Contributions from Carin Zissis
After experts and officials complete more than two months of debate over how to best resolve Pemex's flagging production, Mexico's opposition party holds referendums on an energy reform package proposed by President Felipe Calderón. But neither the nonbinding referendum nor the long debate have determined Pemex's future structure.
A Cuban reform allows private farmers use of state-controlled land, marking a departure from past policies. Whether the law is far-reaching enough remains to be seen, given that the government retains land ownership.
AS/COA's annual Latin American Cities Conference in São Paulo brought together high-level officials and leading experts to discuss Brazil’s growing economic and political heft as well as the challenges posed by the recent global economic slowdown.