AGP Executive Report

Cabinet Shock in Chile: President José Antonio Kast fired Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and spokesperson Mara Sedini in his first reshuffle, the fastest since democracy’s return, with Martín Arrau taking Security and Claudio Alvarado doubling as Interior and government spokesperson. Regional Crime Push: Chile also moved to convene a “Secure Border” summit May 28 with Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador to coordinate action against organized crime and border threats. Indigenous Rights on Stage: Santiago’s theatre returns with “Ütruf Tripay,” spotlighting illegal adoptions of Indigenous children during the dictatorship and the long fallout. Aquaculture Policy Update: A new “reconstruction bill” tied to wildfire damage would tighten rules around salmon concession relocations and environmental review steps. Food & Trade Watch: Chile’s fruit sector met USDA-APHIS to keep phytosanitary cooperation running, while Argentina’s apple exports fell sharply after extreme weather.

Secure Border Push: Chile has invited Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador to a May 28 “Secure Border” summit aimed at coordinating action against organized crime and cross-border threats, with Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna stressing shared information and joint planning. Cabinet Shake-Up: President José Antonio Kast fired Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and government spokesperson Mara Sedini in his first cabinet reshuffle, with Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado taking on spokesperson duties. Crime-Tourism Crackdown: Police in the Greater Toronto Area say four Chilean nationals were charged after a string of break-ins tied to an “organized crime-tourism” group. Diplomacy & Minerals: Chile’s foreign minister also met India’s leadership, pitching deeper cooperation on services, tech and critical minerals as CEPA talks continue. Aquaculture Fallout: A proposed Chile reconstruction bill would change rules affecting salmon concession relocations, a move salmon firms say could reshape operations.

Cabinet Shake-Up: Chile’s President José Antonio Kast has carried out his first cabinet reshuffle, removing Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and Government Spokesperson Mara Sedini, with Public Works chief Martín Arrau taking over security and Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado doubling as official spokesperson—an unusually fast move amid slipping approval. Foreign Policy & Trade: Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna says India should play a bigger role as a partner in services and tech, while pushing cooperation on critical minerals and CEPA talks. Crime & Public Safety: In Ontario, Halton police called a record handgun seizure “a drop in the bucket,” warning most guns traced back to the U.S.; meanwhile, GTA investigations include a fatal Mississauga stabbing probe and charges against Chileans tied to a string of residential break-ins. International Legal Fight: A U.S. appeals court revived a bid to enforce a $146m award against Webuild over a hospital project. Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla: Israel detained four Chileans tied to the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza, escalating pressure on Chile’s foreign ministry.

Humanitarian Crisis at Sea: Israel has detained four Chileans aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza, after an interception in international waters—Chile is now pressing its foreign ministry for urgent action as more than 20 vessels reportedly keep sailing. Global Health Funding: The World Health Organization faces tough decisions after donor cuts disrupted programmes worldwide, raising fears for care during overlapping crises. Chile in Business: Salmones Camanchaca posted a Q1 net loss of $3.8m as prices fell and mortalities hit output, while Mundo topped Chile’s fixed internet speed rankings. Politics Watch: A week of coverage also highlights Latin America’s rightward shift ahead of Colombia’s May 31 election, a potential turning point for the region’s pro-Israel vs pro-Palestinian direction. Culture & Film: Cannes continues to spotlight Chile, including Lilith Films boarding Paulina García-led drama “A Woman Wants to Die.”

Aviation Abuse Case: A Chilean executive, Germán Naranjo Maldini, has been detained in Brazil after a viral video showed him hurling racist and homophobic slurs at a LATAM flight attendant, including monkey gestures, with prosecutors now weighing charges that could bring up to five years in prison. Mining & Courts: Chile’s Collahuasi faces fresh uncertainty after a court move that threatens to set aside an environmental authorization tied to its desalination plant, though Anglo American and Glencore say production impact is not expected immediately. Health Watch: A hantavirus cluster aboard a Dutch cruise ship has triggered evacuations and monitoring across countries, with officials stressing the risk to the general public remains very low. Tech in Healthcare: Faex Health launched a Chilean clinical trial with Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río testing smartphone stool analysis to help prioritize patients awaiting colonoscopies. Trade & Diplomacy: Chile’s foreign minister pushed momentum with India on CEPA talks and critical minerals cooperation during a recent visit.

Mining & Water Rights: A Chilean court ruling has put Anglo American and Glencore’s Collahuasi mine in the spotlight by threatening to overturn its environmental approval tied to the mine’s near-finished desalination plant—an issue indigenous groups have pushed hard on, with the companies saying production shouldn’t be immediately hit while they seek clarification. Health Tech: Faex Health launched a clinical validation trial with Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río to test whether smartphone stool analysis can flag higher-risk patients waiting for colonoscopies, aiming to speed up earlier colorectal risk detection. Culture & Film: Chile’s Dominga Sotomayor subverts expectations in “La Perra,” while Cannes continues to spotlight Chilean talent, including Manuela Martelli’s “The Meltdown” and Patricio Valladares’ new 16mm-shot interactive horror game. Sports: The PGA Championship’s leaderboard drama is still fresh, with Chile’s Joaquin Niemann calling Aronimink’s rough and pin placements “brutal” as the tournament heads into its final round. Markets: Emerging-market assets took a sharp weekly tumble, with the Chilean peso among the losers as investors fret about inflation.

