bloomberglinea.com.br](https://www.bloomberglinea.com.br/brasil/lula-enfrenta-desafio-de-reconectar-o-pt-ao-novo-perfil-da-classe-trabalhadora/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lula criticizes Petrobras over fuel pricing and threatens to cancel auctions" type="March 31 – April 5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Governo estuda renegociação de dívidas para MEI e veta bet — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/economia/renegociacao-dividas-mei-restricao-bets/)
      * [Júlio Wiziack: Lula avalia ofensiva contra a Petrobras por alta de preços — economia.uol.com.br](https://economia.uol.com.br/colunas/julio-wiziack/2026/04/05/lula-quer-ofensiva-contra-a-petrobras-por-alta-de-precos.htm)
      * [Com popularidade em queda, Lula aposta em 'pacote de bondades' pré-eleitoral — cbn.globo.com](https://cbn.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/04/05/com-popularidade-em-queda-lula-aposta-em-pacote-de-bondades-pre-eleitoral.ghtml)
      * [Lula diz que anulará leilão de GLP da Petrobras; certame 'foi cretinice e bandidagem' — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/politica/lula-diz-que-anulara-leilao-de-glp-da-petrobras-certame-foi-cretinice-e-bandidagem/)
      * [Lula quer anular leilão da Petrobras por vender gás acima da tabela — midiamax.com.br](https://midiamax.com.br/brasil/2026/lula-quer-anular-leilao-petrobras-vender-gas-acima-tabela/)
      * [Petrobras enfrenta impasse após Lula condenar leilão de GLP e prometer anulação — brasil247.com](https://www.brasil247.com/economia/petrobras-enfrenta-impasse-apos-lula-condenar-leilao-de-glp-e-prometer-anulacao)
      * [Petrobras vive impasse após pressão de Lula para cancelar leilão de GLP — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/economia/petrobras-leilao-glp-lula-cancelamento/)
      * [Petrobras nega defasagem nos preços e diz seguir política de reajuste — folha.uol.com.br](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2026/04/petrobras-nega-defasagem-nos-precos-e-diz-seguir-politica-de-reajuste.shtml)
      * [Petrobras decide vacância na presidência do conselho na segunda-feira; Guilherme Mello deve assumir — valor.globo.com](https://valor.globo.com/empresas/noticia/2026/04/04/secretrio-da-fazenda-deve-ser-indicado-pelo-governo-para-presidir-conselho-da-petrobras-diz-jornal.ghtml)
      * [Lula defende que Petrobras tenha distribuidoras e se diz 'ansioso' para recomprar distribuidora de gás — br.tradingview.com](https://br.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2026:newsml_S0N3X8041:0/)
      * [Após críticas de Lula, ANP anuncia fiscalização de leilões de gás de cozinha — gazetadopovo.com.br](https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/economia/apos-criticas-de-lula-anp-anuncia-fiscalizacao-de-leiloes-de-gas-de-cozinha/)
      * [Entrevista | 'Governo prejudica acionista minoritário da Petrobras ao questionar leilão', diz Adriano Pires — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/economia/entrevista-adriano-pires-petrobras-governo-prejudica-acionista-minoritario/)
      * [Petrobras reafirma política de preços de combustíveis em comunicado — infomoney.com.br](https://www.infomoney.com.br/mercados/petrobras-reafirma-politica-de-precos-de-combustiveis-em-comunicado/)
      * [Lula vai nomear novo presidente do conselho da Petrobras (PETR4); veja quem — investidor10.com.br](https://investidor10.com.br/noticias/lula-vai-nomear-novo-presidente-do-conselho-da-petrobras-petr4-veja-quem-119598/)
      * [Petrobras confirma aumento de até 55% no combustível — tnh1.com.br](https://www.tnh1.com.br/variedades/petrobras-confirma-aumento-de-ate-55-no-combustivel/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lula shares Easter messages while Janja showcases family meal preparation" type="April 2–3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Janja mostra preparo do almoço de Páscoa de Lula. Saiba o cardápio — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/brasil/janja-mostra-preparo-do-almoco-de-pascoa-de-lula-saiba-o-cardapio)
      * [Páscoa é momento de renovação e união, diz Lula em mensagem — folhape.com.br](https://www.folhape.com.br/politica/pascoa-e-momento-de-renovacao-e-uniao-diz-lula-em-mensagem/478519/)
      * [Lula deseja paz e alegria aos brasileiros na Páscoa — correiobraziliense.com.br](https://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/politica/2026/04/7390839-lula-deseja-paz-e-alegria-aos-brasileiros-na-pascoa.html)
      * [Janja cozinha paca para almoço de Páscoa com Lula; assista — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-gente/janja-cozinha-paca-para-almoco-de-pascoa-com-lula-assista/)
      * [Políticos publicam mensagens de Páscoa nas redes sociais — poder360.com.br](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-gente/politicos-publicam-mensagens-de-pascoa-nas-redes-sociais/)
      * [Clickpb — clickpb.com.br](https://www.clickpb.com.br/brasil/pascoa-lula-mensagem.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Arthur Lira faces investigation over irregular budget amendment accusations" type="March 29 – April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Emendas: Lira ficará cara a cara com deputado que citou irregularidade — g1.globo.com](https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2026/02/04/dino-autoriza-acareacao-entre-lira-e-deputado-que-denunciou-indicacao-irregular-de-emendas.ghtml)
      * [JHC rompe com Lira e migra para o PSDB com senadora e primeira-dama — estadao.com.br](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/jhc-rompe-com-lira-e-migra-para-o-psdb-com-senadora-e-primeira-dama-nprp/)
      * [Prefeito de Maceió tem acordos com Lula, Lira, seu vice e os Calheiros — e deve trair alguém — veja.abril.com.br](https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/prefeito-de-maceio-tem-acordos-com-lula-lira-seu-vice-e-os-calheiros-e-deve-trair-alguem/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Lula planeja 'bater bumbo' sobre tema na próxima viagem à Europa — metropoles.com](https://metropoles.com/colunas/igor-gadelha/lula-planeja-bater-bumbo-sobre-um-tema-na-proxima-viagem-a-europa)
