Far-right backlash builds in Latin America as crime rates surge and leftists lose power

Crime is surging in Latin American countries, leading to a growing far-right backlash as progressives who had dominated politics at the start of the decade face public disillusionment over their inability to address entrenched inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. The shift is fueled by widespread frustration with corruption and the perceived inability of leftist governments to deliver on promises of economic growth and social justice. As a result, some far-right politicians are gaining traction and attracting support from disenchanted voters. The surge in crime has become a rallying cry for those who feel that left-wing policies have failed to address their concerns.