High inflation seems to be causing growing unrest in the region, which threatens to be economically disruptive and raise fiscal concerns. Recent protests in Ecuador have hit its oil sector hard, while truck drivers in Peru are about to embark on a strike. Elsewhere, Brazil’s government is seeking to stave off possible unrest among truck drivers with higher benefits, while Mexico’s last month sought to freeze the prices of some basic goods. It remains to be seen what impact all this will have. But the regions’ recent experience suggests that strikes and protests can hit output significantly. And higher public spending to cushion the blow to consumers and businesses will cause weigh on budget positions.
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