As crime surges in some Latin American countries, a far-right backlash is brewing

Key Points:

• Latin America is witnessing a political shift to the right as conservative populists gain traction by promising tough-on-crime measures amid rising extortion and spikes in violence in some countries, despite an overall regional decline in homicide rates.
• Inspired by El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, right-wing candidates in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, and Honduras are campaigning on strong security platforms, often with U.S. support, appealing to voters frustrated by slow progress on crime and social issues.
• Organized crime and gang violence have intensified in key countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, fueled by drug trafficking and territorial disputes, contributing to public fear and demands for immediate security solutions.
• While right-wing leaders promise rapid, forceful responses to crime, their ambitious plans face challenges due to financial constraints, institutional weaknesses, and the complexities of governance, leading to tempered actions and public skepticism.
• The surge in support for hard-line policies reflects growing public disillusionment with democracy’s ability to ensure safety, posing a significant challenge to Latin America’s left, which has struggled with economic stagnation and unmet reform promises.