For the first time in nine years, leaders from the regional bloc formerly known as the Union of South American Nations have convened this week in Brazil. The gathering of these 11 countries has demonstrated a renewed spirit of cooperation. A notable highlight is Brazilian President Lula da Silva's meeting with Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, a significant move, as diplomatic relations were severed under Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. FRANCE24's International Affairs Editor, Oliver Farry, provides further insight into this development.
Meanwhile, as the fate of the global financial markets teeters, the US Congress edges closer to raising the debt ceiling. Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy has reached a tentative deal with President Biden, but he is still battling dissent from far-right members of his party. If lawmakers fail to pass the bill by Monday, the world's largest economy is poised to default for the first time in its history. We delve into the specifics of the deal.
