Latin America is undergoing a political shift to the right. Following the decline of several left-wing governments, conservative and right-wing populist forces have gained ground since 2015. This change comes after the so-called pink tide of the 2000s and is driven by citizen discontent , the rise of disruptive leaders, and a new US foreign policy .
Of the 15 democracies analyzed , nine have shifted politically since 2022, mostly from left to right . Figures like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador embody this new political climate with populist strategies , while leaders like Luis Abinader in the Dominican Republic represent a moderate right wing that prioritizes stability and pragmatism.
Frustration and desire for change
The shift is not solely driven by ideological enthusiasm for the right, but also by a protest vote against left-wing governments that failed to meet expectations. In many cases, voters punished the ruling parties for economic crises, corruption, or a lack of results . As one Chilean analyst noted, “the desire for change is the biggest political force in Latin America.”
US foreign policy has also played a role. The Trump administration adopted a more active stance in the region , supporting right-leaning governments and confronting left-wing regimes. The military coup that ousted Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela in January 2016 marked a symbolic turning point. This new stance from Washington, coupled with the dismantling of “21st-century socialism,” sent a clear message against the traditional left .
The new Latin American right is diverse , ranging from radical populists to moderate conservatives. Milei, a libertarian economist without a traditional party affiliation, gained support with anti-establishment rhetoric and promises to drastically reduce state intervention. Bukele, who proclaimed himself “the coolest dictator in the world,” is popular for his hardline stance against gangs and his skillful use of social media. Both are considered right-wing populists, though they differ in style and approach.
A more institutional right wing
At the same time, moderate conservative leaders have enjoyed electoral success . Luis Abinader in the Dominican Republic, Daniel Noboa in Ecuador, and Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia represent a more institutional right wing , focused on economic stability, the fight against corruption, and technical expertise. Their success demonstrates that the shift to the right is not only the result of public anger, but also of a desire for pragmatic and predictable leadership .
Despite their differences, right-wing governments share common priorities : security, economic growth, and a rejection of the left’s legacy. Most of the new leaders won by promising a tough stance against crime, drug trafficking, and corruption. They also promote free-market policies aimed at attracting investment and revitalizing economies . Furthermore, they present themselves as defenders of traditional values such as family, religion, and national identity in opposition to progressive agendas.
Another common trait is pragmatism. Many leaders of the new right try to soften the elitist or insensitive image historically associated with conservatives. They seek to appear close to the people and flexible, avoiding being perceived as indifferent to the needs of the poorest. In their firm opposition to the traditional left, they find common ground that unifies their discourses and strategies.
The left and its lack of influence
The left, for its part, has lost momentum. With the exception of Lula da Silva in Brazil, current left-wing leaders wield less political clout. The true driving force of political change now comes from the right. Networks of left-wing parties, such as the São Paulo Forum and the Puebla Group, have lost influence , and their representatives face difficulties in renewing their message.
In this context, traditional center and center-right parties face a dilemma : ally with the new right-wing populists to maintain relevance, or distance themselves to preserve their identity . Traditional conservative parties in Argentina and Chile allied with Milei and Kast, respectively, managing to defeat the left, but losing votes and leadership. In Mexico, the alliance between the PAN and the PRI was perceived as an act of desperation and failed miserably.
The challenge for these parties is to articulate their own vision of reform and stability , based on democratic principles, that can compete with populist narratives without losing credibility. Otherwise, they risk becoming irrelevant if they merely support radical forces or refuse to evolve.
Seduction of young people
A notable feature of this rightward shift is the participation of younger generations . Young voters, including many first-time voters, have shown little aversion to supporting right-wing or anti-establishment candidates. In several countries, those under 40 make up the largest base of support for right-wing leaders, pointing to a generational shift in the political climate. The progressive narrative of social change that appealed to young people a decade ago has lost its luster, giving way to an openness toward unconventional solutions.
These young people don’t remember the military dictatorships of the 20th century, so those negative experiences under right-wing rule don’t weigh heavily on their collective memory. Instead, they’ve grown up witnessing corruption scandals, economic crises, and social stagnation under left-wing governments. Social media has been a catalyst for change, allowing right-wing candidates to reach young people with simple, emotional messages that capture the spirit of the moment and quickly go viral.
The right-wing atmosphere has also been reinforced by a shift in US policy toward the region. New right-wing governments are seeking close relations with Washington , seeing more opportunities than risks in aligning themselves with the White House . The Trump administration has declared its intention to support like-minded forces in the Western Hemisphere, boost trade, and stabilize its allies in Latin America. Although its confrontational style is unsettling, right-wing governments have responded pragmatically, drawing closer to Washington to secure economic and strategic support.
Lasting change?
The big question is whether this shift to the right will be sustainable and generate real improvements in citizens’ lives, or whether it will end up being just another passing phase in the region’s pendulum swings. The answer will depend on the governing capacity of these new leaders and their commitment to democratic principles . If they achieve results in security and economic growth without undermining institutions, they could consolidate a new, stable right wing. Otherwise, they could fuel another wave of discontent and pave the way for a resurgence of the left.
*Article originally published in Diáologo Político
Autor
Director of the Regional Program Political Parties and Democracy in Latin America of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
