Sergio Massa's unexpected victory in the Argentine elections, representing the centrist Unión por la Patria, took pollsters and analysts by surprise. Massa, distancing himself from Kirchnerism, is capitalizing on his win by announcing economic measures and plans for international relations. Despite his success, there is skepticism about his ability to address Argentina's deepening economic crisis. Javier Milei, characterized by voters as a manifestation of anger and disappointment, represents a far-right alternative. Myriam Bregman of the left-wing FITU emerged well from presidential debates and holds significant political potential. The article also discusses the missed opportunity for Juntos por el Cambio and Patricia Bullrich, who failed to anticipate Milei's rise. The piece reflects on the adaptability of Peronism and its enduring influence in Argentine politics.

In Buenos Aires, amidst the calm before crucial general elections, the community dining room in the Los Piletones neighborhood stands as a beacon of hope and development. Founded by social leader Margarita Barrientos in 1996, the dining room now serves 3,600 meals daily, supported by city funds and private donations. The foundation has expanded to include a health center, early childhood garden, music school, dental center, and workshops, all aimed at improving residents' job prospects and quality of life. The Ministry of Human Development and Habitat of the Buenos Aires government collaborates with cooperatives for community tasks, emphasizing human potential over mere assistance. The foundation also hosts a center for elderly adults and a shelter for women victims of gender violence, providing a comprehensive support system for the community.

The Mercosur trade agreement with the European Union is stalled due to environmental concerns and differing standards. Greenpeace criticizes the deal for allowing banned pesticides in the EU to be exported to Mercosur countries and for contributing to deforestation in the Amazon. EU farmers demand renegotiation to ensure South American farmers meet minimum environmental and animal welfare standards. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis opposes renegotiation, fearing it would upset the balance of the treaty. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's diplomatic efforts in Brazil aim to align democratic and economic issues, reduce China's influence, and push for the inclusion of social and sustainability criteria in the Mercosur deal.

Protests have erupted in Jujuy, Argentina, against lithium mining expansion, which is seen as a threat to the environment and natural resources. The provincial government's attempt to restrict protest rights has led to violent clashes, with many injured and detained. Activists and experts express concerns over the destruction of the Puna ecosystem and the disproportionate profits gained by international mining companies from lithium sales. While the Argentine law allows only 3% of royalties to remain with the province, neighboring Chile retains 40-45% of mining profits. Amidst the controversy, President Alberto Fernández aims to increase Argentina's lithium production tenfold by 2030.

The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes the Argentine presidential runoff as a battle between government candidate and Economy Minister Sergio Massa and right-wing libertarian populist Javier Milei, with the election being characterized as the most important since the return of democracy. Zeit Online highlights Argentina's economic challenges, while Neue Zürcher Zeitung discusses the political implications of a Netflix series on 'El Eternauta' and the denial of the number of disappeared during the military dictatorship by Milei and his vice-presidential candidate, Victoria Villarruel.

Ecuador is experiencing a complex socio-political moment marked by violence influencing the electoral campaign. Journalist and presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, and recently, seven suspects in his murder were found dead in prison, suspected to have been hanged. The U.S. government had offered a reward for information on the intellectual authors of Villavicencio's murder. The violence has become a central issue in the debates between candidates Luisa González and Daniel Noboa, who are preparing for a runoff election. Both candidates have proposed measures to combat crime and have been wearing bulletproof vests in public. Observers believe recent events will not significantly impact the upcoming election, which is an early vote necessitated by President Guillermo Lasso dissolving Parliament amid an impeachment process. The winner will govern until the next ordinary elections in about a year and a half. Additionally, the article discusses a dispute over cargo ship tariffs on the Paraná River among Mercosur states, which could affect negotiations with the European Union. Argentina's unilateral tariff imposition has been met with opposition from landlocked countries and its Mercosur partners. The outcome of Argentina's policy under the potential next government led by right-wing libertarian candidate Javier Milei remains uncertain.

