Turmoil in Argentina

[Hervé]

Neoliberal Macri Regime Trounced in Argentinian Elections (https://www.globalresearch.ca/neoliberal-macri-regime-trounced-in-argentinian-elections/5693397)

By Stephen Lendman (https://www.globalresearch.ca/author/stephen-lendman) Global Research,

October 29, 2019


https://www.globalresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mauricio-Macri1-400x194.jpg


Last August, opposition candidate Alberto Fernandez and running mate/former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner defeated President Mauricio Macri by a 47.22% to 32.36% margin.

It was short of a majority triumph, requiring a electoral runoff. Center-right Roberto Lavagna came in third with 8.39% support.

In Sunday elections, Fernandez/de Kirchner triumphed decisively by 48% to Macri’s 40% support, above the 45% threshold to be able to declare victory in a two-party contest — results with 96% of votes counted as of Monday.

Argentinians rejected Macri’s neoliberal harshness, serving Western and internal monied interests at the expense of the general welfare — transforming the country into an economic basket case since taking office in December 2015.

Unemployment way exceeds the official Q II 10.6% level. Youth unemployment exceeds 25%. Underemployment affects most working Argentinians.

According to Trading Economics, annualized 2019 inflation exceeds 53% through September data, likely to top 55% by yearend.

Macri’s neoliberal harshness escalated after getting $57 billion in IMF financing in June 2018 — the largest amount ever by the notorious loan shark of last resort to any nation, what no responsible leader should have anything to do with.

Its predatory lending practices come with unacceptable strings, demanding privatization of state enterprises, mass layoffs, deregulation, deep social spending cuts, wage freezes or cuts, other corporate friendly policies, marginalizing trade unions, and harsh crackdowns on resisters.

It’s all about letting bankers and other corporate predators strip mine countries of their material wealth and resources, shifting them from public to private hands, crushing democratic values, hollowing out nations into dystopian backwaters, destroying middle class societies, and turning ordinary people able to find work into serfs earning poverty wages.

Reportedly, President-elect Fernandez will discuss restructuring of crushing Argentinian debt with creditors, much of it odious, notably IMF blood money, default a possibility for relief of an unacceptable public burden.

Argentina’s economy is on the brink of collapse. Desperate times call for tough measures to combat them.

Debt relief is essential, the country in deep recession, poverty and unemployment increasing, millions of ordinary people suffering from neoliberal rule dismissive of their rights and welfare.

One observer remarked that “(a)s in Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, almost everyone (in the Macri regime, investment community and IMF) had a hand in Argentina’s ongoing economic and financial debacle.”

Economic recovery depends on getting out from under the country’s crushing foreign debt burden.

On Monday, Telesur reported that President-elect Fernandez
“arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires…for a meeting with outgoing incumbent Mauricio Macri where the two are expected to discuss the potentially tricky transition of power as financial markets watch closely.”
On December 10, Fernandez assumes office, a potentially major power shift ahead if neoliberal harshness is mitigated or abandoned in favor of governance serving everyone equitably.

Sunday’s electoral results rejected Macri’s rule, calling for positive change, wanting Fernandez to deliver.

At party headquarters, he thanked supporters, saying: “We’re going to be the Argentina that we deserve because it’s not true that we’re condemned to this Argentina,” adding:
“We’re going to enter the world with dignity. The government is back in the hands of the people!”

The jury is out on whether he’ll deliver as promised.

*
Award-winning author Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG)

Related:


Electoral Defeat for Ruling Argentinian Neo-Liberal Regime (https://www.globalresearch.ca/electoral-defeat-for-ruling-argentinian-neo-liberal-regime/5686215)

[Hervé]

Argentina: New president pushes back against IMF nation-stripping and usury agenda (https://www.fort-russ.com/2019/11/argentinas-new-president-pushes-back-against-imf-nation-stripping/)

Matthew Ehret FRN (https://www.fort-russ.com/2019/11/argentinas-new-president-pushes-back-against-imf-nation-stripping/)
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 00:00 UTC


https://www.sott.net/image/s27/547634/large/1_Argentina_s_newly_elected_pr.jpg (https://www.sott.net/image/s27/547634/full/1_Argentina_s_newly_elected_pr.jpg)

President Alberto Fernandez • Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner © EIDla


When Christina Fernandez de Kirschner was ousted from power in 2015, many thought that Argentina was lost to the international financiers which her late husband Nestor Kirschner (2003-2007) fought so valiantly against.

The Kirschners together made a powerful team, valiantly fending off the Wall Street/City of London "vulture funds" which act as anti-nation state weapons of the oligarchy, feeding off the carcasses of dead nations whose murder they orchestrate through speculation on malignant debt serviced by draconian austerity and privatisations- all the while preventing all investment into the real economy.

