Political Backlash Emerges in Latin America Amid Rising Crime Rates

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — In the early 2020s, many Latin American countries saw a shift to leftist governments, driven by public dissatisfaction with social inequalities worsened by the pandemic. However, recent increases in crime, particularly extortion and localized spikes in homicide rates, have led to a resurgence of conservative populism. Conservative candidates are gaining support by advocating for stringent measures against crime and immigration, often drawing inspiration from El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. Enrique Roig, vice president of Human Rights First, noted the collaboration between emerging right-wing movements in Latin America and the U.S. MAGA movement, emphasizing that addressing the root causes of crime is more complex than simply advocating for tougher law enforcement. In Colombia, businessman Abelardo de la Espriella is leading polls ahead of a runoff election, while in Peru, Keiko Fujimori's law-and-order platform has gained traction amid rising extortion rates. Costa Rica and Honduras have also seen the election of conservative leaders promising tough-on-crime strategies. Despite a general decline in homicide rates across the region, specific countries like Peru and Colombia have experienced increases in drug-related violence, with Ecuador facing a significant rise in homicides and extortion cases. The political landscape is shifting as voters respond to their concerns about safety, often favoring immediate security solutions over long-term reforms.