This October, LOLA leaders appeared in 9 media outlets across Latin America and Brazil, sharing insights on liberty, civic responsibility, and female empowerment.

From Venezuela’s political and economic challenges to women’s economic freedom in Colombia, and Brazil’s national leadership initiatives, our leaders sparked conversations that matter.

Through interviews and op-eds, LOLA continues to defend freedom and inspire critical thinking about society, governance, and individual rights.

See October’s media highlights and where LOLA made an impact. ⬇️

Featured Appearances

From drug trafficking to state power: Venezuela’s economic crossroads (ESP)
Keylah Dugarte, LOLA Buenos Aires Chapter Leader

In her op-ed “From Drug Trafficking to the State: The ‘Cartel of the Suns’ and Venezuela’s Economic Challenge,” published by Al Poniente, Dugarte reveals how criminal networks have become the financial backbone of the Venezuelan regime. Led by high-ranking military officials, the “Cartel of the Suns” operates a parallel economy fueled by drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal mining—distorting markets, discouraging investment, and financing state operations.

Dugarte explains that recent international crackdowns on smuggling routes are cutting off vital funding, exposing the regime’s dependence on illicit capital. She argues that only a legitimate political transition can restore transparency, attract lawful investment, and rebuild trust in Venezuela’s economy.

Key points include:
🔍 How illicit funds sustain Venezuela’s formal economy.
🔍 Why international pressure is disrupting the regime’s finances.
🔍 The need for political legitimacy to achieve lasting reform.

Dugarte concludes that Venezuela stands at a turning point: to abandon its criminalized economy and embrace a transparent path toward stability and growth.

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Capitalism | The forgotten engine of women’s emancipation (ESP)
Ailyn Amell Martinez, Chapter Leader, LOLA Bogotá, Colombia

In her op-ed “Capitalism: The Forgotten Engine of Women’s Emancipation,” published by El Bastión, Martínez, argues that real equality is impossible without economic freedom. Drawing from classical liberal thinkers such as John Locke, Adam Smith, and Ludwig von Mises, she explains that private property and free markets are the true foundations of women’s autonomy and dignity.

Martínez highlights how capitalism—through entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to resources—has been a silent force in women’s liberation, allowing them to achieve independence and make their own choices without reliance on the state or others.

Key points include:
🔍 How economic dependence has historically oppressed women.
🔍 Why free markets empower women to achieve independence and opportunity.
🔍 The dangers of state control and economic paternalism for true equality.

Martínez concludes that economic freedom is real freedom—and that capitalism, not statism, remains the most powerful driver of women’s emancipation.

Note on terminology: In many parts of Latin America and Europe, liberalism is the historic term for the tradition that elsewhere—especially in the United States—is often called libertarianism. While the names vary by region, both point to the same intellectual lineage rooted in individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.

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Democracy Doesn’t Sustain Itself: The Importance of Civic Vigilance (POR)
Geisiele Carvalho, chapter leader, LOLA Itapetininga, Brazil

In her op-ed “Democracy Doesn’t Sustain Itself: The Importance of Civic Vigilance,” by Boletim da Liberdade, Carvalho reflects on her experience as an electoral observer during Brazil’s 2022 elections. Drawing from her background in International Relations at the University of São Paulo (USP), Carvalho emphasizes that democracy thrives only through the active participation and vigilance of its citizens.

She describes the meticulous process of election monitoring—from verifying the initial “zerésima” reports at polling stations to overseeing the secure transfer of voting data—and highlights how transparency and diligence underpin Brazil’s fast and reliable electoral system.

Key points include:
🔍 How Brazil’s electronic voting system ensures transparency and efficiency.
🔍 Why citizen participation is essential to protect democracy.
🔍 The role of civic vigilance in safeguarding individual freedoms and human rights.

Carvalho concludes that democracy is not a permanent achievement but a daily responsibility—one sustained by citizens who care enough to watch over it.

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