**Summary:** UK inflation remained steady at 3% in February, the last reading before the conflict in Iran caused petrol costs to soar, threatening future household finances. Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged significant economic challenges stemming from the Middle East conflict.

**Key points:**
- Services inflation cooled slightly to 4.3%, the lowest level since March 2022.
- The primary upward driver for February inflation was the price of clothing.
- Oil prices rose from around $70 to just shy of $100 following the Iran war.
- Financial markets are pricing in up to four interest rate increases by the Bank of England before the end of 2026.
- The UK is leading efforts with partners to formulate a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

**Why it matters:** The February inflation data captures the economy just before the conflict's impact, which is now expected to push inflation higher, potentially leading the Bank of England to raise interest rates further.

CNBC - UK inflation unchanged at 3% in February — the last print before the Iran war

The Independent - Inflation stays at 3% but Iran war set to send prices spiralling

Financial Post - UK Inflation Stayed at 3% in Weeks Leading Up to Iran War

Daily Mail Online - Inflation stuck at 3% last month even BEFORE the Iran war began - as economists warn energy costs spikes could cause global recession with '1970s style Stagflation'

UK Inflation Held at 3% in February Before Iran War Shock

The Independent - UK politics latest: Inflation remains at 3% as Rachel Reeves warns of ‘significant’ challenges over Iran war

**Summary:** The Central Bank (BC) unanimously decided to maintain the Monetary Policy Rate at 4.5%, citing a significant external shock from the war in the Middle East, which has increased global uncertainty and driven up fuel prices. The BC now projects inflation will return to its target range only during 2027.

**Key points:**
- The BC noted the war in the Middle East caused a significant shock due to the magnitude and speed of global fuel price increases.
- Inflation is expected to reach around 4% annually in the second quarter due to local price transmission from fuel hikes.
- The future evolution of the policy rate will be evaluated meeting by meeting.
- The BC reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a 3% inflation target within a two-year horizon, assuming current external shocks do not significantly persist.
- Global financial conditions have tightened, marked by rising interest rates, falling stock markets, and currency depreciations against the dollar.

**Why it matters:** The Central Bank's decision reflects significant concern over geopolitical instability impacting domestic inflation via oil prices, leading to a prolonged period before inflation returns to the official target.

Banco Central mantiene tasa en 4,5% y posterga para 2027 la vuelta a la meta tras pasar por el 4% este año - Diario Financiero

BC alerta por shock “significativo” de guerra en Irán, ve salto en inflación por bencinas y regreso a la meta recién en 2027 - La Tercera

BC maintains 4.5% rate due to Iran war shock, delays inflation target return to 2027

**Summary:** Venezuela announced that a diplomatic delegation will travel to Washington this week to begin a new stage of dialogue with the US, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in January. In response, the US Administration of Donald Trump relaxed some sanctions to facilitate the reopening of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington.

**Key points:**
- The delegation's trip aims to ratify Venezuela's disposition for dialogue, according to acting president Delcy Rodríguez.
- The US Treasury Department issued a license authorizing Venezuelan missions to pay for goods/services for official use or diplomats' personal use.
- Banks are authorized to operate accounts or grant credits for Venezuelan government missions.
- The purchase or sale of real estate by the missions remains prohibited.
- Diplomatic relations between the two countries, broken since 2019, were formally reestablished earlier in March.
- The US diplomat Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas in late January for a gradual reopening of the US embassy.

**Why it matters:** This marks a significant step toward the normalization of relations between Venezuela and the US after years of rupture, contingent on concessions from the Venezuelan government to Donald Trump.

almomento.net - Venezuela envía delegación a EEUU para formalizar relaciones

elcomercio.pe - Trump relaja sanciones para facilitar la reapertura de la embajada de Venezuela en EE.UU.

Venezuela sends delegation to US to formalize relations; US relaxes sanctions

**Summary:** The Social Democrats led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen won the most votes in the Danish parliamentary election, according to exit polls, but suffered significant losses, potentially heading for their worst result since 1901. Neither the left-wing nor the right-wing bloc secured the absolute majority needed in the 179-seat parliament.

**Key points:**
- The left-wing bloc is projected to gain between 83 and 86 seats, short of the 90 required for a majority.
- The right/far-right bloc is projected to secure between 75 and 78 seats.
- The Moderates (centre party) could become the 'kingmaker' with a projected 8.2% of the vote (14 seats).
- The outcome in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which each elect two representatives, could be decisive.
- Key campaign issues included the cost of living, the welfare state, the environment, and immigration policy.

**Why it matters:** The unclear majority means it is uncertain if Prime Minister Frederiksen can secure a third term, as forming a government will require support from centrist parties like the Moderates.

Dänische Sozialdemokraten trotz Verlusten wohl stärkste Kraft - tagesschau.de

Les sociaux-démocrates de Mette Frederiksen en tête mais en forte baisse au Danemark - La Libre

Danish Social Democrats Lead Election But Suffer Major Losses

**Summary:** The Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) of Brazil authorized former President Jair Bolsonaro to serve his 27-year sentence under house arrest for humanitarian reasons following his hospitalization for bacterial pneumonia. Judge Alexandre de Moraes granted the temporary measure for an initial period of 90 days, contingent upon his medical discharge.