PGA Championship: Alex Smalley seized control on Saturday at Aronimink, posting a 2-under 68 to move to 6 under and open a two-stroke gap heading into Sunday’s final round, with Ludvig Åberg, Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, Aaron Rai and Jon Rahm right in striking distance. Football: Everton’s home send-off at Hill Dickinson Stadium turned sour as they blew a half-time lead, losing 3-1 to Sunderland after a second-half collapse. Tennis: Roland Garros kicks off in Paris with a major shake-up—Carlos Alcaraz is out with a wrist injury—leaving Jannik Sinner as the clear clay favorite and a wide-open draw for Latin American contenders. Chile-India ties: Chile’s foreign minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna’s India visit pushes CEPA talks, critical minerals cooperation and investment forward. Business/tech: ZTE showcased its “AI & network two-way integration” push at GSMA M360 LATAM 2026, aiming to shift operators from connectivity to digital-economy enablers. Culture: Dior’s Cruise 2027 show at LACMA leaned hard into Hollywood’s golden age, with Chilean model Sara Caballero on the runway.

Chile-India Push: Chile’s Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna wrapped a four-day India visit with both sides pressing ahead on CEPA talks, critical minerals cooperation, and new investment links—plus meetings with Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal and a Chilean business delegation in tow. Comet Watch: Chile’s Rubin Observatory missed a naming moment for interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS by days, a reminder of how close the science race can get. Labour Signals: A Chilean labour researcher argues the country’s strike surge since the mid-2000s reflects real union revitalisation—while also pointing to clear limits. Energy & Lithium: Gina Rinehart says a new $1bn lithium mine in Western Australia is planned for 2028, with Chilean SQM involved—another sign commodity prices are reigniting expansion. Sports Spotlight: At the PGA Championship, Chile’s Joaquín Niemann says Aronimink’s brutal rough and wild pin placements caught him off guard as he eyes a strong Sunday.

PGA Championship Drama: Alex Smalley seized control on Moving Day at Aronimink, firing a 2-under 68 to lead at 6 under and open a two-stroke gap heading into Sunday, while the lead changed hands 13 times and Rory McIlroy’s turnaround left him right in the mix. Chilean Spotlight in Sports: Joaquin Niemann says the course’s brutal rough and “crazy” pin placements caught him off guard, but his 66 moved him to a strong position just outside the top 10. Culture & Memory: Cannes is also buzzing with Chilean actress Manuela Martelli’s Andes-set coming-of-age drama The Meltdown, and Lisandro Alonso’s Double Freedom returns to his slow-cinema roots. Food & Drink Buzz: Pantalones Organic Tequila and Bonefish Grill are rolling out a $65 tasting dinner, and a “spicy sauvy” trend is getting a commercial push with jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc. Local Arts: Photo London opened in a new West Kensington home, with early sales reported despite fast-changing weather.

Diplomacy Boost: Chile’s Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna wrapped a four-day India visit with both sides pushing for “tangible outcomes” on CEPA talks, critical minerals cooperation, and new investment links. Energy & Industry: Hindustan Copper says it’s hiring an advisor to enter Chile’s copper belt and scout acquisitions, while STM in Chile just raised US$630m via a green bond for power transmission. Mining Watch: Rio2 reported Q1 progress in Chile’s Fenix Gold ramp-up and early copper contribution from Condestable. Culture Spotlight: At Cannes, Chile’s presence is growing fast, and the Chilean-set queer AIDS allegory “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” is drawing attention. Sports Rumor: Everton are linked with Chilean winger Dario Osorio as Premier League rivals circle. Elsewhere: Cuba’s oil squeeze is worsening amid US pressure, and a new study says Chile’s Venezuelan labor force has been shrinking sharply.

Mining & Finance: Rio2 says Q1 2026 was a milestone, with first production at its Fenix Gold mine in Chile and early cash flow from the Condestable copper asset after its January acquisition. Immigration & Work: A new study says Venezuelan participation in Chile’s labor market keeps falling, with the sharpest impact showing up in hard-to-fill jobs like motorcycle driving. Energy Storage: Zelestra says it has energized a 1GWh hybrid battery project in Chile, adding to a fast-growing BESS pipeline. Politics & Dialogue: Former President Michelle Bachelet urged “people-centered” multilateralism in Montevideo, warning against authoritarian projects and the erosion of democratic institutions. Church & Social Peace: Chile’s bishops call for renewed dialogue amid unrest over education and broader social tensions. Sports & Culture: Chile’s presence at Cannes continues to build, while a Chilean film debut, “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo,” is drawing attention for its AIDS-era allegory.

