Hello, and welcome to the Latin America Weekly newsletter! In this issue: The leader of Colombia’s right is taken to court. Elon Musk’s influence in the region. And a new pension reform in Peru.
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Colombia’s Uribe to face trial on witness manipulation charges
Colombia’s right-wing leader Álvaro Uribe is much more than a two-time former president, having handpicked his successor multiple times, managed diplomatic and military relations with the U.S., and led a decades-long fight against armed left-wing groups, marred by accusations of paramilitary violence.
- Now, prosecutors have wrapped up a case of procedural fraud and witness manipulation that will put him back in the spotlight, making him Colombia’s first former head of state to face trial.
👉 Why it matters. President Gustavo Petro’s anti-Uribe campaign was one of the key factors for his 2022 victory, but the two sides agreed to a truce immediately afterwards. The trial against Mr. Uribe could fan those flames again, but will relieve some pressure from Mr. Petro, whose popularity has dipped since taking office.
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