The following report reviews current events in the Europe and the Americas region and their possible effect on business continuity and security. 

Americas 

• Argentina: Feminist groups to protest outside Buenos Aires Province Senate, La Plata at 9:00 (local time) on November 23; maintain vigilance 
• Colombia: 22 CDG members, including prominent leader ‘Marlon’, arrested in Bolivar on November 21; reflects efforts to dismantle group 
• Venezuela: Ruling PSUV wins 20 of 23 governorships in regional elections of November 21; political tensions to persist
   

Europe 

• Bulgaria: President Radev wins second term in runoff elections held on November 21; reiterates his sustained public popularity 
• Ireland: USI students’ union to hold protest at Leinster House in Dublin at 14:00 (local time) on November 23; allot for disruptions 
• Poland: Senate speaker receives death threat, suspected explosive material in Warsaw, per November 21 reports; likely politically motivated

Americas: Canada removes border testing requirement for emergency travel to USA as cases surge on November 22; remain cognizant of updates

In Canada, authorities announced on November 21 that individuals crossing the border into the USA for fuel and other essential supplies will be exempt from having to show a negative COVID-19 test result on their return. The decision is being taken to assist the flood-hit residents in British Columbia (BC). Cuba sent 1.5 million doses of Abdala’s COVID-19 vaccines to Venezuela, per November 21 reports. Ecuador will resume the mandatory face-to-face classes in schools and colleges on November 22. Moreover, the Rumichaca International Bridge that connects Ecuador and Colombia will be reopened on December 1.

Those operating or residing in the Americas on November 22 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures.

Argentina: Protest to be held at Palacio de Justicia in Buenos Aires at 19:00 (local time) on November 22; maintain vigilance

The parents of Lucas Gonzalez, a 17-year-old youth soccer player who was killed in a police-involved shooting on November 18, have called for a demonstration outside the Palacio de Justicia in Buenos Aires at 19:00 (local time) on November 22. The demonstration is being held to demand justice for Gonzalez and other victims of police-involved shootings.

Based on social media interest, the demonstration is liable to witness a turnout ranging in the mid-to-high hundreds. Although the demonstration is likely to transpire largely peacefully, a bolstered security presence is expected in the vicinity of the Palacio de Justicia due to the sensitivity of the protest location and to monitor proceedings. Due to heightened sentiments surrounding the protest issue, isolated clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as well as public transportation, can be expected in the vicinity of the Palacio de Justicia from 19:00 onwards.

Those operating or residing in Buenos Aires on November 22 are advised to maintain vigilance and allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the Palacio de Justicia from 19:00 onwards.

Argentina: Feminist groups to protest outside Buenos Aires Province Senate, La Plata at 9:00 (local time) on November 23; maintain vigilance

Feminist collectives have called for a protest on November 23 in front of the Senate of the Province of Buenos Aires in the city of La Plata, to demand the political trial of three judges, who in 2018 absolved two individuals of femicide charges over the death of a woman. The protest will take place at 09:00 (local time) in Calle 7, between Calle 51 and 53, where the preliminary hearing for the impeachment of the judges is scheduled to take place at 11:00.

Based on past protests over the case and social media estimates, the demonstration is likely to draw a turnout in the high hundreds to low thousands. Localized clashes between protesters and police are liable to occur due to heightened sentiments surrounding femicides in Argentina and considering the violence in recent protests over the death of an adolescent by the police. A bolstered security presence is and traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest location. Forcible dispersal methods, including tear gas, cannot be ruled out in the event of escalating unrest.

Those operating or residing in La Plata on November 23 are advised to maintain vigilance and allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the Buenos Aires Province Senate from 9:00 onwards.

Canada & USA: Warnings for inclement weather in place for multiple regions on November 22; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates

Canada’s meteorological service, Environmental Canada, has issued a red warning, the highest in a three-tier system, for rainfall, wind, and winter storm for multiple regions across Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario (north), and Quebec (south). Further details can be found here. In British Columbia, weather conditions are expected to be critical, where widespread flood-related damages continue to be recorded. Additionally, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning across parts of southern California, including Los Angeles (LA), for dry winds that can increase the spread of fires from November 21 until November 22. Eastern Florida and southern Texas are forecast to record heavy rains and isolated instances of flash flooding. Further details are available here.

