Bolivia’s Political Crisis Must be Settled at the Ballot Box
The ITUC condemns military interference in the election process in Bolivia. In a major upset to democratic process and to the state of law, the country’s left-wing president Evo Morales has been pushed to resign and has now fled the country for fear of his life.
Brazil: Lula Released, Judicial System Remains on Trial
The ITUC has welcomed the release of former Brazilian President Lula from prison and called for the judicial persecution against him and other progressive politicians to end. Lula was released after 580 days in prison when the country’s Supreme Court decided to respect the Constitution by cancelling imprisonment before all appeals are exhausted.
Philippines: Government Crackdown Targets Unions
The ITUC has condemned a new wave of police repression of Philippine trade unionists. The offensive was launched when police simultaneously raided three premises of human rights and trade union organisations, arresting and detaining 57 people members of labour and civil society organisations. Repression operations are ongoing.
Chile Cancels Climate and APEC Summits as People Demand an End to Austerity
The government of Chile has announced that it will not host two major international summits as it faces mounting pressure from mass anti-austerity protests. The government finally yielded to calls for the November APEC trade summit and the UN’s December COP25 climate conference to be cancelled as the international community responded in shock at the brutal repression of protestors.
Argentina Election: a Major Step Towards Restoring Democracy for People
The ITUC welcomes the result of Argentina’s presidential election in which Alberto Fernández has defeated Argentina’s incumbent president Mauricio Macri. Macri has overseen a period of economic collapse, of violations of workers’ rights, of IMF austerity and has attempted to push through anti-worker legislation.
