Wild Tales of Power and Democracy

Francisco Robles Rivera May 12, 2026

Wild Tales of Power and Democracy

TL;DR

  • Vladimir Putin transitioned from presidency to prime minister in Russia, returning to the presidency later and potentially serving until 2036 due to constitutional changes.
  • Nayib Bukele engaged in a public dispute with businessman Javier Simán over alleged embezzlement and tax evasion, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The digital newspaper El Faro in El Salvador faced accusations of tax evasion after reporting on a government pact with the MS-13 gang.
  • Independent media outlets in Nicaragua, such as El Nuevo Diario and La Prensa, were shut down or co-opted by the Ortega-Murillo regime, leading to a complete absence of printed newspapers by 2024.
  • In Costa Rica, potential political scenarios involving President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and Laura Fernández are discussed, with concerns about authoritarian tendencies and the influence of international events.
  • The article suggests a common route for "Chavismo" involves seeking re-election, using intelligence agencies against opponents, and capturing media outlets.