Hantavirus Tensions: Investigators say a suspect has been charged in Miami over the 2024 killing of a man who survived an earlier Hialeah motel shooting, as authorities link cases through forensic work. Pandemic Treaty Delay: The WHO says the final Pandemic Agreement won’t be ready for another year, with negotiations still stuck on how countries handle access to pathogens and benefits. Chile in the Spotlight: Former President Michelle Bachelet defended “people-centered” multilateralism in Montevideo, warning of fragmented global governance and threats to gender-parity democracy. Public Health Mystery: Argentina and Chile continue trading claims over the Andes hantavirus outbreak tied to a cruise ship, with scientists racing to pin down how it spread. Energy & Industry: Chile’s STM secured a US$630m green bond, while Atamostec began testing low-silver solar modules in the Atacama. Copper Governance: Chile tapped a new Codelco chair amid production and debt concerns.

Leadership Transition: Similarweb’s founder CEO Or Offer says he’ll step down after 20 years, launching a search for his successor as the company reports Q1 revenue up 10% to $73.9m. Chile-Copper Watch: Chile has tapped economist Bernardo Fontaine to chair Codelco, as the new board is set to investigate production and debt concerns. Crime & Courts: Two Chilean men tied to a multi-state burglary ring in the U.S. were sentenced to at least five years, with a third co-defendant getting a shorter term. Diplomacy Reset: Chile says it’s prioritizing restoration of consular services with Venezuela after the 2024 rupture left migrants and citizens without official help. Culture Spotlight: Chile’s film industry is making a splash at Cannes, with a milestone presence led by Planta and multiple Chilean titles competing and screening. Sports: Joaquin Niemann weighs in on what it’s like to be around Jon Rahm on LIV Golf ahead of the PGA Championship.

Public Health Tension: Argentina and Chile are trading blame as investigators race to trace the origin of a hantavirus outbreak linked to a Dutch couple’s trip across the region, with Argentina saying the couple didn’t visit its Patagonia risk areas while Chile says they were in Chile before the likely incubation window—leaving the source still murky. Crime & Justice: In Wisconsin, three Chilean nationals tied to a Waukesha County burglary spree were sentenced, while prosecutors also escalated the broader case to federal charges alleging a multi-state ring worth about $1 million. Trade & Diplomacy: Chile and India moved closer on CEPA, with Chile’s foreign minister meeting Piyush Goyal to discuss early deal timing and cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, agri-business, pharma, and digital services. Mining & Energy Markets: CleanTech Lithium surged on a bullish broker note after a long-term lithium operating contract and a pre-feasibility study for Laguna Verde. Food & Exports: Chile’s table grape season is stabilizing despite rain-hit volumes, as US demand absorbed the smaller crop. Culture: Chilean artist Seba Calfuqueo won a Focus Stand Prize at Frieze New York, spotlighting Mapuche and queer themes.

Gold Rush in Chile: Flagship Minerals says its Isidora Norte gold porphyry deposit has landed a 2.1-million-ounce, JORC-compliant resource in northern Chile—115.2 million tonnes grading 0.56g/t, with most ounces already in measured/indicated categories. Trade Diplomacy: Chile’s foreign minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna is in India pushing early CEPA talks, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and business leaders discussing critical minerals, clean energy, pharma, digital services, and logistics. Public Health Pressure: Researchers say hantavirus vaccine work in Chile hit a funding wall, even as a cruise-linked cluster keeps the disease’s spread questions in the spotlight. Local Environment Watch: The Tiltil landfill north of Santiago is again in focus as the UN flags it as a top methane emitter, fueling odor and health complaints. Crime Update (US-linked): Federal prosecutors in Wisconsin indicted four people tied to a $1m multistate burglary ring, including Chilean nationals. Sports: Real Betis—managed by Chilean Manuel Pellegrini—clinched Champions League qualification after a 20-year gap.

Environment Crisis: Chile’s Tiltil landfill north of Santiago is being flagged as the world’s biggest human-made methane hotspot, with UN data pointing to about 100,000 metric tons of methane a year and residents complaining of relentless odors, flies, and health worries. Finance & FX: Goldman Sachs warns the Chilean peso is among major currencies most exposed to a stronger U.S. dollar, as dollar gains build under the surface. Justice: Three Chilean men—plus a Venezuelan accomplice—have been indicted in federal court over an alleged multistate burglary ring tied to roughly $1 million in losses across the U.S. Diplomacy & Trade: Chile’s foreign minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna met India’s leaders in New Delhi as talks push CEPA forward and broaden trade and investment ties. Culture: Chile’s presence at Cannes continues, with Chilean filmmaker Diego Céspedes among jury voices and the festival spotlighting politics, censorship, and AI.