      * [Lula não precisava fazer discurso sobre EUA acabarem com Pix, avalia Dumas — cnnbrasil.com.br](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/economia/lula-nao-precisava-fazer-discurso-sobre-eua-acabarem-com-pix-avalia-dumas/)
      * [Lula decide enviar PL sobre fim da 6x1 com urgência ao Congresso — metropoles.com](https://www.metropoles.com/brasil/lula-decide-enviar-pl-sobre-fim-da-6x1-com-urgencia-ao-congresso)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

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

<Accordion title="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](https://www.centralnoticia.cl/noticias/nacional/2026/04/03/gobierno-de-kast-anuncia-gas-gratuito-cual-es-el-requisito-para-recibir-el-cilindro-de-15-kilos/402966/))*
  * **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](https://radio.uchile.cl/2026/04/04/republicanos-cierran-la-puerta-a-idea-de-la-udi-de-crear-una-coalicion-oficialista-unica/))*
  * **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](https://www.elciudadano.com/mineria/estado-quebrado-codelco-elevo-su-aporte-al-fisco-a-us-1-778-millones-en-2025/03/30/))*
  * **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](https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2026/04/01/constanza-martinez-e-indolencia-del-gobierno-ha-sido-de-una-desconexion-bien-brutal/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Kast's approval rating drops to 42% in second consecutive decline" type="March 31 – April 5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [La zanja social que está propiciando José Antonio Kast — eldesconcierto.cl](https://eldesconcierto.cl/opinion/la-zanja-social-que-esta-propiciando-jose-antonio-kast-n5457795)
      * [AUMENTA EVALUACIÓN NEGATIVA DE KAST Y APARECEN NUEVAS FIGURAS DEL GABINETE EN RANKING — datavoz.cl](https://datavoz.cl/aumenta-evaluacion-negativa-de-kast-y-aparecen-nuevas-figuras-del-gabinete-en-ranking/)
      * [Segunda caída consecutiva: aprobación del Presidente Kast llega al 42% — adnradio.cl](https://www.adnradio.cl/2026/04/05/segunda-caida-consecutiva-aprobacion-del-presidente-kast-llega-al-42-y-no-logra-superar-la-desaprobacion-en-criteria/)
      * [Aprobación de José Antonio Kast cae a 42% en nueva encuesta Criteria — diarioeldia.cl](https://www.diarioeldia.cl/noticias/2026/04/05/134009-aprobacion-de-jose-antonio-kast-cae-a-42por_ciento-en-nueva-encuesta-criteria)
      * [Aprobación del Gobierno registra leve baja en nueva encuesta Agenda Criteria — maray.cl](https://www.maray.cl/pais/05/04/2026/aprobacion-del-gobierno-registra-leve-baja-en-nueva-encuesta-agenda-criteria/)
      * [Un gobierno en fuga — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/opinion/noticia/un-gobierno-en-fuga/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast embarks on first international trip to Argentina amid Apablaza extradition tensions" type="March 31 – April 4, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Viaje a Argentina: Kast detalla temas a tratar y dice que 'es un buen momento para estrechar lazos' — emol.com](https://emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2026/04/05/1196349/kast-previo-viaje-argentina.html)
      * [Kast inicia su primera gira internacional con un viaje a Argentina en medio de tensión por la fuga de Apablaza — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/kast-inicia-su-primera-gira-internacional-con-un-viaje-a-argentina-en-medio-de-tension-por-la-fuga-de-apablaza)
      * [En vísperas de la llegada de José Kast, buscan a un exguerrillero chileno — lanacion.com.ar](https://lanacion.com.ar/politica/en-visperas-de-la-llegada-de-jose-kast-buscan-a-un-exguerrillero-chileno-que-esta-refugiado-en-el-nid03042026)
      * [Viaje de Kast y la UDI a Argentina, recompensa y presión por extradición: las claves del caso Apablaza — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/viaje-de-kast-y-la-udi-a-argentina-recompensa-y-presion-por-extradicion-las-claves-del-caso-apablaza)
      * [Tras fallida detención de Apablaza: UDI se suma a viaje de Kast a Argentina — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/tras-fallida-detencion-de-apablaza-udi-se-suma-a-viaje-de-kast-a-argentina)
      * [UDI se suma a viaje de Kast a Argentina para abordar fuga de Galvarino Apablaza — t13.cl](https://t13.cl/noticia/politica/udi-se-suma-viaje-kast-argentina-para-abordar-fuga-galvarino-apablaza-2-4-2026)
      * [Presidente Kast mantiene viaje a Argentina pese a fallida detención de Apablaza — pauta.cl](https://www.pauta.cl/actualidad/2026/04/02/gobierno-confirma-viaje-de-kast-a-argentina-pese-a-tension-por-caso-apablaza.html)
      * [UDI solicita al presidente Kast evaluar viaje a Argentina tras 'fracaso de inteligencia' — universo.cl](https://universo.cl/noticias/udi-solicita-al-presidente-kast-evaluar-viaje-a-argentina-tras-fracaso-de-inteligencia-en-caso-apablaza)
      * [A menos de un mes del Gobierno de Kast, desde la UDI proponen disolver Chile Vamos — cooperativa.cl](https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/politica/chile-vamos/a-menos-de-un-mes-del-gobierno-de-kast-desde-la-udi-proponen-disolver/2026-04-04/151956.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government faces criticism over controversial removal of SernamEG director undergoing cancer treatment" type="March 29 – April 5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * ['Si esto es real, duele': Evelyn Matthei, Karla Rubilar y María José Gatica critican decisión del gobierno — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/si-esto-es-real-duele-evelyn-matthei-karla-rubilar-y-maria-jose-gatica-critican-decision-del-gobierno-de-sacar-a-directora-de-sernameg/)
      * [Presidenta del Senado se suma a las críticas por remoción de la directora de SernamEG — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/presidenta-del-senado-se-suma-a-las-criticas-por-remocion-de-la-directora-de-sernameg-y-lanza-nuevo-dardo-al-gobierno/)
