Southern Cone Briefing — 13/08/26

security La Tercera

Chile Proposes Telecom Intercepts and Transit Restrictions Under New Emergency Powers

Justice Minister Martín Arrau detailed proposals for a constitutional state of exception targeting organized crime, which could authorize transit restrictions and telecommunication intercepts in designated neighborhoods as part of President Kast's Agenda Against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT).

WHY IT MATTERS If enacted, expanded telecommunications interception powers could create new legal and operational obligations for telecom operators and businesses in affected areas

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politics La Nación

Argentina Anti-Corruption Judge Faces Retirement

Judge Martín Irurzun, a vocal anti-corruption magistrate, has left his post after turning 75, Argentina's constitutional retirement limit for judges. The government has begun the process to fill his vacancy, while another judge will temporarily sit on Sala II.

WHY IT MATTERS Irurzun's departure creates a change in the composition of a federal appeals chamber that handles major corruption cases, making the eventual appointment of his successor politically and institutionally significant.

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politics la diaria

Anonymous Electoral Disinformation Spreads Rapidly on WhatsApp in Uruguay

La Diaria examines how anonymous electoral misinformation can spread through WhatsApp before authorities are able to respond. One example involves a message falsely claiming that marked ballots had been detected and attaching an image resembling an electoral record.

WHY IT MATTERS The speed at which anonymous electoral claims can spread through private messaging networks can leave authorities struggling to respond before false narratives shape public perceptions of electoral integrity.

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politics MercoPress

Lacalle Pou's Return Reopens Debate Over Opposition Leadership in Uruguay

Former President Luis Lacalle Pou made his first public appearance since leaving office at the Partido Nacional's 190th anniversary ceremony, calling for unity and reflecting on his administration. His speech renewed speculation about his future role in the opposition

WHY IT MATTERS Lacalle Pou's political re-emergence could affect opposition leadership and coalition dynamics under President Yamandú Orsi, particularly as the Partido Nacional positions itself for a return to government. Uruguay's non-consecutive presidential term rules also leave Lacalle Pou eligible to run again in 2029.

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politics ABC Color - Nacionales

Paraguay Senate President's Hiring Record Underscores Congressional Patronage

Senate President Basilio 'Bachi' Núñez hired concejal candidate Catherine Larisa Benítez Pascottini and granted her rapid salary increases during internal party elections in October 2025. The case exemplifies entrenched patronage patterns tied to Paraguay's electoral calendar.

WHY IT MATTERS Documented patronage hiring by a sitting Senate President ahead of elections signals the scale of clientelism that institutional counterparts must navigate in congressional engagement.

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