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned regions of Canada and the USA on November 22 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding natural hazards risks and allot for disruptions to travel and public services.

Martinique: Labor unions begin indefinite nationwide general strike on November 22; maintain heightened vigilance

In the French overseas territory of Martinique, 20 labor unions from various sectors, including education, transportation, and public services, began an indefinite nationwide general strike on November 22. The labor action has been organized for multiple reasons, including denouncing COVID-19 vaccination requirements for specific sectors and demanding better working conditions and lower fuel prices. Employees from various companies have joined the strike, including the Societe Anonyme de la Raffinerie des Antilles (SARA). An associated protest took place at 08:00 (local time) at the Maison Des Syndicats in Fort-de-France.

Given that 20 unions have joined the strike, severe disruptions to various sectors, including education, transportation, and health, are expected in the coming days, with further disruptions likely if the strike is extended. Considering heightened tensions, protests are expected to manifest in Fort-de-France through November 22 and in the coming days. Such protests carry with them the potential for unrest in the form of clashes between demonstrators and security forces. A bolstered security presence can be expected throughout Fort-de-France to monitor proceedings, as well as ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

Those operating or residing in Martinique on November 22 and the coming days are advised to allot for disruptions to various services due to the ongoing labor actions. Maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of all large gatherings due to the potential for unrest at demonstrations.

Peru: SUTEP teachers to hold protest at Plaza San Martin in Lima at 09:00 (local time) on November 23; allot for disruptions

According to reports, a protest is slated to take place at Plaza San Martin in Lima at 09:00 (local time) on November 23. The rally is organized by both current and retired teachers from the Sindicato Unitario de Trabajadores en la Educacion del Peru (SUTEP) union to demand better working conditions and pensions from the government.

Given precedent, the demonstration is expected to witness a turnout ranging from the high-dozens to low-hundreds. The protest is expected to transpire largely peacefully, although the potential for isolated scuffles remains. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of Plaza San Martin to monitor proceedings, as well as ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of Plaza San Martin from the morning hours onwards.

Those operating or residing in Lima on November 23 are advised to allot for disruptions to travel in the vicinity of Plaza San Martin from the morning hours onwards due to the planned protest.

Chile: Far-right Kast, left-wing Boric emerge as top candidates in November 21 polls; political uncertainty likely amid polarized landscape

Far-right Partido Republicano’s (PLR) candidate Jose Antonio Kast won the highest votes in the November 21 presidential elections, securing 27.91 percent of the vote share. Left-wing Apruebo Dignidad’s (AD) Gabriel Boric obtained 25.82 percent, Partido de la Gente’s (PDG) Franco Parisi 12.81 percent, and the ruling Chile Podemos Mas (CP+) coalition-backed candidate Sebastian Sichel received 12.77 percent of votes. Both Kast and Boric, who failed to secure a simple majority, will proceed to the runoff elections on December 19. Union Democrata Independiente (UDI) of the CP+ has confirmed support for Kast, while Sichel and the center-right Renovacion Nacional (RN) are open to talks with him. The center-left Partido Liberal de Chile and Nuevo Trato have announced support for Boric.

The results are reflective of the vastly polarized political landscape. Additionally, Sichel’s defeat highlights the heightened anti-incumbency sentiments, owing largely to the economic challenges, tensions with the Mapuche, and corruption charges against President Sebastian Pinera. While Kast and Boric are likely to get support from some center-right and center-left parties respectively, the political uncertainty will likely persist amid the polarized landscape.

Colombia: 22 CDG members, including prominent leader ‘Marlon’, arrested in Bolivar on November 21; reflects efforts to dismantle group

Authorities detained over 22 members of Clan del Golfo (CDG), including one of the group’s leaders Cesar Hernan Mejia Galindo, alias ‘Marlon’, in Bolivar on November 21. Around 100 CDG members were reportedly arrested in recent weeks in the northern parts of the country. On November 19, President Ivan Duque proclaimed the end of the CGD citing recent arrests, including the October 23 capture of CDG’s founder and top leader Dario Antonio Usuga, alias ‘Otoniel’.

