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EspañolMauricio Macri, Michel Temer and Pedro Pablo Kaczynski (PPK) are the new political faces of South America.
The newly elected presidents of Argentina, Brazil and Peru have new political plans that may mark a shift to the right in Latin America.
Each made their debut in the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization (UN) on Tuesday, September 20.
Brazil: the country looking to move on from corruption
President Michel Temer was the first president to intervene in the General Assembly, taking over permanently earlier this month. In his speech, he sold an optimistic image of Brazil.
“Confidence is being restored, a more prosperous horizon is taking shape,” he said while defending the “path of fiscal and social responsibility” of his government, which this month launched an ambitious program of grants, as well as plans to privatize public enterprises.
Temer defended the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and called it a reflection of the “strength of institutions under the supervision of a plural society.”
“The rules apply to everyone, even the most powerful,” he said. “This is what is what Brazil is proving to the world.”
Rousseff is not the only Brazilian politician accused of corruption. Ignacio Lula da Silva will also be prosecuted for corruption, along with one of Temer’s cabinet ministers.
Temer gave his speech while the delegations of Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica left the General Assembly in protest of his position in office and the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.
Peru talks Venezuela
Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski did not forget Venezuela in his speech at the UN. The official called for “absolute respect” of democratic rights and the need for a dialogue process.
“It is essential to express our concern about the critical political, economic and social situation of the friendly country of Venezuela,” he said. “The full force of democracy requires complete respect for human rights, fundamental rights and respect for the separation and balance of powers.”
Venezuela is currently experiencing extreme violence and shortages of medicine and food. Kuczynski made a firm call to initiate an internal political dialogue without political conditions.
“Peru is willing to make all necessary efforts to help reach a solution to their problems,” he said. “We will work with the countries of the Pacific Alliance in this endeavor, particularly with neighboring Venezuela and Colombia.”
Kaczynski said his country has a “strong commitment to the definitive consolidation of democracy.”
The president stressed his adminstration’s commitment to “modernization” and free trade amid growing “protectionist temptations” in the world.
Argentina: leaving behind 12 years of Kirchner
Argentinean President Mauricio Macri took office in December, immediately trying to distance himself from his predecessor Cristina Kirchner.
“The Argentineans are ready to enter the 21st century and assume our role in international society,” he said.
Macri said the results of the new international relations policies of Buenos Aires are already paying off, especially in investment. Last week, he welcomed 1,900 entrepreneurs from around the world to a meeting to promote investment in the country.
He also called for “greater international cooperation” to clarify the details of the attacks that happened in in the ’90s in Buenos Aires, which some blame to Iran.
Sources: El País
