Latin America: Energy Impacts of Colombia’s and Region’s Rightward Shift

Source Summary

Right-wing victories in Colombia and Peru last month are the latest iteration of the political shift sweeping Latin America. The next key vote is in October in Brazil, although a scandal involving the conservative candidate dims the prospects of the right-wing winning streak continuing. These wins have often heralded major energy strategy changes with a greater emphasis placed on attracting private investment, deregulation and opening new – often environmentally sensitive – areas to exploration and development as well as changes in economic and foreign policy. However, these new governments have frequently faced structural obstacles, and mass public backlash which often limit the depths of reforms, including in the energy sector.