While other Latin American nations fell under this killer policy for decades, Argentina was one of the earliest to fight back in a serious manner beginning with Nestor's application of the sovereign rights of a nation to abolish all un-payable debt- making him and his wife public enemies of the international financier oligarchy. Christina not only continued her husband's struggle amid CIA/MI6-orchestrated slanders of "corruption" across Argentine media which mobilised desperate and uninformed masses to protest against her government, but also opened up the door to large scale infrastructure projects recognising in China the key to Latin America's salvation.

Under Christina, "a golden age of Argentine-Chinese relations" was promised under the "Argentina-China Integral Strategic Alliance" (https://en.mercopress.com/2015/02/27/argentine-congress-approves-strategic-integral-alliance-agreements-with-china) with 20 joint projects signed including conditionality-free investments into energy, transport, agriculture and telecommunications. Unfortunately, with her ouster, the largest projects were cancelled including the Attucha II nuclear power plant as many industrialists, scientists and political allies of the Kirschners were run out of office and steered into prison on mock corruption trials during the Macri years.

Now that Wall Street-tool Mauricio Macri has fallen after 4 years of austerity imposed on the people, Christina Fernandez de Kirschner has returned to power as Vice President alongside her husband's Cabinet Chief Alberto Fernandez who now serves as acting President. On November 26, President Fernandez announced that although he would honor those debts incurred by Macri, the policy of taking on more debt would stop immediately. President Fernandez said:
"the first rule is to stop asking for money.... I won't sign any deal we can't comply with. Macri already did that.... If you have a problem because you are highly indebted, the solution isn't to take on more debt. I have a problem and I'm going to ask for $11 billion in more debt? It's like the guy who drank too much, and he's a little bit drunk. The solution isn't to keep on drinking; the solution is to stop." Zeroing in on the core of the fight, the incoming President said: "We have to produce once again, offer credit to reactivate production, give money to retirees so they can consume." The right to claim sovereign control of productive credit for the purpose of improving standards of living and cognitive potential is a fact which the financial oligarchy has worked tirelessly for generations to destroy in its pursuit for "world government" and "anti-growth ecologism". It is also this sordid unipolar intention which powerful nations like Russia, China and a growing array of states working with the Belt and Road Initiative have come to reject with an increasingly unified voice.

Alberto Fernandez and Christina Fernandez de Kirschner will be sworn into office on December 10, 2019, emboldening the nationalist feeling in other nations like Brazil whose former President Lula da Silva, now released from prison, is already mobilising a vast support base which threatens to de-throne IMF-puppet Jair Bolsonaro, and Chile's fascist Pinochet legacy is finding itself rocked to the core by a population tired of being manipulated by international financiers.500
About the Author:
Matthew Ehret is the founder of the Canadian Patriot Review, (http://www.canadianpatriot.org/) director of the Rising Tide Foundation (http://www.risingtidefoundation.net/), author of the book series The Untold History of Canada (http://untoldhistory.canadianpatriot.org/) and can be reached at canadianpatriot1776@tutanota.com

[Philippe]

For those who wonder why Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is pictured side by side of the new president elect suggesting that she is the man (or ;) woman) behind him. She is indicted in several court cases for criminal activities. As no judgments are coming forward in recent years I suspect that some arrangements have been made to let her run free and a former chief of cabinet be the president. All this casts doubt if the real interest of the people is being attended to. During the presidential mandate of Cristina Kirchner many highly corrupt things happened. As an illustration hereby the description of the crimes of her close associate and mega entrepreneur Lázaro Báez.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A1zaro_B%C3%A1ez

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/world/americas/argentina-cristina-fernandez-kirchner-mauricio-macri.html

This is not slander but are seriously reported facts ( even if the above English language sources are known to be biased) , and the majority of voters don’t seem to have a problem with the situation, are enflamed by propaganda or don’t see an alternative.

All that does not change the sad facts that the country has been ripped off by the excessive profits of so called vulture funds under the last presidency and of a population struggling with a highly increased cost of living and inflation.

[Ravenlocke]

https://twitter.com/DaleFourTrump/status/1548400342416519168
1548400342416519168

[Ravenlocke]

https://twitter.com/AZmilitary1/status/1565653343321595904
1565653343321595904

[Ravenlocke]

https://twitter.com/FiorellaIsabelM/status/1565531459556937728
1565531459556937728

https://twitter.com/FiorellaIsabelM/status/1565539259188232194
1565539259188232194

[Ravenlocke]

https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1582537011033821184
1582537011033821184

[Hamish]

Hello,

Looks like the IMF plan is working. Can we name one country in which IMF has "Helped" that isnt crumbing down.

https://twitter.com/Spriter99880/status/1659602699715854337?cxt=HHwWgoC-jZn3i4guAAAA

[Bill Ryan]

I don't know if this is a major developing story or not, but I felt it worthwhile to post this.

