Latin America
In Latin America we work to promote strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights and rule of law through good governance, and social market economy. as well as promoting liberal dialogue throughout the region. We have offices in Mexico City (Regional Office and Project Mexico), Guatemala City, Guatemala (Central America), Lima, Peru (Andean Countries), and Buenos Aires, Argentina (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay & Uruguay)
News
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The European Parliament Awards the Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González
The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González. This recognition symbolizes hope and determination in the fight for Venezuela’s freedom against the Maduro regime.
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What's Next for Venezuela?
More than a month later, there is no negotiation between the opposition and the regime for a peaceful transition. What’s next for the opposition’s democratic struggle?
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Enough of Maduro’s Authoritarian Playbook in Venezuela
On July 28, Venezuela's unified opposition achieved a significant victory despite considerable challenges: Edmundo Gonzalez won the election with 67% of the vote. However, authoritarian ruler Nicolás Maduro refused to recognize his defeat and exacerbated repression. In the face of mounting death tolls and mass arrests, the international community is once again called upon to heed the demands for an end to the dictatorship. The Venezuelan people are crying out for freedom.
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Maduro, Step Aside for Democracy in Venezuela
Despite authoritarian pressure, the Venezuelan people voted overwhelmingly for Edmundo González Urrutia and against the dictator Nicolás Maduro. Yet, Maduro refuses to acknowledge his defeat. Liberal opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for global protests. In Berlin, Karl-Heinz Paqué, Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, and Deputy President of the Liberal International, urged the international community in a speech to increase pressure on the authoritarian regime to enable a peaceful transition to democracy.
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Venezuela's stolen election: The international community must react
The presidential elections in Venezuela have made clear the deep desire for change. Despite massive obstacles and obvious manipulation by the Maduro regime, the overwhelming support of the population shows that the opposition under Edmundo González has won the election. The call for justice and a democratic transition is growing ever louder.
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Continued repression against opposition as polls give democracy hope
On Sunday, Venezuela will hold its presidential election, which is considered the most important since Nicolás Maduro came to power over a decade ago. Millions of Venezuelans see this as a rare opportunity for real change. The opposition movement, supported by prominent politicians such as María Corina Machado, is pinning its hopes on Edmundo González, who is far ahead of the authoritarian incumbent according to the polls.
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How liberals can tackle economic fragmentation and protectionism
Globalisation has driven economic growth and innovation but also presents complex challenges. Our latest policy paper explores its benefits and drawbacks, from uneven gains to political backlash. By understanding these impacts, policymakers can foster a more inclusive and resilient future. The paper explores strategies to harness globalisation's potential and mitigate its risks.
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A thermometer for the country's future
The Brazilian municipal elections show a shift in the political landscape: the "Centrão" dominates, while the left struggles with challenges and the right takes a more pragmatic stance.
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Being queer in Latin America: Between Legal Equality and Discrimination in Everyday Life
While legal progress has been made for queer couples and trans people in Latin America in recent years, there is a huge gap between the law and the reality of life. Current statistics show that queer people in the region continue to face discrimination and violence. To counteract this discrepancy, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is working with local partner organisations on projects that promote visibility, combat stigma and strengthen the rights of LGBTQI+ people.
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BRICS enlargement - a "non-event" or a stage victory against the West?
The enlargement of the BRICS group at the beginning of the year to include five new member states raises questions about the political and economic consequences. What do the existing members expect from the expansion? What do the new ones expect? What does BRICS enlargement mean for the West, and what could a liberal response to this look like?
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Chileans rejected a second attempt to change their Constitution – politics are now likely to refocus on different matters
The Chilean people once again voted against replacing their 1980 Constitution after a failed attempt in 2022. While the text was perceived as too left-leaning last time, the opposite problem seems to have hindered this second proposal’s chances. President Boric has now announced there are no plans for a third attempt during his administration, and most of the population agrees.
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Maduro intensifies repression against Maria Corina Machado's team ahead of the 2024 presidential elections
The Venezuelan regime, led by Nicolás Maduro, is ratcheting up intimidation tactics as the 2024 presidential elections approach. In early December, arrest warrants were issued for opposition activists, including close associates of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Members of the European Parliament strongly condemn the regime's latest action.
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Sought and found: Machado is the opposition's presidential candidate
Venezuela is at a historic crossroads: despite significant obstacles, the country held opposition-led primaries that illustrate a profound desire for change. María Corina Machado emerged victorious with around 90 per cent of the vote. But challenges remain, such as the disqualification of candidates and the use of public institutions and propaganda in favour of power holder Maduro, which require international action.
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Klima arrives at the Biennale
This year, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's KLIMA Project arrives at the Biennale in the Planetary Frontlines virtual pavilion. This pavilion, curated by Pragma, brings together different artistic and architectural projects from Latin America with the aim of demonstrating that the region has the potential to generate the best practices to heal our planet through design. Read the full article and visit the virtual pavilion.
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Will Mexico have its first female president?
Mexico stands on the brink of a defining moment, the countdown begins for president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) as he just concluded his fifth year in office, leaving just one year of his tenure. The year 2024 heralds one of Mexico's most momentous electoral processes in recent memory, featuring high-stakes races for 500 congressional seats, 128 senatorial positions, eight state governorships and the head of government of Mexico City. With a country facing populism, inequalities and crime, the tantalising possibility of Mexico's first ever female president could mark a political and societal turning point.
