Argentina and Brazil rejoin UNASUR

April 12, 2023
Issue 
Lula da Silva and Alberto Fern谩ndez
Argentine President Alberto Fern谩ndez and Brazilian President Luiz In谩cio 鈥楲ula鈥 da Silva at the 7th CELAC Summit in January. Photo: Lula da Silva/Twitter

The governments of Argentine President Alberto Fern谩ndez and Brazilian President Luiz In谩cio 鈥淟ula鈥 da Silva have officially rejoined the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), a regional integration organisation founded in May 2008.

Between 2018 and 2020, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay聽鈥 under the leadership of conservative heads of state聽鈥 withdrew from UNASUR due to their alignment with United States鈥 interests.

In November 2019, following the coup against democratically elected president Evo Morales, the de facto government led by Jeanine 脕帽ez withdrew Bolivia from UNASUR. In November 2020, after the election of President Luis Arce, the country rejoined the regional body.

In August 2021, the government of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo also announced his country鈥檚 reincorporation into the bloc. However, following his ouster and arrest in December last year, Castillo鈥檚 successor Dina Boluarte suspended Peru鈥檚 membership.

Argentine foreign minister Santiago Cafiero announced on April 5 the country鈥檚 official return to the body after four years of absence. Likewise, Lula a decree on April 6 making official Brazil鈥檚 return to UNASUR, also after four years.

The measure marked a step in Lula鈥檚 drive to reposition the country鈥檚 politics after the four years of conservative former president Jair Bolsonaro, who withdrew Brazil from the bloc in April 2019.

Brazil鈥檚 decision came a day after the member states of the Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Countries against Inflation (APALCI), including Brazil and Argentina, to face the inflation crisis and strengthen regional integration and trade.

[From the聽/.]

You need 一品探花, and we need you!

一品探花 is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.