      * [Ministra Marín no cambiará decisión de sacar a directora del Sernam con cáncer — notichile.cl](https://www.notichile.cl/chile/noticia-chile-ministra-marin-no-cambiara-decision-sacar-directora-sernam-cancer-20260405143944.html)
      * [Alvarado dice que gobierno pausará salida de directora de SernamEG — laregionhoy.cl](https://laregionhoy.cl/2026/04/01/alvarado-dice-que-gobierno-pausara-salida-de-directora-de-sernameg-por-ingreso-de-licencia/)
      * [Macaya pide altura de miras en medio de críticas por caso SernamEG — notichile.cl](https://www.notichile.cl/chile/noticia-chile-macaya-pide-altura-miras-medio-criticas-caso-sernameg-20260405204955.html)
      * [UDI propone terminar con Chile Vamos tras críticas al Gobierno — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/04/02/udi-propone-terminar-con-chile-vamos-tras-criticas-al-gobierno-rn-las-tilda-de-necesarias.shtml)
      * [Los contactos de Matthei con parlamentarios y su crítico rol al gobierno de Kast — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/politica/noticia/los-contactos-de-matthei-con-parlamentarios-y-su-critico-rol-al-gobierno-de-kast/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast government announces fuel price relief measures after controversial 'bencinazo'" type="March 30 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Gobierno de Kast anuncia gas gratuito: ¿Cuál es el requisito para recibir el cilindro de 15 kilos? — centralnoticia.cl](https://www.centralnoticia.cl/noticias/nacional/2026/04/03/gobierno-de-kast-anuncia-gas-gratuito-cual-es-el-requisito-para-recibir-el-cilindro-de-15-kilos/402966/)
      * [Bono de \$100.000 y subsidio de gas para chilenos: Revisa AQUÍ cómo recibir el nuevo beneficio — radioimagina.cl](https://www.radioimagina.cl/2026/04/bono-de-100-000-y-subsidio-de-gas-para-chilenos-revisa-aqui-como-recibir-el-nuevo-beneficio-del-gobierno/)
      * [Kast anuncia nuevas medidas para paliar el alza de combustibles — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/politica/noticia/kast-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-para-paliar-el-alza-de-combustibles-entregaran-balones-de-gas-a-familias-vulnerables)
      * [Presidente Kast anuncia nuevas medidas para enfrentar alza de los combustibles — revistaei.cl](https://revistaei.cl/presidente-kast-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-para-enfrentar-alza-de-los-combustibles)
      * [Valoración, críticas y propuestas: los efectos tras medidas del Gobierno ante el alza de combustibles — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/biobiotv/programas/radiograma-biobiotv/2026/04/02/valoracion-criticas-y-propuestas-los-efectos-tras-medidas-del-gobierno-ante-el-alza-de-combustibles.shtml)
      * [Llegó el día del 'bencinazo': combustibles subirán más de lo presupuestado — interferencia.cl](https://interferencia.cl/articulos/gobierno-de-kast-desmantela-el-plan-nacional-de-busqueda-y-nombra-nueva-jefa)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Chile Vamos faces internal tensions over UDI proposal to dissolve coalition" type="April 2–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [RN y Republicanos rechazan coalición que defiende la UDI y oficialismo se dividen — elmostrador.cl](https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2026/04/04/oficialismo-dividido-rn-y-partido-republicano-rechazan-abrir-una-coalicion-del-gobierno/)
      * [Republicanos cierran la puerta a idea de la UDI de crear una coalición oficialista única — radio.uchile.cl](https://radio.uchile.cl/2026/04/04/republicanos-cierran-la-puerta-a-idea-de-la-udi-de-crear-una-coalicion-oficialista-unica/)
      * [UDI propone terminar con Chile Vamos tras críticas al Gobierno: RN las tilda de 'necesarias' — biobiochile.cl](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/04/02/udi-propone-terminar-con-chile-vamos-tras-criticas-al-gobierno-rn-las-tilda-de-necesarias.shtml)
      * [A menos de un mes del Gobierno de Kast, desde la UDI proponen disolver Chile Vamos — cooperativa.cl](https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/politica/chile-vamos/a-menos-de-un-mes-del-gobierno-de-kast-desde-la-udi-proponen-disolver/2026-04-04/151956.html)
      * [Tras propuesta de la UDI: Republicanos se cuadra con Kast y cierra la puerta a coalición oficialista amplia — eldinamo.cl](https://www.eldinamo.cl/pais/2026/04/04/republicanos-cierra-la-puerta-a-coalicion-oficialista-amplia/)
      * ['Le va terminar haciendo un daño enorme al gobierno': el cruce entre diputados tras rechazo a coalición — adnradio.cl](https://www.adnradio.cl/2026/04/05/le-va-terminar-haciendo-un-dano-enorme-al-gobierno-el-cruce-entre-diputados-tras-rechazo-a-coalicion-oficialista/)
      * [Republicanos da portazo a propuesta de la UDI y descartan nueva coalición oficialista — adnradio.cl](https://www.adnradio.cl/2026/04/04/republicanos-da-portazo-a-propuesta-de-la-udi-y-descartan-nueva-coalicion-oficialista/)
      * [La UDI busca enterrar a Chile Vamos para unificar la derecha, pero RN defiende las críticas — publimicro.cl](https://publimicro.cl/la-udi-busca-enterrar-a-chile-vamos-para-unificar-la-derecha-pero-rn-defiende-las-criticas/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government cancels promised international audit of Boric administration due to fiscal constraints" type="April 2–3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Gobierno de Kast cancela auditoría internacional prometida y profundiza críticas por improvisación — elclarin.cl](https://www.elclarin.cl/2026/04/05/gobierno-de-kast-cancela-auditoria-internacional-prometida-y-profundiza-criticas-por-improvisacion/)
      * [Primer incumplimiento: Kast abandona auditoría internacional — thetimes.cl](https://thetimes.cl/contenido/10501/primer-incumplimiento-kast-abandona-auditoria-internacional)
