Andres Allamand, Ibero-American Secretary General: “China has become very strong in Latin America. Europe was in other emergencies “

R. Of all countries except Mexico.

p. And in terms of investment?

Q. Is it because Europe has disengaged and China has filled the gap?

R. I believe that there have been emergencies that have diverted attention: the 2008 crisis, the situation in the East, migration from Africa… Emergencies can explain the lack of attention that I see today, both in Europe and in Latin America, cheer up to remedy. There are multiple reasons for this to happen, and not just the geopolitical ones related to China. First, there is a convergence of interests. Latin America has what Europe needs and vice versa. I am thinking, for example, of lithium, a strategic mineral for the future. Secondly, they can agree on an agenda of common issues that have a global impact, such as climate change, migration or organized crime. Finally, the world is undergoing a reconfiguration process and it is logical that countries, based on their affinities in values ​​or institutions, forge alliances to influence the international scene. I believe that there are objective reasons for a relaunch of relations between Europe and Latin America and the Spanish presidency of the EU, in the second half of this year, is a great opportunity. Within this framework, a European Union-Celac summit will be held [Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y del Caribe] which has not met since 2015.

Q. For there to be a relaunch, the revision of the EU agreements with Mexico and Chile and, above all, the negotiation with Mercosur must be unblocked.

Q. Latin America has problems accessing international credit.

Q. Latin America is divided over the invasion of Ukraine. Is it possible to approve a joint resolution in Santo Domingo?

R. There is no unanimous position on the war in Ukraine, although there is a very majority: 17 countries voted in favor of the UN resolution, two against [Nicaragua y Venezuela] and three abstained [Cuba, Bolivia y El Salvador]. An eventual pronouncement on the war in Ukraine is open to the decision of the leaders, but any agreement must be adopted unanimously.

Q. With Borrell at the top, it is impossible not to talk about it.

R. It is likely to be addressed [pero] whether or not a resolution is adopted will depend on whether there is consensus.

Q. Can Latin American leaders meet without discussing the situation in Nicaragua, where the regime turns opponents into pariahs?

Q. That issue is not on the agenda, but the summit has an open agenda. Any country can raise an issue that it considers important. It happened in the past and it is likely to happen now.

Q. In 2010, a democratic clause was approved to suspend a country where a constitutional breach occurs.

R. The Ibero-American Community has a democratic clause, but it is based on assisting that legitimate government that is threatened by a riot or coup. The clause is not applicable to this case, the Government of Nicaragua would have to invoke it.

Q. You have warned that political instability is blocking development in the region.

R. Although it is not for me to single out any country, it would be absurd not to recognize that there are problems of democratic governance in the region. Exist. Apart from those derived from the institutional political design, there are common problems of polarization and political fragmentation. The Achilles heel of the presidential regime is the complex relationship with the legislative branch. There is a growing divorce between the two and, when there are 20 political parties in a Parliament, the search for agreements is very complex. Political polarization often means that the second rounds are contested between candidates who have little support. There is an issue to resolve.