The arrests are reflective of authorities’ sustained efforts to dismantle the CDG and its operations. As such, security operations are expected to continue in the group’s stronghold areas, especially Antioquia and Bajo Cauca, to locate CDG remnants, potentially leading to armed confrontations and retaliatory attacks. Despite the CDG being significantly weakened following Otoniel’s arrest and the increased militarization in the northern and northwestern rural departments, the security situation in these areas is unlikely to improve as other rebel groups, notably the Ejercito Liberacion Nacional (ELN) and Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) dissidents continue to assert their presence and engage in violent attacks.

USA: Five individuals killed, more than 40 injured as SUV drives into parade in Waukesha, WI on November 21; protests liable in response

According to reports, at least five individuals were killed and more than 40 injured after a suspect drove a sport utility vehicle (SUV) into the Waukesha Christmas Parade in Waukesha, WI on November 21. The SUV drove through police barriers at high speed before striking parade participants and spectators, including minors. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson stated that a “person of interest” was in custody. Police have not announced the suspect’s identity or motive for the incident.

As the investigation is ongoing, the motive remains unconfirmed, although emerging reports indicate that the attack was likely not militant-related. Given the recent verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and Waukesha’s proximity to Kenosha, WI, various individuals and groups have already begun to frame the incident within their own ideologies and rhetoric, potentially leading to protests in the Waukesha area and in major cities nationwide in the near-term, potentially witnessing unrest and violence between groups of opposing political standings. Additional details regarding the incident are liable to be released by police in the coming hours and days, possibly changing the wider response.

Venezuela: Ruling PSUV wins 20 of 23 governorships in regional elections of November 21; political tensions to persist

The ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PVUV) won 20 of the 23 disputed governorships, including the capital Caracas, during the nationwide elections of November 21. Voters were eligible to elect governors, mayors, regional, and local legislators across 23 federal entities and 355 municipalities. The main opposition Plataforma Unitaria (PU) participated in the elections following three years of abstention over electoral fraud concerns, winning the states of Cojedes, Nueva Esparta, and Zulia. Elections were monitored by a European Union observation mission, which has not noted any irregularities.

The elections strengthen President Nicolas Maduro’s control over the country, further complicating Juan Guaido’s claim over the presidency in the near term. However, the results may be partly explained by the 41 percent participation rate, with a majority of eligible voters not casting their ballots. Regardless, political tensions are expected to continue given heightened anti-government sentiments and concerns over electoral fraud, with critics claiming that the process was rigged before voters cast their ballots. This may lead to spontaneous protests, with the potential for violent clashes between opposing groups and authorities to remain.

Europe: Czech Republic, France tighten entry restrictions as cases continue to rise on November 22; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates

In Belgium, the online COVID-19 self-assessment tool will automatically generate a certificate of absence for employees who have been advised to undergo COVID-19 testing, as of November 22. In the Czech Republic, authorities have tightened entry restrictions for travelers from multiple countries including Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Romania, as of November 22. In Denmark, authorities in Greenland have imposed stricter restrictions on individuals who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 in 11 settlements, including in Nuuk and Upernavik. In France, travelers from Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Poland who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will now be required to present a negative PCR test result taken within 24 hours prior to travel, per November 21 reports. In Germany, hospitals and clinics in Berlin are postponing planned treatments due to rising COVID-19 infections as of November 21. Separately, a nightly curfew from 21:00-05:00 will be in effect for unvaccinated individuals in Biberach, Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis, and Ostalbkreis areas of Baden-Wurttemberg, starting on November 22. In Italy, ski resorts in the northern regions will reopen for the winter season.

Those operating or residing in Europe on November 22 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures.

Ireland: USI students’ union to hold protest at Leinster House in Dublin at 14:00 (local time) on November 23; allot for disruptions

According to reports, a protest is slated to take place at Leinster House in Dublin at 14:00 (local time) on November 23. The demonstration is organized by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) against the high cost of colleges and student housing.

Based on the mobilization capabilities of the group involved, the demonstration is expected to witness turnouts in the low hundreds. The protest is expected to transpire largely peacefully, although the potential for isolated scuffles remains. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of Leinster House to monitor proceedings, as well as ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of Leinster House from the afternoon hours onwards.

Those operating or residing in Dublin on November 23 are advised to allot for disruptions to travel in the vicinity of Leinster House from the afternoon hours onwards due to the planned protest.