      * [Era promesa de campaña: Gobierno de pdte. Kast descarta auditoría internacional a administración de Boric — chilevision.cl](https://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/nacional/era-promesa-de-campana-gobierno-de-pdte-kast-descarta-auditoria-internacional-a-administracion-de-boric/)
      * [Oposición fragmentada, subida de precios y batalla ideológica: el diagnóstico del progresismo — eldesconcierto.cl](https://eldesconcierto.cl/entrevistas/oposicion-fragmentada-subida-precios-y-batalla-ideologica-el-diagnostico-del-progresismo-frente-al-gobierno-kast-n5456739)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Codelco reports record profits of US\$2.42 billion for 2025, boosting state treasury contributions" type="March 30 – April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Empresas cerraron 2025 con ganancias por US\$373.920 millones: Codelco obtuvo las mayores utilidades — puranoticia.pnt.cl](https://puranoticia.pnt.cl/negocios/empresas-cerraron-2025-con-ganancias-por-us-373-920-millones-codelco)
      * [¿Estado quebrado? Codelco elevó su aporte al Fisco a US\$ 1.778 millones en 2025 — elciudadano.com](https://www.elciudadano.com/mineria/estado-quebrado-codelco-elevo-su-aporte-al-fisco-a-us-1-778-millones-en-2025/03/30/)
      * [Empresas cierran 2025 con ganancias por más de US\$32 mil millones y Codelco anota las mayores utilidades — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/pulso/noticia/empresas-cierran-2025-con-ganancias-por-mas-de-us32-mil-millones-y-codelco-anota-las-mayores-utilidades/)
      * [Los pendientes que dejará Máximo Pacheco en Codelco: producción, costos y endeudamiento — df.cl](https://www.df.cl/senal-df/el-deal/los-pendientes-que-dejara-maximo-pacheco-en-codelco-produccion-costos-y)
      * [Codelco ratifica su liderazgo en responsabilidad ESG en el ranking Merco 2025 — codelco.com](https://codelco.com/prensa/2026/codelco-ratifica-su-liderazgo-en-responsabilidad-esg-en-el-ranking-merco)
      * [Codelco, la minera con mejor reputación en Chile — energiminas.com](https://energiminas.com/2026/03/30/codelco-la-minera-con-mejor-reputacion-en-chile-2)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kast administration integrates significant number of retired military and police officials" type="March 31 – April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Nombramientos en gobierno de Kast reafirmaron vínculos de militares y carabineros con la extrema derecha — elsiglo.cl](https://elsiglo.cl/nombramientos-en-gobierno-de-kast-reafirmaron-vinculos-de-militares-y-carabineros-con-la-extrema-derecha/)
      * [El batallón de exuniformados que se instaló en la administración Kast — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/nacional/noticia/el-batallon-de-exuniformados-que-se-instalo-en-la-administracion-kast)
      * [La mano de Kast en la CMF: nueva presidenta que votó contra sancionar a LarrainVial — interferencia.cl](https://interferencia.cl/articulos/la-mano-de-kast-en-la-cmf-nueva-presidenta-que-voto-contra-sancionar-larrainvial-por-el)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Frente Amplio leaders criticize Kast government policies and defend opposition principles" type="April 1–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Constanza Martínez, presidente del Frente Amplio: 'Nosotros no nos arrepentimos de los principios que nos inspiran' — theclinic.cl](https://www.theclinic.cl/2026/04/05/constanza-martinez-president-del-frente-amplio-nosotros-no-nos-arrepentimos-de-los-principios-de-que-nos-inspiran)
      * [Constanza Martínez e 'indolencia del Gobierno': 'Ha sido de una desconexión bien brutal' — elmostrador.cl](https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2026/04/01/constanza-martinez-e-indolencia-del-gobierno-ha-sido-de-una-desconexion-bien-brutal/)
      * [Diputado Jaime Bassa: 'La posibilidad del Frente Amplio de volver pronto a La Moneda es cierta' — eldinamo.cl](https://www.eldinamo.cl/politica/2026/04/04/bassa-hay-posibilidad-de-que-el-frente-amplio-vuelva-a-gobernar/)
      * [De La Moneda a YouTube: la vitrina del mejor amigo de Boric para proyectar la experiencia de autoridades del Frente Amplio — theclinic.cl](https://www.theclinic.cl/2026/04/01/de-la-moneda-a-youtube-la-vitrina-del-mejor-amigo-de-boric-para-proyectar-la-experiencia-de-autoridades-del-frente-amplio)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Chile's air force conducts historic in-flight refueling of US F-35 fighters" type="April 5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [¡HISTÓRICO! FACH REALIZA EXITOSO REABASTECIMIENTO EN VUELO A F-35 DE LA USAF — fach.mil.cl](https://fach.mil.cl/historico-fach-realiza-exitoso-reabastecimiento-en-vuelo-a-f-35-de-la)
      * [FACH realiza primer abastecimiento en vuelo a un F-35 de la USAF — biobiochile.cl](https://biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2026/04/05/fach-realiza-primer-abastecimiento-en-vuelo-a-un-f-35-de-la-usaf.shtml)
      * [Por primera vez, una fuerza aérea sudamericana reabastece en vuelo a un caza F-35A — aviacionline.com](https://aviacionline.com/espanol/defensa/por-primera-vez-una-fuerza-aerea-sudamericana-reabastece-en-vuelo-a-un-caza-f-35a_a69d2766a0041d9a64743adfb)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Government dismantles National Search Plan and appoints new director — interferencia.cl](https://interferencia.cl/articulos/gobierno-de-kast-desmantela-el-plan-nacional-de-busqueda-y-nombra-nueva-jefa)
      * [Russian disinformation operation sought to strain Chile-Argentina relations — latercera.com](https://www.latercera.com/mundo/noticia/operacion-rusa-incluyo-campana-de-desinformacion-para-tensionar-relacion-entre-chile-y-argentina/)
      * [Chile interrupts gas supply zone from Argentina for regulatory non-compliance — latercera.com](https://latercera.com/pulso/noticia/chile-interrumpe-una-de-las-zonas-de-abastecimiento-de-gas-desde-argentina-por-incumplimiento-de-normativa-nacional)
    </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, 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.