1) The text:

Multiple looting scenes taking place right now across the Greater Buenos Aires and some attempted instances in the interior of the country

The Buenos Aires Province Minister of Security, Sergio Berni, confirmed that there are 36 detainees for attacks on shopping centers and supermarkets.
He dismissed that they were merely spontaneous looting. "There were coordinated robbery attempts, there is an intentionality."

Communist strikeleader Raúl Castells takes responsibility for the calls for looting, in Argentina since the current socialist administration the welfare programs are distributed by left-wing organizations which in turn utilize the welfare money to control the poor and direct them towards strikes, cutting streets, showing muscle and now to commit lootings, Raúl Castells boldly admitted in national television that his organization is actively calling for looting and organizing the groups whilst claiming to order only food to be stolen, as the video shows they're getting anything they can.

https://t.me/CIG_telegram/34590
CIG_telegram/34590


2) The text:

One of the supermarkets which was broken into in Buenos Aires province was set ablaze after it had been looted

It is important to note that these scenes are playing out entirely in poor neighborhoods where there is an already large number of "planeros" (slang for welfare recipients) which rapidly mobilized, there are also reported scenes where shop owners took up arms to protect themselves and their shops from the looters in areas which police aren't currently patrolling.

It is unknown what the federal government response will be as this was initially started by them and seems to have gotten out of hand with the communists stoking the now literal fires and ordering their planeros to go organize and loot.

https://t.me/CIG_telegram/34591
CIG_telegram/34591

3) The text:

Argentinean Left-wing leader Raúl Castells admits on television that they are behind the organization of looting throughout Argentina.

https://t.me/CIG_telegram/34592
CIG_telegram/34592

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1734114981283508564

1734114981283508564

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1734116701866754162

1734116701866754162

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Milei dissolved the ministries of:
-science and technology
-education
-transportation
-environment (he's a climate science denier)
-employment and social security
-public works
-tourism and sports
-women and diversity
-territorial development
-social development
-culture
https://cronista.com/economia-politica/que-ministerios-elimino-javier-milei-y-cuales-quedan/

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1734298446612385907

1734298446612385907

[Ravenlocke]

Two days after Milei’s Dec. 10 inauguration, the price of meat had risen by 30%, and the total price hike for the week is approaching 100%. This has caused huge panic and shortages, as beef is one of the most important items in the Argentine diet. The price of fuel has increased between 35 and 65%.

https://eir.news/2023/12/news/argentine-economy-our-of-control-government-plans-to-repress-social-protest/
https://x.com/Navsteva/status/1736046409973961101

1736046409973961101

https://eir.news/2023/12/news/argentine-economy-our-of-control-government-plans-to-repress-social-protest/

Argentine Economy Out of Control, as Milei Plans To Repress Social Protest

Argentine friends report to EIR that in the week since President Javier Milei has taken office, basic economic markers have gone off the charts. What the government refers to as “repressed inflation” is hyperinflation revealed in the 3,500% annual inflation rate, which in its view, justifies the imposition of the savage austerity package announced three days ago.
Two days after Milei’s Dec. 10 inauguration, the price of meat had risen by 30%, and the total price hike for the week is approaching 100%. This has caused huge panic and shortages, as beef is one of the most important items in the Argentine diet. The price of fuel has increased between 35 and 65%. By Dec. 18 or 19, Milei will present another major package of austerity measures to Congress including higher taxes and a decree on the deregulation of the state. One Buenos Aires-based economist reported that there are no plans to adjust wages to address the higher inflation. Over January and February, subsidies for utilities and transportation will gradually be eliminated.

Anticipating that these austerity measures will provoke social protest, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announced Dec. 14 a draconian law enforcement protocol to repress any public dissent and “maintain order.” Human rights advocates are charging that the new law violates the constitutional right of free expression and to protest. Since protests in Argentina often take the form of picketing public buildings or blocking streets and highways, Bullrich’s protocol prohibits any such activity and warns that “authors, accomplices or instigators” of such actions will be identified and imprisoned if necessary. “We will ensure the law is

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️🇦🇷The Argentine government has found a way to deal with protests in the country: on the orders of Javier Milei, a registry will be created to include all protesters.

Security forces will also have the right to arrest those who "commit crimes" during protests, will be able to operate on public transportation, confiscate weapons "such as sticks," and detain citizens who hide their faces while participating in protests, authorities said.

InfoDefense
https://x.com/dana916/status/1736539563558904070

1736539563558904070

[Bill Ryan]

I tell you, this guy is bad news. :facepalm:

https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/96240

The text: (with two videos)
10 days after the inauguration of Javier Milei people take to the streets of Buenos Aires.
Milei, who took office earlier this month on a promise to slash public spending, has announced sweeping plans to reform the economy and crack down on protests in recent days, setting up a potential clash with social groups that have pledged to oppose his "shock therapy."