Luis Fernando Camacho, leader of the Comité Cívico Pro-Santa Cruz, issued an ultimatum to Bolivian President Evo Morales to resign within 48 hours, accusing him of electoral fraud. Morales denies the allegations and calls for a meeting with union representatives, fearing a coup. The OEA is auditing the electoral process, with results expected soon. The opposition, including figures like Camacho and Carlos Mesa Gisbert, demands respect for the 2009 Constitution and the reinstatement of democratic institutions. Analysts note that while Bolivia's economy has improved under Morales, concerns about power concentration and corruption are driving protests. The opposition seeks to prevent Morales' fourth term and restore institutional order, with the MAS party potentially gaining more votes.

Left-wing Peronism, represented by Alberto Fernández with Cristina Kirchner as vice president, won the presidential elections in Argentina amidst a severe economic crisis. Despite better-than-expected performance, incumbent President Mauricio Macri's neoliberal policies failed to revive the economy, leading to increased social inequality and unfulfilled promises. The new government faces the challenge of renegotiating a substantial IMF loan and addressing deep social and economic issues, with high expectations from the population for political and economic change. The future of Argentina's international relations, particularly with Venezuela, Brazil, the US, and the EU, as well as the internal political dynamics, remain uncertain.

Europeans, as the world's largest coffee consumers, are often unaware of the poor living conditions and wages of Latin American coffee growers. Germany, a major market for Latin American coffee, benefits from the industry, while the producers suffer from a deep business crisis due to low coffee prices. Child labor is a significant issue in the coffee industry, with children being the cheapest and most abundant labor force. Initiatives like the Federación de Cafeteros de Colombia aim to improve the situation by promoting social and productive inclusion through education and infrastructure. Fairtrade certification is criticized for not ensuring fair profit distribution. To eradicate poverty and child labor in coffee communities and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, a new business model that compensates growers fairly is needed.

Latin America and the Caribbean, with 935.5 million hectares of forests, are experiencing rapid deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, Chaco, and Cerrado regions. The main causes are logging and agriculture. Despite a previous downward trend in Brazil, deforestation rates have increased under President Jair Bolsonaro's policies. Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina also face significant forest losses. Experts like Ignacio Gasparri and Tobias Kuemmerle highlight the importance of these ecosystems for biodiversity and CO2 storage. In Mexico, deforestation is driven by industrial megaprojects, with illegal logging being a critical issue. Multilateral initiatives like REDD+ aim to reduce CO2 emissions from deforestation, but their success depends on government involvement.

Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero performed an improvisation after receiving the Beethoven Prize 2018 in Bonn, showcasing her exceptional artistry.

Gioconda Belli, a prominent Nicaraguan poet and novelist, discusses the severe repression in Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega, which she believes betrays the ideals of the Sandinista Revolution. She highlights the Nicaraguan people's desire for freedom, democracy, and fair elections, and condemns the government's crimes against its citizens. Belli also notes the extraordinary organization of the people into movements like the Civic Alliance for Democracy and Justice, despite the lack of clear leadership. She criticizes the attacks on the press, including the killing of journalist Ángel Gaona. Belli is uncertain if Ortega will resign or call early elections but is convinced he will eventually leave office. She warns of a dangerous future if Ortega remains and calls for international support to prevent a potential genocide and to promote a peaceful resolution, suggesting early elections as the only peaceful way out of the crisis.

In 2017, Mexico experienced a record number of 25,339 homicides, including crimes by drug cartels and state forces. Despite this, the international community, including the European Union, has not effectively intervened. International law expert Wolfgang Kaleck highlights the limitations of the International Criminal Court and suggests the Inter-American Court of Human Rights as a more suitable body for addressing Mexico's human rights issues. However, even with international rulings, Mexico's internal protection of human rights remains inadequate. Kaleck emphasizes the need for stronger international pressure on Mexico and the crucial role of Mexican civil society in improving the situation.

Chile's Minister of the Environment, Marcelo Mena Carrasco, spoke to Cristina Papaleo from DW at COP23, stating that pollution has a price and that decontaminating can be cheaper.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Barcelona, correspondent Cristina Papaleo provides images from the heart of the Catalan capital, showing the support of the locals for the victims of the attack.