<Accordion title="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](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-federal-fuel-tax-holiday-9.7150899))*
  * **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](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-against-high-speed-rail-alto-9.7148975))*
  * **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](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-conservation-announcement-9.7148498))*
  * **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](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-stephen-lewis-dies-ndp-avi-lewis/))*
  * **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](https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-praises-mark-carney-and-appeals-for-a-majority-liberal-government-ahead-of-byelections/article_76dcc823-3587-478d-8aa1-b32cd45367e8.html))*
  * **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](https://thedeepdive.ca/up-to-10-mps-in-talks-to-cross-floor-to-liberals-bolstering-carneys-majority-push/))*
  * **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](https://thehub.ca/2026/04/03/was-the-air-canada-ceo-turfed-for-his-lack-of-french-or-for-something-more-concerning/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Carney faces calls for apology after saying he could 'outlast' Grassy Narrows mercury poisoning protester" type="March 30 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Grassy Narrows chief wants Carney to apologize in person for comments about protester — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/grassy-narrows-chief-wants-carney-to-apologize-in-person-for-comments-about-protester/)
      * [First Nations chiefs demand the PM apologize after he said he could 'outlast' protesters — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/first-nations-protesters-demand-apology-from-pm-9.7150237)
      * [Tory MP echoes calls for Carney to apologize to Grassy Narrows over protest remarks — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/tory-mp-echoes-calls-for-carney-to-apologize-to-grassy-narrows-over-protest-remarks/)
      * [Première Nation de Grassy Narrows | La cheffe exige des excuses de Carney après ses propos concernant le mercure — lapresse.ca](https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2026-04-03/premiere-nation-de-grassy-narrows/la-cheffe-exige-des-excuses-de-carney-apres-ses-propos-concernant-le-mercure.php)
      * [Indigenous woman Carney said he could 'outlast' was born with mercury poisoning — sootoday.com](https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/indigenous-woman-carney-said-he-could-outlast-was-born-with-mercury-poisoning-12098882)
      * [Grassy Narrows advocate Chrissy Isaacs accepts Carney's challenge to 'outlast her' — aptnnews.ca](https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/grassy-narrows-member-accepts-carney-challenge-to-outlast-her/)
      * ['I can outlast him,' says Grassy Narrows grandmother of Canada's PM — nwonewswatch.com](https://www.nwonewswatch.com/local-news/i-can-outlast-him-says-grassy-narrows-grandmother-of-canadas-pm-12095212)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Poilievre calls for federal gas tax holiday for rest of 2026 amid rising fuel prices" type="March 30–31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Poilievre calls for federal tax holiday on fuel as gas prices spike — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-federal-fuel-tax-holiday-9.7150899)
      * [Poilievre calls for gas taxes to be scrapped for rest of year — ctvnews.ca](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/poilievre-urges-federal-government-to-cut-gas-taxes-as-fuel-prices-skyrocket/)
      * [Pierre Poilievre calls for end to federal gas taxes as oil prices surge — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/pierre-poilievre-calls-for-end-to-federal-gas-taxes-as-oil-prices-surge/article_28a3ae3e-1c33-4b04-b794-4e58feca26d7.html)
      * [Conservatives call for federal tax cut on gas and diesel fuel — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11756711/conservatives-federal-tax-diesel-cut/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Avi Lewis wins federal NDP leadership, faces immediate pushback from provincial leaders over energy policy" type="March 30, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Avi Lewis, elected to lead Canada's New Democratic party, promises 'NDP comeback' — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/30/canada-avi-lewis-elected-new-democratic-party)
      * [Canada's new NDP leader says party must have 'hard conversations' over energy policy — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20q98nrq3wo)
      * [NDP Leader Avi Lewis vows to move party to the left and stop oil industry expansion — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ndp-leader-avi-lewis/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Poilievre promises to cancel \$90 billion Alto high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City" type="March 31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Poilievre says government should cancel Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail project — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-against-high-speed-rail-alto-9.7148975)
      * [Poilievre promises to derail Liberals' Alto high-speed rail project if elected prime minister — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/poilievre-promises-to-derail-liberals-alto-high-speed-rail-project-if-elected-prime-minister)
      * [Pierre Poilievre says he would cancel high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/pierre-poilievre-says-he-would-cancel-high-speed-rail-line-between-toronto-and-quebec-city/article_5d50be78-dd95-4afc-89d5-88e2495b8c6d.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Ford and Carney announce \$8.8 billion housing deal to cut development charges in half" type="March 30–31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Ford, Carney announce \$8.8B to help cut development charges, spur housing builds in Ontario — cbc.ca](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/carney-ford-chow-news-conference-9.7146922)
      * [Carney and Ford pledge \$8.8B to slash homebuilding fees in half — thetrillium.ca](https://www.thetrillium.ca/municipalities-newsletter/mark-carney-doug-ford-pledge-88-billion-homebuilding-fees-development-charges-12092688)
