Celso Pansera, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, says that the scientific fields in Brazil are close to collapse due to budget cuts by the government of Jair Bolsonaro.

The coronavirus pandemic is causing politicians to seriously adjust their campaign strategies, resulting in fewer crowds and distanced events and rallies; however, this year’s candidates will face a political party on the ballot that has never before appeared in an El Salvadoran election.

–Researched and Written by Baylee Easterday— On December 11, 2020, Argentina’s lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the controversial Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy initiative (IVE), which legalizes abortion up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy. In this majority Catholic country, abortion was historically only authorized in the cases of rape or danger

–Researched and Written by Laura Conwell— On Thursday, December 17, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) voted that the COVID-19 vaccine could be obligatory, including for children. Ten of eleven judges approved the measure which allows local, regional, and municipal governments to punish any individuals through “indirect” means for refusing to take the vaccine.

–Researched and Written by Heather Luhn— December 9th commemorated the International Day Against Corruption, yet the region continues to struggle with political abuse. Although this has been an ongoing issue, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Many Latin American countries have received funds from international financial institutions and the United States to combat the

–Researched and Written by Nia Tate— The coronavirus has weighed on Mexico’s society, as it has on many countries. Mexico has faced many issues because of this virus, such as a diminishing economy, over-capacity hospitals, and an increased spread because of the Tulum festival. Since the effects of the pandemic are strongly affecting the region,

President of Argentina Alberto Fernández and Vice-President Cristina Fernández Kirchner (known as CFK) led an event to commemorate victims of human rights violations under the dictatorship, held at the former Navy Mechanics School (ESMA), a notorious Dirty War torture center.

Peruvian agricultural workers have been causing unrest in demanding that their salaries and benefits increase.

In March of 2019, the first impeachment request against Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro was made in the Chamber.

On August 16, 2020, Luis Abinader was sworn into office as President of the Dominican Republic.