DDGeopolitics/96240

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1737852020613370009

1737852020613370009

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1737854621425831941

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1737690617168179363

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https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1737692714085286036

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https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1737708320595562853

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/AJEnglish/status/1737842862560030995

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[Ravenlocke]

Emil Cosman

Protests in Argentina against P*mp Milei started. He "sells" the Mining Industry first to INVESTORS

aJiCKWZ5oAs

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
🇦🇷 - Argentina's Minister of Human Capital Sandra Pettovello said the government will deprive the participants in protests from social benefits.

The new government decided to take such a step due to the announcement by public organizations and left parties of mobilization on December 20th.

Argentine authorities fear that peaceful protests could escalate into violent fighting.

That is why Javier Miley proposed the following option to social activists and the opposition - protests can only be held on the sidewalks, and the security forces involved in the operation can carry firearms.

The protesters did not agree to this condition, which led to such a controversial step by the government.

TG:
@Slavyangrad
https://x.com/Ramy_Sawma/status/1737004149856670155

1737004149856670155

[Bill Ryan]

New on Zero Hedge:


https://zerohedge.com/geopolitical/socialist-protests-erupt-argentina-milei-implements-austerity-cuts

Socialist Protests Erupt in Argentina as Milei Implements "Austerity" Cuts

In a scene that is probably a small taste of what is to come, socialist activists and workers unions carrying images of Che Guevara and Eva Peron converged on Buenos Aires to protest Javier Milei's impending “austerity” cuts. The cuts are a part of Milei's sweeping economic measures that will erase or rewrite over 300 rules regulating and restricting private enterprise within the nation.

Deregulation, protesters say, will pave the way for big business interests while reducing welfare programs and protections for the public. The protests are of course built upon a number of assumptions and are reactionary at best, given that Milei has been in office for a mere two weeks.

(... the article continues (https://zerohedge.com/geopolitical/socialist-protests-erupt-argentina-milei-implements-austerity-cuts))

[Bill Ryan]

I tell you, this guy is bad news. :facepalm:
Milei has now pulled out of BRICS, saying that he prefers to deal with 'liberal democracies' such as the US, Israel, Canada, and the EU.

[Vicus]

Argentina myopia

First time I heard about Javier Milei was from an ex friend 4 years ago.The good news was that this politician was against all LGTB circus and against
the society effeminacy...

That was refreshing news for me to watch some videos...and I could not believe my eyes and ears !
First I thought I'm watching a politic parody comedian show !
Looks like a madman, talk so vulgar like no listen from any politician ever! That entity may be a presidential candidate???

Only in a bizarre parallel Universe or bizarre future like in the movie "idiocracy"

Well, it seems that bizarre "now" happen to be in Argentina...

After the disaster from president Macri (who wanted USA basis in Argentina!) and took the infamous credit from IFM at the end his mandate!

Came last peronist president Fernadez(center links ) who try to survive all of that, BUT he put Argentina on the map again!
with the best chance for this country ever!

Argentina in the BRICS could have got a prosper/independence/influence not only in Sudamerica but then sh1t happens!...

How could that be?

All Latinos I meet were Exited about...but non Argentinian...they don't knew nothing about! how is that possible ?

First you can say they don't look any further than their dish...but no really...
Then I remember the constant persecution from all peronistas ex governors in all median,(think like Trump is constant persecute...) and ALL big median are in "right" hand...of course they don't want "the people" inform about leaving USA behind and found new alliances with the "enemy"...

Now, if "the people" don't got this information , all they know is turn to the right...I observed this turn on my ex friend, he knew about but have not understood the implications...

More than55,5% Argentinians don't wanted this madman...and if i know my country... the purge come...and again a fantastic opportunity for the
military too! (this time "we defend democrazy"... ) with little help from the North "big brother"...and so 40 years democracy is nothing again...

That scenario is on the move...there are now "new" orders against manifestations, "weapons"(a stick),everything hiding your face,etc
And if you are capture in any manifestations, you loose all social benefits ,support, etc . :sherlock:

Will see, say the blind one... :cool:

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1742596377513767210

1742596377513767210

[Bill Ryan]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1742596377513767210

President Javier Milei called on London to return sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and offer negotiations on this issue.He has to do that, as it's always been a huge issue in Argentina. Though it's just a political chess move, it may earn him some much-needed populist credit.

But there's no way the UK would ever concede an inch on this. At least, in Argentina's eyes, Milei would emerge looking like the good guy in the fight, which is probably what he anticipates.

[palehorse]

It didn't take too long

"Traitor": Argentina Paralyzed By Strikes As Thousands Protest Milei's "Shock Therapy"

I heard about it since last Wednesday when they were planning to take the streets, seems like they were waiting approval for the protests to go on.. it smells BS to me. Anyway here is the article.

https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/traitor-argentina-paralyzed-strikes-thousands-protest-mileis-shock-therapy

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/PamphletsY/status/1767221397162799343

1767221397162799343

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇦🇷Javier Milei caught red-handed increasing his own salary by 48%

The Libertarian leader has fired his labor secretary for his “mistake” in a bid to stem the fallout over his 48% salary increase.