      * [Doug Ford and Mark Carney have bought Ontario some time. But the hard choices lie ahead — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/doug-ford-and-mark-carney-have-bought-ontario-some-time-but-the-hard-choices-lie-ahead/article_84626ed0-2ac6-4829-828d-b01a167ed90b.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney announces \$3.8 billion nature protection strategy with new conservation areas" type="March 31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Carney announces \$3.8B to protect nature, new conservation sites in James Bay and Manitoba — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-conservation-announcement-9.7148498)
      * [Carney announces \$3.8B to protect nature — theweathernetwork.com](https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/nature/outdoors/carney-announces-usd3-8b-to-protect-nature-new-conservation-sites-in)
      * [Protection de la nature | Après le pétrole, le vert revient au premier plan pour Mark Carney — lapresse.ca](https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/environnement/2026-03-31/protection-de-la-nature/apres-le-petrole-le-vert-revient-au-premier-plan-pour-mark-carney.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Alberta and Ottawa miss deadline for energy MOU agreements, talks continue" type="March 31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Alberta's Smith says 2 early deadlines for energy MOU with Carney will be missed — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-ottawa-mou-missed-deadlines-9.7149141)
      * [Carney says agreements under MOU deadline with Alberta will be missed — nationalpost.com](https://nationalpost.com/news/carney-says-deadlines-under-energy-deal-with-alberta-will-be-missed)
      * [Alberta-Ottawa MOU negotiations miss first deadline as talks continue — financialpost.com](https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/alberta-ottawa-mou-negotiations-miss-first-deadline)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of Canada holds interest rate at 2.25% amid Iran war uncertainty" type="April 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bank of Canada worried about impact of oil shock on inflation during rate deliberations — financialpost.com](https://financialpost.com/news/economy/bank-of-canada-worried-oil-shock-rate-deliberations)
      * [Bank of Canada relying on 'judgment' to steer policy rate through Iran war shock — bnnbloomberg.ca](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2026/04/01/bank-of-canada-relying-on-judgment-to-steer-policy-rate-through-iran-war-shock/)
      * [How the war in the Middle East is already impacting mortgage rates in Canada — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/iran-war-mortgage-rates-canada-9.7152182)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and father of new federal leader, dies at 88" type="March 30, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Stephen Lewis, humanitarian and former Ontario NDP leader, dies at 88 — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-stephen-lewis-dies-ndp-avi-lewis/)
      * [Stephen Lewis, Canadian politician, diplomat and journalist, dead at 88 — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-lewis-obituary-9.7148606)
      * [NDP giant Stephen Lewis remembered as someone who demanded better of all — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-lewis-condolences-9.7148766)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Carney condemns Israel's 'illegal invasion' of Lebanon" type="March 31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Carney condemns Israel's 'illegal invasion' of Lebanon as operation expands — cbc.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-israel-lebanon-9.7148800)
      * [Mark Carney dénonce l'« invasion illégale » israélienne au Liban — radio-canada.ca](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2242931/mark-carney-invasion-illegale-israelienne-liban)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Federal by-elections on April 13 could deliver Carney majority government" type="March 31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Doug Ford praises Mark Carney and appeals for a majority government ahead of byelections — thestar.com](https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-praises-mark-carney-and-appeals-for-a-majority-liberal-government-ahead-of-byelections/article_76dcc823-3587-478d-8aa1-b32cd45367e8.html)
      * [Government says it will not prorogue Parliament if Liberals sweep April 13 by-elections — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-government-could-prorogue-parliament-if-liberals-sweep-april-13-by/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Up to 10 MPs reportedly in talks to cross floor to Liberals" type="April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Up to 10 MPs in Talks to Cross Floor to Liberals, Bolstering Carney's Majority Push — thedeepdive.ca](https://thedeepdive.ca/up-to-10-mps-in-talks-to-cross-floor-to-liberals-bolstering-carneys-majority-push/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Air Canada CEO steps down after French language controversy over crash condolences" type="March 31 – April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Was the Air Canada CEO turfed for his lack of French—or for something more concerning? — thehub.ca](https://thehub.ca/2026/04/03/was-the-air-canada-ceo-turfed-for-his-lack-of-french-or-for-something-more-concerning/)
      * [Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau stepping down after deadly LaGuardia crash condolence controversy — thehill.com](https://thehill.com/business/5807520-air-canada-ceo-to-quit-amid-backlash-over-laguardia-crash-response/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Liberal MP Michael Ma criticized for controversial comments on Chinese forced labour — globalnews.ca](https://globalnews.ca/news/11753153/carney-praises-ma-after-controversial-forced-labour-exchange/)
      * [Carney speaks with Trump about Middle East conflict — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-carney-says-he-spoke-with-trump-about-middle-east-conflict-2026-04-02/)
      * [Sources say senators planning to create sixth group amid Carney Senate speculation — ipolitics.ca](https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/04/01/senators-planning-to-create-sixth-group-as-questions-are-raised-about-carneys-vision-for-the-upper-chamber/)
    </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'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.

