标签： South America

In a significant development within Brazil’s judicial landscape, Supreme Court Justice Luís Roberto Barroso announced his early retirement, eight years before the mandatory retirement age of 75. The 67-year-old former chief justice, who stepped down from his leadership role in September, revealed his decision at the conclusion of Thursday’s court session, citing a desire to pursue personal interests and a quieter life. Barroso’s departure creates a pivotal opportunity for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to appoint a successor ahead of next year’s general elections, potentially shaping the court’s future direction. Barroso, appointed in 2013 by former President Dilma Rousseff, has been a central figure in high-profile cases, including the conviction of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro for coup-related charges. Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest, faces a 27-year prison sentence for his alleged role in orchestrating the January 8, 2023, riots at the Supreme Court building. Barroso emphasized that his retirement decision predates the current political climate, having informed President Lula of his intentions two years prior. Lula has already nominated two justices to the court this year, signaling his influence over its composition. The 11-member court, which has faced intense scrutiny and pressure since the 2023 riots, remains a critical institution in Brazil’s political and judicial framework.

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate a gas deal with Venezuela without facing U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department issued an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license on Wednesday, enabling the Caribbean nation to pursue the development of a gas field in Venezuelan waters. This decision follows a formal request made by Trinidad and Tobago in May, as confirmed by Attorney General John Jeremie. The license, valid for six months, sets specific parameters for negotiations, ensuring compliance with U.S. policies toward Venezuela. Jeremie emphasized that the targets outlined by the U.S. are reasonable and achievable, though he declined to disclose further details. The gas project is deemed crucial for Trinidad and Tobago, which is striving to enhance its gas production and address budgetary challenges. The license, however, only covers initial negotiations, with further steps contingent on successful completion of this phase. The approval was secured after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister on September 30, reaffirming U.S. support while ensuring the deal does not significantly benefit the Maduro regime. This marks a reversal from April 2024, when a previous license for the same project was revoked, posing a setback to the country’s energy security. The new license differs in terms from its predecessor, though details remain undisclosed. When questioned about potential engagement with Venezuela, Jeremie remained noncommittal, stating, ‘I am not prepared to go into that at this time.’

Ecuador is facing a deepening political crisis as widespread protests over the government’s decision to eliminate diesel subsidies enter their third week. The unrest, led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), has resulted in one fatality, numerous injuries, and over 100 arrests. President Daniel Noboa, who assumed office in May, is grappling with one of the most challenging moments of his presidency as tensions escalate. The government has deployed 5,000 troops to Quito to prevent vandalism and property destruction, following violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests, initially concentrated in rural areas, particularly Imbabura province, are now threatening to spread to urban centers, raising fears of further violence. The CONAIE, a powerful Indigenous organization, has rejected government offers of economic handouts, insisting on the restoration of the diesel subsidy and broader policy changes. Critics accuse Noboa of authoritarian tendencies and a lack of willingness to engage in dialogue, while the Indigenous movement is seen as uncompromising in its demands. The situation has drawn international attention, with concerns over the excessive use of force by security forces. Experts warn that without mediation from institutions like the Catholic Church or civil society, the crisis could worsen.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that Qatar could act as a mediator to persuade the United States to halt its military operations in international waters near Venezuela. During a visit to Brussels, Petro emphasized Qatar’s successful track record in mediating tense situations and expressed confidence in its ability to convince the US to cease missile strikes in the Caribbean. These strikes, conducted by the US military, have targeted small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, with the Trump administration reporting the destruction of four such vessels. Petro’s proposal follows his earlier claim, made without evidence, that Colombians may have been aboard one of the boats destroyed by US forces. The US has disputed this assertion and urged Petro to retract his statement, but the Colombian leader has refused, citing national data on drug seizures and the nationalities of those apprehended. Meanwhile, US officials have reaffirmed their commitment to Colombia as a strategic partner, despite policy differences. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denied his country’s involvement in major drug trafficking and has sought international support, including from the Pope, to maintain peace. Petro has criticized the US military actions as disproportionate and called for negotiations to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, citing Colombia’s recent talks with the Clan del Golfo in Qatar as a model for future mediation efforts.

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended an invitation to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira for an in-person meeting in Washington. This move comes as Brazil seeks to reduce the 40% tariff imposed by the U.S. on its imports, a topic that dominated recent discussions between the two nations. The invitation followed a Monday phone call between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Lula urged Trump to reconsider the tariff. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed that both sides agreed to continue discussions on economic and trade issues in Washington soon. This dialogue marks a potential thaw in the strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil, exacerbated by the tariffs and U.S. sanctions on Brazilian officials linked to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election, remains a contentious figure in bilateral relations. Lula and Trump, who first met briefly during the U.N. General Assembly in September, have since maintained a cordial rapport. During their recent call, Lula invited Trump to the upcoming climate summit in Belém, while Trump emphasized their focus on trade and economic cooperation. Despite U.S. criticism of Bolsonaro’s prosecution, Brazilian officials remain optimistic about fostering harmony between the two nations. Lula praised Trump’s approach, stating, ‘We are two 80-year-olds leading the greatest democracies in the West. We must show the world cordiality and harmony, not discord and conflict.’

In a landmark ruling, an Argentinian court has sentenced Fernando Sabag Montiel to 10 years in prison for his failed attempt to assassinate former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in September 2022. His accomplice, Brenda Uliarte, received an eight-year sentence. The dramatic incident, which unfolded outside Fernández’s Buenos Aires residence, saw Sabag Montiel point a loaded gun at her face and pull the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned, leaving her unharmed. The case has deeply divided Argentina, with Fernández’s supporters staging protests while critics fueled conspiracy theories. Fernández, a polarizing figure in Argentinian politics, is known for her left-wing populism, which critics blame for the country’s economic struggles, including rampant inflation and fiscal deficits. Earlier this year, Fernández was convicted of corruption and sentenced to six years in prison, though she is serving her sentence under house arrest due to safety concerns. Despite her legal troubles, she remains politically active, voicing opposition to current President Javier Milei and maintaining a strong presence on social media. The trial revealed that Sabag Montiel and Uliarte had meticulously planned the attack, including surveilling Fernández’s routines. Sabag Montiel confessed, claiming his actions were motivated by Fernández’s alleged corruption, while Uliarte denied involvement.