Milei’s gross monthly salary rose from just over 4mn pesos in January ($4,700) to just over 6mn pesos in February.

Members of the opposition shared details of a decree mandating the increase that bears the president’s signature.

RiseGS

https://x.com/dana916/status/1767311935828086971

1767311935828086971

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/telesurenglish/status/1773032237145137425

1773032237145137425

[I am B]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1742596377513767210

President Javier Milei called on London to return sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and offer negotiations on this issue.He has to do that, as it's always been a huge issue in Argentina. Though it's just a political chess move, it may earn him some much-needed populist credit.

But there's no way the UK would ever concede an inch on this. At least, in Argentina's eyes, Milei would emerge looking like the good guy in the fight, which is probably what he anticipates.

I'd say it is a whole PR stunt coordinated with his WEF friends.

[ExomatrixTV]

Holy freakin moly... Javier Milei (https://rumble.com/search/all?q=Javier%20Milei) actually DID IT! :

_3nm9yaFqfw
It’s ironic that Conservatism is more forward thinking than Progressivism

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Argentine police clashed with protesters in Buenos Aires

The Argentine police used rubber bullets and tear gas during a clash with protesters in downtown Buenos Aires, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

At present, the square in downtown Buenos Aires sits deserted, as the police persist in pushing protesters away from the congress building.

The demonstration was taking place near the country's national congress in response to Argentine President Javier Milei's proposed reforms. Several streets around the congress were closed off, but protesters continued to arrive. The building was surrounded by metal barricades, behind which police were stationed.

The police started to push back protesters after they set a car on fire.

The protest was organized by left-wing forces and trade unions to oppose the proposed changes by the country's leadership in various areas. In particular, the opposition is rallying against privatization, the potential elimination of a teacher support fund, as well as regulations that would simplify the process of dismissing employees.

The upper house will discuss a reform bill for several hours, possibly into the late night. It will vote on the bill as a whole and then on each provision separately.


https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1801047620661453182

1801047620661453182

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1818707248874463413

1818707248874463413

https://x.com/Hawkeye1745/status/1818585890014343192

1818585890014343192

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1828946917235020064

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/camilapress/status/1828879278995608051

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/camilapress/status/1829169864973676866

1829169864973676866

https://x.com/camilapress/status/1829208493984993383

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https://x.com/camilapress/status/1829215236949262407

1829215236949262407

[ExomatrixTV]

Javier Milei: President of Argentina - Freedom, Economics, and Corruption | Lex Fridman Podcast:

8NLzc9kobDk

0:00 - Introduction
3:27 - Economic freedom
8:52 - Anarcho-capitalism
18:45 - Presidency and reforms
38:05 - Poverty
44:37 - Corruption
53:14 - Freedom
1:07:26 - Elon Musk
1:12:54 - DOGE
1:14:56 - Donald Trump
1:20:56 - US and Argentina relations
1:28:05 - Messi vs Maradona
1:36:58 - God
1:39:05 - Elvis and Rolling Stones
1:42:45 - Free market
1:49:46 - Loyalty
1:52:23 - Advice for young people
1:53:49 - Hope for Argentina

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Argentina's far-right libertarian President Javier Milei is trying to push through anti-worker labor reform that will increase the work day to 12 hours, with no overtime.

It will also allow companies to pay workers partially with tickets (not real money) that can only be used at supermarkets or specific designated businesses.

The anti-worker reform is euphemistically called the "Law on Promotion of Investment and Employment".

Here is the source, from the local media in Argentina: https://11noticias.com/noticias/Politica/Nueva-reforma-laboral-de-Milei--Posibilidad-de-jornada-de-12-horas-sin-extras-y-la-vuelta-de-los-tickets-como-parte-del-sueldo_38738.html

https://x.com/BenjaminNorton/status/1875718817751691296

1875718817751691296

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890611964994363769

1890611964994363769

https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890611969075413316

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https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890611972913156244

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https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890611977073946798

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https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890611980647428559

1890611980647428559


https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1890735680130539714

1890735680130539714

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status/1891078592605323437

1891078592605323437

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/argentina-s-president-milei-faces-impeachment-over--libra-sc

Argentina’s president Milei faces impeachment over $LIBRA scam

Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, is facing scrutiny after endorsing a cryptocurrency on social media, which subsequently crashed and caused significant losses for investors. On Friday night, Milei posted on X in support of the little-known coin, $LIBRA, claiming it would help “stimulate the economy and support small businesses in Argentina.”

The coin's value surged rapidly, reaching a market cap of $4.4 billion, but within hours, it collapsed to under $1, resulting in heavy financial losses for many investors.

