Latin America News
LAST UPDATE: June 24, 2025
Canada Defense Pledges Point to More Borrowing, Watchdog Says
Canada’s defense spending is set to reach 2% of GDP, aligning with NATO targets. A watchdog warns this will require increased government borrowing.
Insight
While boosting defense aligns Canada with allies, it risks increasing national debt and triggering trade-offs in other sectors. Budget discipline and transparency will be crucial to maintain fiscal sustainability.
Costa Rican president accused of illegal campaign financing
Prosecutors in Costa Rica have accused President Rodrigo Chaves, his VP, and several officials of using illegal campaign funds during the 2022 election. The Attorney General has petitioned the Supreme Court to strip their immunity .
Insight
The charges threaten to destabilize the government by exposing its top officials to legal prosecution. If immunity is lifted, it could spark major political upheaval in a traditionally stable Central American democracy.
Brazil records 62% jump in area burned by forest fires: monitor
In 2024, Brazil saw a 62% increase in the area burned by forest fires—totaling nearly 31 million hectares, an area larger than Italy—as reported by MapBiomas .
Insight
The dramatic rise in burned area highlights growing climate vulnerabilities and suggests increased illegal deforestation. Despite progress under Lula’s administration, the data shows that fire remains a serious environmental challenge.
