Latin America is going through a political shift to the right. After the erosion of several left-wing governments, conservative and right-wing populist forces have gained ground since 2025. This change occurs after the so-called pink tide of the 2000s and is driven by citizen discontent, the rise of disruptive leaders and a new foreign policy of the United States.
Of the 15 democracies analyzednine have changed their political orientation 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 that is committed to stability and pragmatism.
Frustration and desire for change
The change does not respond only to an ideological enthusiasm for the right, but also to a protest vote against leftist governments that did not meet expectations. In many cases, Voters punished the ruling parties for economic crises, corruption or lack of results. As one Chilean analyst noted, “the desire for change is the biggest party in Latin America.”
The foreign policy of the United States has also influenced. The Trump administration adopted a more active stance in the region, supporting right-wing governments and confronting left-wing regimes. The military attack that overthrew Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela in January 2026 marked a symbolic turning point. This new position from Washington, added to the dissolution of “21st century socialism,” sent a clear message against the traditional left.
The new Latin American right is diverse. It ranges from radical populists to moderate conservatives. Milei, a libertarian economist without a traditional party, won support with an anti-establishment speech and promises to drastically reduce state intervention. Bukele, self-proclaimed “the coolest dictator in the world,” is popular for his tough crackdown on gangs and his skillful use of social media. Both are considered right-wing populists, although they differ in style and approach.
A more institutional right
At the same time, moderate conservative leaders have prospered electorally. Luis Abinader in the Dominican Republic, Daniel Noboa in Ecuador and Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia represent a more institutional right, focused on economic stability, the fight against corruption and technical management. Its success demonstrates that the turn to the right is not only the result of citizen anger, but also of a desire for pragmatic and predictable leadership.
Despite their differences, right-wing governments share common priorities: security, economic growth and rejection of the legacy of the left. Most of the new leaders won by promising a tough line against crime, drug trafficking and corruption. They also promote free market policies that seek to attract investment and reactivate economies. Furthermore, they present themselves as defenders of traditional values such as family, religion and national identity against progressive agendas.
Another common trait is pragmatism. Many leaders of the new right try to soften the elitist image or insensitive 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 unites their discourses and strategies.
The left and its little weight
The left, For its part, it has lost momentum. With the exception of Lula da Silva in Brazil, current left-wing leaders have less political weight. The real driving force for political change now comes from the right. Left-wing party networks, such as the San Pablo 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 themselves 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 competes 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 movement is the participation of new generations. Young voters, even many first-time voters, have shown little aversion to backing right-wing or anti-establishment candidates. In several countries, those under 40 make up the largest support base of right-wing leaders, pointing to a change in the generational political climate. The progressive narrative of social change that seduced youth a decade ago has lost its luster, giving way to an openness toward unconventional solutions.
These young people do not remember the military dictatorships of the 20th century, so these negative experiences of the right do not weigh on their collective memory. Instead, they have grown up seeing corruption scandals, economic crises and social stagnation under leftist governments. Social media has been a catalyst for change, allowing right-wing candidates to reach young people with emotional and simple 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 towards the region. The new right-wing governments seek close relations with Washingtonseeing more opportunities than risks in aligning 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 their confrontational style raises concerns, right-wing governments have responded pragmatically, reaching out to Washington to leverage economic and strategic support.
Lasting change?
The big question is whether this shift to the right will be sustainable and generate real improvements in the lives of citizens, or if it will end up being just another passing phase in the region’s pendulum cycle. The answer will depend on the government 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. Otherwise, they could stoke another wave of discontent and usher in a resurgence of the left.