Milei swiftly deleted the post and later stated that he was unaware of the details of the coin before promoting it. He explained, “Once I became aware of the situation, I removed the post and distanced myself from the project.”

Dive deeper

The incident has raised suspicions of a potential “rug pull” scam, where developers artificially inflate a coin's value before selling off their holdings, leaving investors with worthless tokens. Despite the crash, the coin still holds a market value of $250 million.

Reuters reported that opposition lawmakers in Argentina have suggested that Milei could face an impeachment trial in Congress over the incident. Meanwhile, the country’s fintech chamber has acknowledged the possibility of foul play.

The situation has highlighted not only Milei’s involvement but also the broader risks associated with cryptocurrency investments, showing how quickly the market can shift from hype to disaster.

https://x.com/Reuters/status/1891505432012759267

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[Vicus]

Keys to Understanding Argentine President Milei’s Crypto Fiasco

‘Meme coins’ or ‘junk coins’ lack real economic backing and merely seek to capitalize on public enthusiasm.

The cryptocurrency $LIBRA, promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei, belongs to the world of digital assets designed to generate money for its creator by leveraging the image of a public figure and the gullibility of their followers.

Due to the lack of regulation, offerings of this kind have more in common with a Ponzi scheme (a type of pyramid scam) than with a legitimate financial asset.

So-called “meme coins” or “junk coins” lack real economic backing and merely seek to capitalize on public enthusiasm surrounding a phenomenon. This is what happened with Milei, who advertised the cryptocurrency as a “private venture” and later deleted it from his social media accounts amid fraud suspicions.

Rodolfo Andragnes, founder of the NGO Bitcoin Argentina, explained that $LIBRA is one of over 50,000 pseudo-cryptocurrencies in existence, which can be created in just five minutes and whose developers allocate units for sale at their discretion under the Pump & Dump scheme.

“Almost 100% of these coins operate on the premise that there is a very large market of investors trying to buy at the launch price and sell when it rises. But since they have no real utility, they die out,” detailed the founder of the NGO dedicated to promoting the sustainable use and development of the crypto ecosystem.

During the few hours that Milei’s posts about $LIBRA remained on his social media, demand skyrocketed. Its price jumped from 0.3 cents to US$5.54, moving millions in transactions before crashing. Its current value stands at 0.0006 cents per dollar.

A financial report by the U.S. firm Kobbeissi Letter revealed that as soon as the currency was launched, the initial investors in the “venture” began withdrawing funds, raking in US$87.4 million in profits. “In just five hours, over US$4.4 billion in market capitalization was wiped out.”

This type of maneuver is called a “rug pull,” one of the most common scams in the crypto world. “Basically, they provided a bank account number for people to deposit money,” explained Ciro Edgardo Romero, a computer researcher specializing in new technologies.

“If properly done, a cryptocurrency project works like any other currency. Serious projects have a visible ‘Whitepaper’ explaining their operation, economic and technical backing. This provides transparency and trust by being supported by blockchain technology,” the expert added.

continue: https://www.telesurenglish.net/keys-to-understanding-argentine-president-mileis-crypto-fiasco/

Vicus comment:

its crystal clear that he try to copy Elon Musk with his "Dodge" crypto... :chuckle:

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇸🇦🇷 The U.S. State Department announced that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will visit Buenos Aires to "meet with government and private sector leaders."

The purpose of this visit is to "reaffirm U.S. support for Argentina's ambitious economic reforms."

This move likely aims to keep Milei in check, especially after the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) renewed a $5 billion swap agreement with China for one year, despite the U.S.'s direct request to terminate it.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1910659123890266112

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[Ravenlocke]

BREAKING:

🇦🇷 Argentine President Javier Milei ATTACKED, barely escapes

Javier Milei was forced to flee a campaign stop after objects slammed into his truck.

The crowed attack him with stones.

He stood beside his sister, Karina Milei, when protesters began hurling rocks and yelling anti-government chants.

The vehicle sped off as chaos broke out, and some in the crowd even turned on each other.

https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/1960797185693638672

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🇦🇷 Argentinian President Javier Milei was rushed out of an election campaign motorcade after the crowd hurled stones and bottles at him.

Milei was riding in a pickup truck in Lomas de Zamora, greeting residents, when clashes erupted between his supporters, police, and demonstrators.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1960803190091526383

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🇦🇷 Another angle showing how popular Javier Milei is in Argentina

🇦🇷 Maybe trying to campaign after a huge corruption case has been revealed isn't the best idea

➡️Karina Milei, Argentina's secretary general of the presidency and the president's sister, is once again in the spotlight due to a corruption allegation against her.

➡️The government of Argentine President Javier Milei is experiencing perhaps its deepest crisis since he took office. The cause: the leak of a series of audio recordings that uncovered an alleged corruption scheme within the National Agency for Disability, directly implicating the president's closest associate, his sister and Secretary General of the Presidency.