**Key points:**
- Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for five crimes against democracy, including an attempted coup d'état.
- The decision followed a favorable opinion from the Attorney General, Paulo Gonet, citing the need for constant medical monitoring.
- Previous requests for house arrest by Bolsonaro's lawyers had been systematically denied by the STF.
- The 71-year-old has suffered from health issues stemming from a 2018 stabbing attack, which recently led to his hospitalization.
- The ruling occurs amid high political tension with the 2026 electoral cycle opening in Brazil.

**Why it matters:** This decision marks a notable shift in the judicial handling of Bolsonaro's case, granting him a temporary reprieve from prison due to health concerns while his political allies pursue an amnesty law.

Brasilien: Jair Bolsonaro darf verbliebene Haftstrafe im Hausarrest absitzen

Brésil : Jair Bolsonaro autorisé à purger sa peine de prison à domicile à titre temporaire

La Corte Suprema de Brasil concedió a Bolsonaro 90 días de arresto domiciliario tras su hospitalización por neumonía

Jair Bolsonaro Granted Temporary House Arrest for Health Reasons

Brésil : Jair Bolsonaro autorisé à purger sa peine à domicile pour raisons médicales

**Summary:** The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS/TAS) has issued a provisional measure freezing the attribution of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title to Morocco. This decision follows an urgent appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had initially stripped Senegal of its on-field victory and awarded the title to Morocco on administrative grounds.

**Key points:**
- The TAS decision blocks any official effect of the CAF's verdict that designated Morocco as the champion on administrative grounds ('sur tapis vert').
- Senegal, initially the winner on the field, had its title revoked by the CAF for procedural reasons.
- The dispute centers on procedural irregularities allegedly committed by the CAF regarding competition rules and due process.
- The TAS, based in Lausanne, accepted to examine the case urgently to preserve the rights of all parties.
- This unprecedented measure means the CAN 2025 trophy, medals, and associated bonuses are currently blocked.

**Why it matters:** This legal action by Senegal against the CAF's decision creates an unprecedented situation for a major continental competition, potentially redefining governance and disciplinary procedures within African football.

CAN 2025 : le Tribunal arbitral du sport suspend l’attribution du titre au Maroc

CAN 2025 : 5 questions pour savoir si le Sénégal peut encore conserver son titre face au Maroc

TAS Suspends Morocco's Awarded CAN 2025 Title Following Senegal's Appeal

**Summary:** The Chilean government announced historic increases in fuel prices, effective this Thursday, citing the fiscal effects of escalating international oil prices and a weakened state treasury. Government officials acknowledged the difficulty of the situation while presenting the "Plan Chile Sale Adelante" to support families.

**Key points:**
- Gasoline (93 octane) will increase by $370 per liter, and diesel by $580 per liter.
- Minister of Government Spokesperson Mara Sedini stated the current scenario is complex due to a war and a state weakened by past mismanagement.
- Minister of Energy Ximena Rincón announced a bill to freeze kerosene prices for Autumn/Winter 2026, seeking to increase the stabilization fund by $60 million.
- Rincón attributed the lack of fiscal space to over $40 billion in debt accrued over the previous four years.
- Minister of Finance Jorge Quiroz supported prioritizing fiscal resources, noting that the Mechanism for Stabilization of Fuel Prices (Mepco) disproportionately benefits higher-income sectors.

**Why it matters:** The significant fuel price hike has triggered political and union criticism and caused crowding at service stations, highlighting immediate economic pressure on citizens.

df.cl - Ya van ocho: Gobierno oficializa uso de una nueva "bala de plata" y Jorge Trujillo asumirá como director del SII

latercera.com - Alza de las bencinas: Ministra Rincón dice que gobierno de Boric dejó la “caja vacía” para absorber esta crisis

latercera.com - “Lo que viene no será fácil, pero debemos asumirlo con responsabilidad”: vocera de gobierno por alza de combustibles

Chilean Government Implements Historic Fuel Price Hikes Amid Fiscal Concerns

**Summary:** Multiple opinion pieces discuss challenges to democratic health, citing voter disillusionment in the Dominican Republic due to political distance and frustration, and questioning the credibility of Argentine President Javier Milei's anti-establishment stance amid the 'Caso Libra' cryptocurrency controversy.

**Key points:**
- Dominican Republic 2024 presidential abstention reached 46%, signaling voter loss of enthusiasm.
- The concept of 'democratic fatigue' is linked to distrust in politicians and the feeling that voting changes little.
- Argentine President Javier Milei's foundational promise to eradicate the 'casta' is tested by the 'operación Libra' cryptocurrency case.
- Independent journalism is highlighted as a crucial counterweight against institutional weakness in controlling power.
- Solutions proposed include strengthening institutions, promoting citizen oversight, and addressing marginalized demands.

**Why it matters:** These analyses suggest a widespread erosion of public trust in established political systems and leaders, posing a structural threat to democratic legitimacy across the region.

Quarte Bot