In recent years, Latin America has experienced a notable political shift toward the right, marked by the rise of leaders and movements that blend economic liberalism with socially conservative and authoritarian tendencies. This trend follows the decline of the early 2000s “pink tide” of progressive governments, as economic slowdowns, inflation, and public dissatisfaction with insecurity eroded left-wing dominance.
Figures like Javier Milei in Argentina, Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, and right-leaning coalitions in countries such as Ecuador and Paraguay and the latest elections in Bolivia, exemplify this wave. The so‑called “New Right” in the region distinguishes itself from traditional conservative elites by using democratic processes and modern campaigning—especially social media—to mobilize support, often framing themselves as anti-establishment outsiders.
Many of these neoliberal movements promote deregulation, fiscal austerity, and privatization, while simultaneously advancing socially conservative agendas, such as restricting reproductive rights or removing gender-related content from education and seeking a balanced budget at the expense of those who have less while promoting advantages to the few that have the most. The consequence being an increase in poverty and the authoritarian imposition of their policies dismantling the national industries and businesses.
A dramatic contrast with figures like Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who promotes the just development of all society, following Juárez's maxim that "there can be no rich government with poor people." Ultimately, it is the people and history that judge those who govern.