Colombian president since 2022, leftist reformer amid regional shifts
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has visited Spain, meeting with opposition figures and avoiding talks with the government. She has received a warm welcome from conservative leaders, highlighting divisions within Venezuelan politics and contrasting her approach with that of the Spanish government, which emphasizes democratic sovereignty.
A Colombia‑ and Netherlands‑hosted summit in Santa Marta has convened more than 50 countries (April 24–29) to open political debate on phasing out oil, gas and coal. Organisers are focusing on renewable energy, energy security and finance while major producers such as Saudi Arabia and some large economies are not attending.
Mexican President Sheinbaum has stated there is no diplomatic crisis with Spain, despite past disputes. She has participated in a democracy summit in Barcelona, following Spain's recent acknowledgment of the abuses during the conquest of the Americas. Relations have shifted toward reconciliation, with Spain inviting Sheinbaum to host next year's summit.
Colombia and the Netherlands have convened a two-day conference with nearly 60 countries to chart roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The gathering promotes voluntary national plans, addresses financing and debt relief, and seeks to accelerate a shift toward clean energy outside traditional UN climate talks. A second summit will be held next year in Tuvalu.
Direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela have resumed for the first time since 2019. Envoy Air flight AA3599 has landed in Caracas after departing Miami; American/Envoy will add a second daily Miami–Caracas service on May 21. The return of service follows renewed diplomatic ties and recent US actions in Venezuela.
Colombia has experienced a series of bombings and attacks in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities blame dissident FARC groups linked to drug trafficking. Security forces are increasing operations ahead of upcoming elections, as violence continues to escalate.
Polls across Brazil, Colombia and Peru show tightening races ahead of upcoming elections. In Brazil, Lula and Bolsonaro remain neck and neck ahead of the October vote, with second-round dynamics shaping expectations. In Colombia, Cepeda leads in a potential June runoff, while Peru’s Fujimori and Sanchez are running closely in the first-round aftermath.
Protests across Bolivia continue with clashes reported in La Paz and El Alto as demonstrations press President Paz to reverse austerity measures. The government has halved ministers’ salaries and sought dialogue, while international actors offer humanitarian aid and call for negotiations amidst ongoing shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
The updates cover ongoing immigration issues across several countries: Colombia's tuition-free policy impact and its political transitions; U.S. courts discussing CDL authority and deportation matters; France dealing with deportation orders for immigrant students; and a U.S. judge ruling on entrapment in a voting case.
Colombia has been casting ballots in the first round of its presidential election, a vote seen as a referendum on Gustavo Petro’s peace-and-justice agenda. The race has narrowed to three main contenders as armed groups and rival candidates press hard on security, justice and peace, while attacks and violence persist in several regions.
Abelardo de la Espriella has surged to the top in the first round with about 43% of the vote, ahead of Iván Cepeda (≈41%), triggering a runoff on June 21. The far-right outsider promises hardline security and mega-prisons, while Cepeda advocates Petro’s continuity and Total Peace. Valencia trails after a major collapse.
Peru’s presidential run-off is set between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez after a chaotic first round in April. Prosecution allegations against Sánchez and mining’s role in the economy color a campaign that has extended delays, protests and irregular voting patterns abroad.
Colombia’s president has sparked international backlash by posting the Nazi slogan “Heil Hitler,” drawing condemnations from Israeli leaders and Latin American lawmakers. The remarks have intensified scrutiny ahead of the June 21 runoff, with critics warning against references that distort Holocaust memory and destabilize democratic debate.
Abelardo De La Espriella has won Colombia's presidential runoff with 49.66% against Iván Cepeda's 48.70%, according to the national registrar's tally of nearly 100% of ballots. Cepeda is contesting roughly 33,000 ballot boxes and has called for a ballot-by-ballot verification. De La Espriella has pledged security crackdowns, to revive oil production and to cut the size of the state.
The Cuba energy crisis has intensified amid rounds of U.S. sanctions targeting Cupet and the government. Shipments from Colombia and other allies have sought to ease shortages, but power outages and food shortages persist as Havana faces a growing economic squeeze.
Dissidents from the Bolivarian Army have surrendered their weapons in Putumayo, Colombia, as President Petro pursues a “total peace” strategy. About 99 rebels have handed over arms and will enter a temporary relocation zone under government supervision, signaling progress in negotiations amid a presidential runoff.”
Abelardo de la Espriella has won a slim victory to become Colombia’s next president, with 49.7% to Iván Cepeda’s 48.7%. The results, reported with 99% of votes counted, point to a continuation of conservative governance after four years under Gustavo Petro. Protests erupted in some cities as others celebrated nationwide.
The Times of Israel and The Japan Times report that de la Espriella has led the runoff and pledged a hard-line crime policy, while Cepeda challenges the results. Markets watch for fiscal discipline and Israel alignment as the race narrows.
Colombia, Peru and Brazil are moving right in a regional shift that could reshape how the Amazon is managed. De la Espriella in Colombia has secured a narrow win, while Peru is poised to elect Fujimori. Brazil faces a high-stakes election that could redefine environmental policy amid deforestation concerns.
De la Espriella has won the runoff by under a point and pledges to restore Colombia's ties with the United States and Israel, reversing Petro-era policies amid rising violence.