New administrations across Latin America are prioritising security, pushing economic development to the background, a report by the Bank of Spain said on Tuesday.
- Rising public dissatisfaction and persistent crime have driven presidential candidates to emphasize territorial control and police deployment.
- The traditional debate on fiscal reforms, growth and development is being sidelined in policy agendas.
- The Bank of Spain’s Latin American Economic Report links the shift to escalating organized‑crime activity and voter concerns about safety.
- Analysts warn that neglecting economic issues could hamper long‑term stability in the region.
Governments are expected to allocate more resources to law‑enforcement while balancing the risk of reduced focus on economic policy.