<Accordion title="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](https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/04/05/federico-doring-arremete-en-contra-de-sheinbaum-por-presumir-vuelos-al-100-en-el-aifa-durante-semana-santa/))*
  * **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](https://lasillarota.com/veracruz/estado/2026/4/5/uv-integra-observatorio-permanente-del-golfo-de-mexico-creado-por-sheinbaum-tras-derrame-593267.html))*
  * **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](https://www.bcsnoticias.mx/sedena-abre-reclutamiento-2026-para-ingresar-al-ejercito-fuerza-aerea-y-guardia-nacional-en-bcs/))*
  * **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](https://www.tvazteca.com/aztecanoticias/dramatico-rescate-en-huatulco-marinos-salvan-a-joven-atrapado-por-el-mar-fondo))*
  * **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](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/deportes/2026/04/03/sre-reacciona-a-la-detencion-del-julio-profe-ibanez-en-sudafrica/))*
  * **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](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/veto-morena-dinastias-fractura-alianza-oficialista))*
  * **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](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/mexico-rechaza-informe-de-la-onu-sobre-desaparicion-forzada-en-el-pais-acusa-que-es-tendencioso-y-sesgado/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Juan Ramón de la Fuente leaves Foreign Ministry due to health issues, Roberto Velasco named replacement" type="March 31 – April 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Juan Ramón de la Fuente deja la SRE: El problema de salud que padece y por el que tuvo una cirugía en 2025 — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/04/01/juan-ramon-de-la-fuente-deja-la-sre-el-problema-de-salud-que-padece-y-por-el-que-tuvo-una-cirugia-en-2025/)
      * [Renuncia Juan Ramón de la Fuente a la SRE; Roberto Velasco será su sucesor — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/04/01/renuncia-juan-ramon-de-la-fuente-a-la-sre-roberto-velasco-seria-su-sucesor/)
      * [El canciller de México, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, renuncia por motivos de salud — cnnespanol.cnn.com](https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2026/04/01/mexico/canciller-juan-ramon-fuente-renuncia-efe/)
      * [Juan Ramón de la Fuente: 18 meses de diplomacia ante Trump — excelsior.com.mx](https://excelsior.com.mx/nacional/juan-ramon-fuente-18-meses-diplomacia-trump)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sheinbaum claims AIFA airport at 100% capacity during Holy Week; opposition disputes with videos of empty terminals" type="April 4–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Federico Döring arremete en contra de Sheinbaum por presumir "vuelos al 100" en el AIFA durante Semana Santa — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/04/05/federico-doring-arremete-en-contra-de-sheinbaum-por-presumir-vuelos-al-100-en-el-aifa-durante-semana-santa/)
      * [Exhiben vacío el AIFA tras publicación de Sheinbaum — reforma.com](https://www.reforma.com/exhiben-vacio-el-aifa-tras-publicacion-de-sheinbaum/ar3181427)
      * [Sheinbaum presume pasajeros en el AIFA durante Semana Santa — milenio.com](https://www.milenio.com/politica/sheinbaum-presume-pasajeros-en-aifa-durante-semana-santa)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Gulf of Mexico oil spill affects coasts of Veracruz, Tabasco and Tamaulipas; government creates permanent monitoring observatory" type="April 4–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [UV integra nuevo Observatorio Permanente del Golfo de México creado por Sheinbaum tras derrame — lasillarota.com](https://lasillarota.com/veracruz/estado/2026/4/5/uv-integra-observatorio-permanente-del-golfo-de-mexico-creado-por-sheinbaum-tras-derrame-593267.html)
      * [Tras derrame de hidrocarburo implementan Observatorio Permanente del Golfo de México por instrucción de Sheinbaum — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/04/05/tras-derrame-de-hidrocarburo-implementan-observatorio-permanente-del-golfo-de-mexico-por-instruccion-de-sheinbaum/)
      * [Recolectan más de 800 toneladas de crudo tras derrame en el Golfo de México — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/cartera/recolectan-mas-de-800-toneladas-crudo-tras-derrame-en-el-golfo-de-mexico-monitoreo-continua-en-48-playas/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sheinbaum announces cabinet changes including six key positions; implements new education support policies" type="April 4–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Sheinbaum mueve sus piezas: 6 cambios de cargo clave que han ocurrido en su gobierno — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/04/05/que-cambios-ha-hecho-claudia-sheinbaum-en-su-gabinete-presidencial/)
      * [Sheinbaum destaca estímulo fiscal para impulsar el cine mexicano — sdpnoticias.com](https://www.sdpnoticias.com/mexico/sheinbaum-destaca-estimulo-fiscal-para-impulsar-el-cine-mexicano/)
      * [Sheinbaum anuncia apoyo universal de útiles y uniformes para estudiantes de primaria — excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/sheinbaum-anuncia-apoyo-universal-utiles-y-uniformes-para-estudiantes-primaria)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banco de México cuts interest rate to 6.75% despite inflation concerns; market analysts revise growth projections downward" type="March 30 – April 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Defendiendo la decisión de Banxico — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/opinion/gabriel-casillas/2026/03/31/defendiendo-la-decision-de-banxico/)
      * [Banxico manda mensaje al mercado: 'Estamos cerca de concluir ajustes en la tasa de interés' — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/economia/2026/03/30/banxico-manda-mensaje-al-mercado-estamos-cerca-de-concluir-ajustes-en-la-tasa-de-interes/)
      * [Analistas elevan expectativas de inflación hasta 4.21% para 2026 y ajustan PIB a 1.49%: Sondeo Banxico — revistafortuna.com.mx](https://revistafortuna.com.mx/2026/04/01/analistas-elevan-expectativas-de-inflacion-hasta-4-21-para-2026-y-ajustan-pib-a-1-49-sondeo-banxico/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PEMEX faces \$2.5 billion debt claims from US suppliers amid operational challenges" type="April 1–2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Reclaman desde EU 2,500 mdd a Pemex — reforma.com](https://www.reforma.com/reclaman-desde-eu-2-500-mdd-a-pemex/ar3180060)
