☀ Domingo Brief — Guatemala's New President

Each Sunday, take two minutes to catch key stories and opportunities shaping Latin America.

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Welcome back to the Domingo Brief! This week, we’re looking at a big environmental win in Brazil, chaos in Ecuador, potential change in Guatemala, and more.

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Trivia of the Week

Only about a third of you (35%) of you correctly guessed Brazil as the only South American country to send troops to fight in the European theatre of World War II. Brazil sent just over 25K troops to fight in the Mediterranean, aiding in the liberation of Italy. Interestingly, at the time it was run by an authoritarian regime led by Getúlio Vargas, yet unlike neighboring Argentina the country did actually fight the Axis powers.

Each week, tune back in for the answer to the previous week’s trivia question. No cheating!

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🇧🇷 Brazil confiscated its largest ever catch of shark fins to date from an exporting company in Santa Catarina. The federal environmental protection agency, IBAMA, seized nearly 30 metric tons of shark fins destined for the Asian market, where shark fin soup is considered a delicacy. Shark fishing is illegal as many sharks are endangered species.

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🇪🇨 Ecuador entered a state of emergency this week following large-scale attacks by armed gunmen on the country’s various institutions. This included the executions of corrections officers, taking of over 100 hostages, and the seizing of a broadcasting television station.

Latinometrics: Long a relative safe haven on the continent, Ecuador is really struggling right now. The country’s murder rate has skyrocketed in recent years amidst a deadly crime wave caused by power struggles between Albanian gangs, local affiliates, and Colombian and Mexican cartels.