Central America: Neoliberalism and COVID-19

Abstract

This essay examines the current political and economic changes in Central America and how these policies determine the way this region can react to the coronavirus pandemic. We point out that conservative and right-wing governments have re-emerged in Central America over the last few years and are committed to consolidating neoliberal reforms in these countries. Poverty and inequality produced by neoliberal reforms set the scenario in which the region confronts the pandemic. We argue that the consequences of the pandemic and the neoliberal reforms will be dramatic if Central American elites do not change their selfish and authoritarian attitude towards the poor.