Turmoil Deepens in Latin America

Andres R. Martinez and Jonathan Roeder, Bloomberg: Turmoil Deepens in Latin America as Paraguay's Congress Smoulders

* Venezuela court reverses earlier ruling to supplant congress
* Region struggling with slower growth, rising expectations

Paraguay’s President Horacio Cartes proudly watched Friday morning as children handed out gifts to visiting central bankers and finance officials in Asuncion, a rare moment in the spotlight for one of South America’s smallest nations.

Twelve hours later, Paraguay was still attracting attention, but for the wrong reasons as violent protests followed the senate’s unexpected approval of a bill allowing Cartes to stand for re-election. One person died as demonstrators stormed the congress building in the nation’s capital, and set it ablaze.

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WNU Editor: Here are just a few links on what is happening in Latin America ....

In Paraguy,

Paraguay president sacks top officials after protests (BBC)
In Paraguay, 2 Fired After Opposition Member’s Death, Riots (VOA/AP)

In Brazil,

Brazil's Temer Sees Popularity Plunge Amid Weak Economy (Bloomberg)
Brazil: protesters line the streets to denounce planned reforms (Euronews)

In Peru,

Peru's brutal season of floods leaves 94 dead, 700000 homeless (Los Angeles Times)
Peru president's popularity falls to 32 pct as rains wreak havoc (Nasdaq)

In Bolivia,

Bolivia's Morales Throat Operation in Cuba a Success: Government (Reuters)
Bolivia to Seek UN Help in Spat with Chile over Border Arrests (Latin American Herald Tribune)

In Venezuela,

Hardship and political theatre: The crisis in Venezuela (Al Jazeera)
Despite Maduro's Backdown, Venezuela Remains In Crisis (Audio) -- NPR

In Colombia,

Night falls on Mocoa: 234 found dead and 200 still missing (Colombia Reports)
Colombia's FARC rebels give up guns in disarmament camps (Reuters)