UK: GMB Union tram workers to stage 24-hour strike over wage disputes in Nottingham on November 23; allot for disruptions

Tram workers associated with GMB Union are slated to stage a 24-hour strike in Nottingham on November 23. The strike will affect all lines and depots in the city. The labor action is being organized against a private operator over wage disputes. Another related 24-hour strike was held on November 6.

Based on the mobilization capability of the GMB, the labor action is likely to be widely adhered to. While there has been no announcement for associated protests, spontaneous gatherings at tram stations and operator offices cannot be ruled out. The potential protests will transpire peacefully.

Those operating or residing in Nottingham on November 23 are advised to allot for disruptions to tram services due to the slated labor action.

Bulgaria: President Radev wins second term in runoff elections held on November 21; reiterates his sustained public popularity

Preliminary results indicate that incumbent President Rumen Radev has won a second term in the runoff presidential elections held on November 21. Radev won 66 percent of the votes. Sofia University rector Anastas Gerdzhikov, supported by former PM Boyko Borissov’s Grazhdani za Evropeysko Razvitie n a Bulgaria (GERB) party, won 32 percent of the votes. Radev’s campaign was based on a strong anti-corruption agenda amid the ongoing political crisis following the defeat of Borissov’s government over corruption allegations in the April 2021 parliamentary elections.

Radev’s victory highlights his sustained popularity due to his anti-corruption agenda amid widespread voter discontent with former PM Borissov’s government over corruption allegations. The results also reflect the public approval for Radev’s leading role in the appointment of two caretaker governments, which effectively managed the COVID-19 and economic crisis, as parties failed to form governments following the April and July parliamentary elections. Radev’s re-election, coupled with the new anti-graft Produlzhavame Promyanata (PP) party winning the third general elections held on November 14, is liable to improve the political stability, as parties begin talks for government formation.

Europe: Violent unrest recorded at anti-lockdown protests in Belgium, Netherlands on November 21; unrest to continue in near-term

In Belgium, 35,000 demonstrators marched against COVID-19 measures in Brussels on November 21. Hundreds of people attacked police with smoke bombs and firecrackers and vandalized businesses and vehicles. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Three officers were injured. In the Netherlands, unrest was recorded in Groningen, Leeuwarden, Enschede, and Tilburg for the third night in a row. Additionally, 15 people were arrested in Roosendaal after protestors set fire to a primary school and set off fireworks.

The protests on November 21 reflect the elevated threat posed by anti-lockdown protests regionwide, with further protests likely to witness similar levels of unrest, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. This unrest is expected to play out in the form of clashes between protesters and police, as well as vandalism and possibly looting. Moreover, that protesters set a school on fire in Roosendaal suggests instances of arson are liable to occur at protests, with anti-vaxxers potentially targeting vaccination and testing sites going forward. With that, security at demonstrations is expected to remain bolstered in the coming weeks.

Poland: Senate speaker receives death threat, suspected explosive material in Warsaw, per November 21 reports; likely politically motivated

According to November 21 reports, Senate speaker Tomasz Grodzki received a letter containing a death threat and suspected explosive material on November 19. The letter was sent to the Senate Chancellery in Warsaw during the afternoon hours (local time) and was checked by security personnel. Investigations are ongoing and no suspects have been arrested, as of writing.

Given that similar threats have been sent to multiple opposition party members, including former PM Donald Tusk in recent weeks, the above is likely to have been politically motivated, possibly instigated by pro-government elements. Given Grodzki’s claims that the threat was due to contempt for the opposition along with Tusk’s statement that the governing Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc (PiS) party was to be blamed for the incitement of violence, the political climate is expected to remain tense. Separately, given that the Senate building has a bolstered security enforcement, it is likely that the letter posed a limited risk to Grodzki. Regardless, in light of recent events, enhanced security around government buildings and for opposition members is likely.

November 25  

• USA: Thanksgiving Day  

November 26  

• Turks and Caicos: Thanksgiving Day  

November 28  

• Albania: Independence Day  
• Honduras: General election  

November 29  

• Albania: Liberation Day 

November 30 

• Albania: Liberation Day 
• Barbados: Independence Day 
• Romania: Feast of St. Andrew 

December 1 

• Portugal: Independence Restoration Day 
• Romania: National Day 

December 6

• Finland: Independence Day
• Spain: Constitution Day