In late-November Yamandú Orsi won Uruguays presidential run-off bringing fresh energy to the regions trade bloc: his victory marks a shift from center-right to center-left leadership in the small but influential nation
The Mercosur trade group — facing years of slow progress — got a boost this month when European Commission head arrived in Montevideo (right after French government fell apart) to push forward a long-awaited EU deal. Panama joined as associate member; while Singapore and Japan show interest in new partnerships
- El Salvador looking to join
- Dominican Republic considering membership
- EU deal getting final approvals
- Japan talks starting soon
In a ground-breaking move Barbados worked out a deal with international banks that lets them spend money on water systems instead of debt payments. The small island nation dont have to pay interest anymore: this helps them save about $125 million
Brazilian soccer saw big changes when John Textorʼs Botafogo team — with its new foreign-backed structure — won their first-ever continental trophy in early-December. The win shows how new investment rules are changing South American sports landscape
Meanwhile Claudia Sheinbaum Mexicoʼs president had her first test dealing with Donald Trump who threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican goods. She responded with a mix of firm-but-friendly approach: writing him a letter and having a phone chat where they both claimed different versions of what was said. Mexican authorities showed theyʼre serious about border control — stopping over 5000 migrants in just one day