Extreme inequality in Latin America: the gap between the rich and the poor threatens social cohesion.

In Mexico, two men stand out above the rest, not only for their immense wealth, but for the abysmal gap that separates their fortune from that of the poorest half of Latin Americans. Carlos Slim and Germán Larrea, two magnates in the region, together accumulate around 130 billion dollars, a figure equivalent to the wealth of 334 million people. This colossal disparity not only reflects the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few, but also highlights the extreme inequality that afflicts Latin America. In the region, inequality is not just a problem of numbers and cold statistics, but it directly affects millions of people who struggle daily to access basic services such as health, education, and food. An Oxfam report reveals that an average person in Latin America would have to work 90 years to equal the earnings of a billionaire in just one day. These stark figures compel us to reflect on the social injustice prevailing in our region. Latin America holds the unfortunate title of being the most unequal region in the world. While the richest one percent concentrates immense wealth, the poorest half struggles to survive in precarious conditions. Why such a marked disparity? The answer largely lies in the ability of wealthy Latin Americans to maintain an economic system that benefits them at the expense of marginalizing the most vulnerable classes. These magnates, accustomed to exploiting natural resources and cheap labor, have built their empires on the structural inequality that allows them to keep the population in poverty and dependency. Furthermore, thanks to their influence over states, they manage to evade taxes and obtain fiscal benefits that perpetuate the gap between the rich and the poor. The lack of wealth redistribution and scant investment in social policies deepen inequality and perpetuate a vicious cycle that only benefits a few. Faced with this bleak reality, organizations like Oxfam propose concrete measures to combat extreme inequality. Among them, the implementation of a tax on large fortunes stands out, which would tax the wealthiest based on their assets. These measures could generate significant income that could be used to combat poverty and promote social inclusion in the region. However, the resistance of the wealthiest sectors to contribute equitably remains an obstacle to achieving a fairer distribution of wealth. Some magnates' reluctance to assume their social responsibility and contribute to collective well-being only perpetuates inequality and undermines social cohesion in Latin America. Inequality not only represents an ethical problem, but also has devastating consequences in terms of human development. The lack of access to opportunities and basic resources fuels poverty, violence, and social discontent, creating a breeding ground for instability and widespread dissatisfaction. At a time when democracy is being questioned and inequality threatens the region's stability, it is imperative to seek inclusive solutions that promote equitable and sustainable development for all Latin Americans. Ultimately, extreme inequality only benefits a privileged few at the expense of the suffering of millions. If urgent measures are not taken to address this structural problem, the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to widen, jeopardizing social cohesion and progress throughout the region. The time to act is now, before inequality becomes an insurmountable barrier to development and justice in Latin America.