ℹ️The audio recordings, released on August 20 by journalist Mauro Federico, implicate Diego Spagnuolo, a lawyer, personal friend of the president, and until then director of the National Disability Agency (ANDIS) . In them, he is heard describing an alleged bribery scheme for laboratories and service providers linked to public health. The scheme, according to his statements, operated through the Suizo Argentina drugstore, which pressured suppliers to impose overpricing and secure contracts with the state.

➡️Spagnuolo not only accuses the company's operators, but also directly points to Karina Milei and Eduardo "Lule" Menem as beneficiaries of the returns. He even mentions a distribution of percentages: 1% for him, 3% for Karina, and the remainder—a total of 8%—distributed among other officials and those close to those in power.

➡️The scandal challenges one of the pillars of the libertarian narrative: the fight against "the caste" and corruption . Milei built his political career promising to end privilege and the entrenched corruption in Argentine politics. Now, his inner circle appears to be implicated in the very practices he claimed to combat.


https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1960808046516707581

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[Ravenlocke]

From DD Geopolitics,

🇺🇸🇻🇪 US Naval Deployment Escalates Near Venezuela

The U.S. Navy has officially deployed USS Lake Erie (CG-70), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, and USS Newport News (SSN-750), a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine, toward Venezuelan waters.

📍AIS data confirms USS Lake Erie activated its transponder as it transited the Panama Canal, en route to the southern Caribbean. The vessel’s last recorded course places it just west of Panama City with an expected arrival on August 28.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1961110876326617134

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[Ravenlocke]

🇦🇷🚨 Argentine police have launched raids on firms linked to a growing corruption scandal involving Karina Milei, sister and top advisor of President Javier Milei.

Investigators are reportedly probing irregular contracts and alleged influence peddling tied to Karina’s inner circle.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1961798563874373946

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[Vicus]

The "Purge" began...

1965419928179310835

A Strategic Defeat for Milei

The election result in Buenos Aires has enormous political symbolism. The province concentrates more than a third of the national electorate and is the country’s productive heartland. Javier Milei’s defeat in this district not only weakens his political project but also opens up cracks within his support base.

Milei’s speech after acknowledging the setback was ambiguous: he accepted the defeat but reaffirmed that he would not change the course of his economic program or his austerity policies.

While some analysts suggest that Milei could double down on the liberal gamble, others believe that this scenario favors the opposition, which is already beginning to emerge as a real alternative for 2027.

What is certain is that Buenos Aires marked a clear limit to the libertarian experiment.

Will Milei Endure His Mandate Until 2027?

The question that is growing on the streets and among political analysts is whether Javier Milei will be able to withstand the next two years of government.

The defeat in the country’s largest province is an early symptom of his political wear and tear.

Although he retains support in urban and rural sectors, his credibility is rapidly eroding when promises of “austerity” turn into brutal cuts that affect food, health, education, and social programs.

Social patience is running out, and, as the cycles of Argentine history teach us, popular mood can change in a flash.

A Historic Opportunity for Progressivism

The victory in Buenos Aires should be interpreted not as a destination but as a starting point. Argentine progressivism has the responsibility to renew its project, democratize its structures, and propose a transformative agenda for the new decade.

A Country in Dispute

The 2025 elections in Buenos Aires made it clear that Argentina is going through a historic battle over its direction as a nation.

Between a savage neoliberalism that punishes the weakest and a progressivism that seeks to rebuild a horizon of dignity and social justice, the future of democracy is at stake.

The task today is not only to defeat Milei’s project at the polls but to build a national project capable of inspiring, including, and convincing those who feel abandoned today.

The challenge is enormous, but so is the opportunity to write, from the South, a new page of hope.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/2025-elections-in-argentina-a-divided-country-and-the-challenges-of-a-new-decade/

Vicus comment:

Buenos Aires Province Gov. Axel Kicillof not only called the Victory in the provincial legislative elections but now is the number 1 man candidate for next Presidential elections representing the "progressive" Peronism line, eliminating once and for all differences.

[Ravenlocke]

Ben Norton

The US government is preparing a $20+ billion bailout of Javier Milei's failed libertarian experiment in Argentina.

This is a form of election meddling. Trump desperately needs Milei to win the election in October, and he's planning to use large sums of US government money to do it.

Scott Bessent, the billionaire hedge fund manager from Wall Street whom "populist" Trump appointed to run the Treasury, revealed the US plans to give $20 billion in a swap line to Argentina's central bank, so it has the dollars it needs to pay the debt it owes to wealthy bondholders.

Bessent said the US government is also willing to directly buy Argentine bonds in both the primary and secondary markets. This is an attempt to save Argentina's bond market and reduce borrowing costs for Milei, a self-declared "anarcho-capitalist".

Bessent even revealed that the Trump administration is pressuring US companies to "make substantial foreign direct investments" in Argentina "in the event of a positive election outcome" -- ie, if Milei wins.