      * [Estados Unidos acusa que Pemex debe más de 2 mil 500 millones de dólares a proveedores — elimparcial.com](https://www.elimparcial.com/dinero/2026/04/01/estados-unidos-acusa-que-pemex-debe-mas-de-2-mil-500-millones-de-dolares-a-proveedores-y-advierte-impacto-en-empresas-energeticas-en-medio-de-tensiones-comerciales-bajo-el-t-mec/)
      * [Hacienda reduce apoyo a Pemex para 2026; apuesta a que el próximo año 'podrá sola' — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/economia/2026/04/02/hacienda-reduce-apoyo-a-pemex-para-2026-apuesta-a-que-el-proximo-ano-podra-sola/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Omar García Harfuch becomes social media phenomenon with merchandise bearing his image going viral" type="March 30 – April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Wendy Guevara presume cobijas de Omar García Harfuch regaladas por María Sorté — excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/espectaculos/wendy-guevara-presume-cobijas-omar-garcia-harfuch-regaladas-por-maria-sorte)
      * [Toallas con imagen de Harfuch y Karely Ruiz, las más vendidas — horacero.com.mx](https://horacero.com.mx/espectaculos/toallas-con-imagen-de-harfuch-y-karely-ruiz-las-mas-vendidas)
      * [Omar García Harfuch se mantiene como el funcionario mejor evaluado del Gabinete del Gobierno de México — ceonline.com.mx](https://ceonline.com.mx/post/omar-garcia-harfuch-se-mantiene-como-el-funcionario-mejor-evaluado-del-gabinete-del-gobierno-de-mexico/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="SEDENA opens recruitment drive and conducts various security operations across Mexico" type="April 2–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Ingresan 100 mil a San Felipe en Semana Santa — oem.com.mx](https://oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/local/ingresan-100-mil-a-san-felipe-en-semana-santa-29340928)
      * [Sedena abre reclutamiento 2026 para ingresar al Ejército, Fuerza Aérea y Guardia Nacional en BCS — bcsnoticias.mx](https://www.bcsnoticias.mx/sedena-abre-reclutamiento-2026-para-ingresar-al-ejercito-fuerza-aerea-y-guardia-nacional-en-bcs/)
      * [General Juan José Gómez Ruiz asume el mando del Ejército Mexicano — noticiaspvnayarit.com.mx](https://noticiaspvnayarit.com.mx/juan-jose-gomez-ruiz-nuevo-comandante-ejercito-mexicano-2026/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="SEMAR conducts rescue operations and drug enforcement activities during Holy Week period" type="April 3–5, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Dramático rescate en Huatulco: Marinos salvan a joven atrapado por el "Mar de Fondo" en Oaxaca — tvazteca.com](https://www.tvazteca.com/aztecanoticias/dramatico-rescate-en-huatulco-marinos-salvan-a-joven-atrapado-por-el-mar-fondo)
      * [Marina detiene a un hombre con más de tres kilos de cocaína en el AICM; llegó proveniente de Colombia — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/marina-detiene-a-un-hombre-con-mas-de-tres-kilos-de-cocaina-en-el-aicm-llego-proveniente-de-colombia/)
      * [SEMAR desmantela narcolaboratorio en Cosalá, Sinaloa — elsoberano.mx](https://elsoberano.mx/2026/04/03/semar-desmantela-narcolaboratorio-en-cosala-sinaloa/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="SRE provides consular assistance to detained Mexican journalists in South Africa" type="April 3, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * ['La embajada atiende el caso': SRE reacciona a la detención del 'Profe' Ibáñez en Sudáfrica — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/deportes/2026/04/03/sre-reacciona-a-la-detencion-del-julio-profe-ibanez-en-sudafrica/)
      * [SRE atiende caso de Julio Ibáñez y Danny García, periodistas deportivos detenidos en Sudáfrica — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sre-atiende-caso-de-julio-ibanez-y-danny-garcia-periodistas-deportivos-detenidos-en-sudafrica-verifica-imputaciones/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Morena begins formation of municipal councils nationwide amid internal tensions over electoral strategy" type="March 30–31, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Sheinbaum reacciona a gritos de Morena contra Grecia Quiroz en Senado — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sheinbaum-reacciona-a-gritos-de-morena-contra-grecia-quiroz-en-senado-deja-a-las-instituciones-resolver-si-es-violencia-politica/)
      * [Veto de Morena a "dinastías" fractura alianza oficialista — excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/veto-morena-dinastias-fractura-alianza-oficialista)
      * [Morena inicia la conformación de sus 2 mil 53 Consejos Municipales en todo el territorio nacional — rosyramales.com](https://rosyramales.com/morena-inicia-la-conformacion-de-sus-2-mil-53-consejos-municipales-en-todo-el-territorio-nacional/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mexico rejects UN report on forced disappearances; committee requests case be elevated to General Assembly" type="April 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [México rechaza informe de la ONU sobre desaparición forzada en el país — eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/mexico-rechaza-informe-de-la-onu-sobre-desaparicion-forzada-en-el-pais-acusa-que-es-tendencioso-y-sesgado/)
      * [Desapariciones en México: ONU pide llevar el caso a la Asamblea General y SRE rechaza informe — unotv.com](https://www.unotv.com/nacional/desapariciones-en-mexico-onu-pide-llevar-el-caso-a-la-asamblea-y-mexico-rechaza-informe/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Lambda García hospitalized for spinal surgery due to herniated discs — excelsior.com.mx](https://www.excelsior.com.mx/espectaculos/lambda-garcia-revela-por-que-hospitalizado)
      * [Woman arrested for attempted drug distribution in Cancún Region 248 — quintanaroohoy.com](https://quintanaroohoy.com/seguridad/detenidos-marihuana-region-248-cancun)
      * [García municipality promotes autism awareness on World Autism Day — elhorizonte.mx](https://www.elhorizonte.mx/nuevoleon/dif-de-garcia-promueve-inclusion-en-dia-del-autismo/5032348360)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>