Southern Cone

Argentina's economy shows signs of stabilization with major energy investments and IMF backing, but faces risks from political uncertainty and Middle East conflict. YPF announced a $25 billion investment for Vaca Muerta, and the IMF praised Milei's progress while warning of 2027 election risks. A car brand stopped production and will import vehicles, signaling mixed industrial health.

• 5Mideast conflict puts Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale in focus, analysts say
• 4IMF praises Milei's progress but warns of 2027 election risks
• 3YPF announces $25 billion investment for Vaca Muerta oil field
• 3State buys more YPF shares while official opens Mercedes plant
• 3Argentina market surprises with $150 million bill, outpacing Chinese rates

President Milei's leadership is under strain from internal conflicts, alienated allies, and corruption scandals. Milei struggles with internal conflicts and alienated allies, faces criticism from Cavallo and Bayly, and is pushing new laws for reelection. Peronist fragmentation poses the greatest danger to Milei, while Macri compares him to a prophet.

• 10Milei struggles with internal conflicts and alienated allies
• 8Milei criticizes journalist calling for higher taxes on the rich
• 7Milei defends Tesla deputy amid Adorni case
• 6Milei targets reelection, attacks critics, pushes new laws
• 6Peronist fragmentation poses greatest danger to Milei

Security concerns in Argentina include drug-related arrests of former officials and joint patrols with the US, while Chile leads a regional anti-crime pact. A former Argentine official was arrested with drugs and over $2 million, and Argentina and the US agreed to joint South Atlantic patrols. Chile leads an anti-crime pact with four South American nations.

• 1Ex-Argentine official arrested with drugs and over $2 million
• 1Chile leads anti-crime pact with four South American nations
• 1Chile acquires first Hunter TR-12 medevac variant
• 1Investigator of AMIA Buenos Aires bombing charged for concealing evidence
• 1Argentine Air Force retires OA/A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet

Social tensions center on university budget cuts, with professors and students marching against Milei's policies, while a hantavirus outbreak strains public health. Thousands marched against Milei's university cuts, and a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Chile caused minimal damage. Argentina battles a record hantavirus surge amid a diplomatic firestorm with WHO.

• 42,500 hantavirus diagnostic kits being shipped from Argentina labs to five nations: WHO - news.cgtn.com
• 3Strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake shakes mining hub in Chile, but damage is minimal - The Straits Times
• 3University professors and students march against Milei's cuts
• 3Brazilian dictatorship had agents infiltrated in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile
• 2Chile tightens border controls on immigration