This is actually existing libertarianism: Milei has destroyed Argentina's economy, but he's made a lot of elites very rich, so the US government is bailing him out and blatantly meddling in a foreign country's election to make sure he stays in power.

Viva la libertad, carajo!

Source: https://reuters.com/world/americas/us-ready-support-argentina-needed-bessent-says-2025-09-24/

https://x.com/BenjaminNorton/status/1971003365103734845

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[Ravenlocke]

DD Geopolitics

🇺🇸🇦🇷 Trump congratulated Milei on his party's triumph in the legislative elections today and his upcoming $40 billion bailout.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1982666064413741514

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[Ravenlocke]

Russian Market

Javier Milei is celebrating the victory in the Argentine elections — and in Washington, the mood is just as jubilant. According to President Donald Trump, the result has “made the United States a lot of money.”

Markets wasted no time responding. Argentina’s main stock index jumped nearly 20 percent at the opening bell on Monday. The peso surged 12 percent against the dollar, and the country’s dollar bonds gained up to 13 cents across the yield curve. On Wall Street, the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF soared 17 percent, while Banco Macro (BMA) shot up 41 percent and BBVA Argentina (BBAR) climbed 35 percent — all in a single trading day.

Washington’s bet pays off

The US wager on Milei, engineered by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has paid off handsomely. In early October, Bessent orchestrated a $20 billion currency swap between the Federal Reserve and Argentina’s central bank to stabilize the peso ahead of the vote. The intervention calmed markets and helped preserve confidence in Milei’s reform agenda.

“The market will take it from here, with growing confidence in Milei’s direction,” Bessent said on Monday. “The Argentine people have spoken — and they’ve voted for stability.”

A political breakthrough

With 94 percent of votes counted, Milei’s party La Libertad Avanza secured 40.8 percent — outperforming every poll. In Buenos Aires province, a traditional Peronist stronghold, Milei narrowly led with 41.5 percent. Politically, the result gives him more than one-third of the seats in both chambers, enough to push through reforms and defend executive decrees.

Trump’s geopolitical jackpot

In Washington, Milei’s victory is being hailed as a strategic triumph. Trump, who had long praised Milei as a “true fighter against socialism,” now sees him as a key ally in reshaping Latin America’s political and economic order. “If he wins, we stand with him. If not, we walk away,” Trump said back in October.

That bet has paid off. The United States, through a $40 billion mix of public and private capital, has profited from the rally in Argentine assets. Between bond gains and peso exposure, US investors and the government itself have likely pocketed hundreds of millions of dollars on paper.

The chainsaw with a market rally

Milei, who brandished a chainsaw during his campaign as a symbol of his austerity drive, called the election “a victory of freedom over corruption.” But Argentina’s social reality remains harsh: inflation, joblessness, and poverty continue to bite. The country must still service roughly $48 billion in debt by 2027 — a Herculean task even for the self-styled libertarian savior.

For Trump and Milei, however, the election is more than just a political win. It’s a cross-continental alignment — capitalism as a campaign platform, the dollar as the common language.

And while Argentines cheer their new beginning, Washington is quietly counting — not the votes, but the profits.

https://x.com/runews/status/1982809501150400974

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[Ravenlocke]

Truth_teller 🇷🇺

Milei has won the midterm elections in Argentina, after introducing the new electoral cheat proof system and while wrecking the economy and needing a $40 billion Trump bailout.

Trump had warned he could axe the aid package if Milei fares poorly in Sunday’s vote, when half of the seats in the 257-member lower house are up for grabs as well as 24 seats in the 72-member senate.

The majority of people in Argentina (53%) are now living in poverty. Their purchasing power and standard of living have been crushed by Milei’s brutal austerity.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Argentines said in June 2024, after half a year of Milei’s rule, that they were worse off economically.

Check out Milei’s JP Morgan alumni advisors giving him great advice:

https://x.com/Truthtellerftm/status/1982718878389051459

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[Ravenlocke]

Square profile picture
Drop Site

🇦🇷 Argentina’s judiciary has uncovered evidence suggesting President Javier Milei may have been paid to promote the cryptocurrency $Libra, a project now under fraud investigation.

El Pais reports that investigators recovered deleted notes from businessman Mauricio Novelli’s phone outlining a $5 million agreement tied to Milei publicly endorsing the token and entering advisory deals. The amounts align with millions later moved through crypto wallets.

The case centers on a Feb. 2025 incident that involved Milei promoting $Libra on X, causing its price to spike before crashing within hours. Thousands of investors lost money, while a small group with early access made large profits.

Phone records show Milei and Novelli spoke repeatedly before and after the launch, contradicting Milei’s claim he had no connection to the project.

Prosecutors in Argentina and the U.S. are now investigating the collapse as a possible insider-driven scam, while opposition leaders are pushing for Milei to testify before Congress.

https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2033787375487226071

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