News of James Grainger

James Grainger

Editor-in-Chief, Buenos Aires Times.

Time to batten down the hatches

05-09-2026 00:09 Economists and financiers are not the only people who suspect that bad times are in the offing. The “rules-based order” underpinned by the US is falling apart.

by James Grainger

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi cries during the trophy ceremony at the end of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026.

GRACIAS LEO! THANK YOU!

Messi announces retirement from international football

31-08-2026 12:30 National team skipper announces he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final; "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time," he reveals in post on Instagram.

by James Grainger

Karina Milei, Peter Lamelas, Javier Milei, Stephanie Lamelas at the US Embassy's Fourth of July party in 2026.

DIPLOMACY

Milei star guest at US Embassy’s 250th independence day celebration

03-07-2026 16:41 Javier Milei first sitting Argentine president to attend US Embassy’s annual party in Buenos Aires; Ambassador Peter Lamelas hails relationship between two nations as United States marks 250 years of US independence.

by James Grainger

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Argentina's candidate to be the next secretary-general of the United Nations, address the UN General Assembly during public hearings for the post.

RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Rafael Grossi pitches ‘enlightened pragmatism’ for fractured UN

21-04-2026 21:49 IAEA chief warns of growing distrust in the United Nations while outlining a more “pragmatic” approach to global crises; UN is not going in the right direction, he warns, offering “impartial” leadership and a front-footed approach to global crises.

by James Grainger

RIGHTS REPORT

Amnesty Int'l warns Milei government scaling back protections

21-04-2026 11:57 Report by NGO’s local chapter says government’s cuts have deepened inequality, with protests, the press and gender violence and abortion protections under increasing pressure.

by James Grainger

AMCHAM SUMMIT 2026

Milei vows to stay course, tackles ‘bad’ inflation data head-on in AmCham speech

14-04-2026 19:37 President confronts negative inflation data head-on at AmCham Summit in Buenos Aires, defending austerity measures, insisting inflation “will plummet” and vowing to remain on his economic course.

by James Grainger

CRIME & SECURITY

Anaesthetist’s death sparks police probe into secret stolen drug parties

01-04-2026 12:44 Thirty-one-year-old anaesthetist Alejandro Zalazar was found dead in his flat in Palermo last month, alongside medical supplies allegedly stolen from the Hospital Italiano; Police investigating reported “drug parties” involving “controlled trips,” in which users were given propofol and fentanyl.

by James Grainger

People stand next to a large banner with portraits of people who disappeared during Argentina's 1976-1983 military dictatorship while heading to Plaza de Mayo Square to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the military coup in Buenos Aires on March 24, 2025.

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUP

Trials into crimes against humanity press on amid political tensions

21-03-2026 00:09 Thousands investigated, hundreds convicted, but ageing suspects, slow courts and political pressure threaten progress. As the 50th anniversary of coup d’état draws nears, government criticism raises concerns over accountability for crimes against humanity.

by James Grainger

Following the March 24, 1976, coup d’état, Argentina came under the rule of the self-styled “National Reorganisation Process,” whose initial leaders were Jorge Rafael Videla, Emilio Eduardo Massera and Orlando Ramón Agosti.

50th anniversary of coup

Poll shows strong rejection of dictatorship on 50th anniversary of coup

21-03-2026 00:01 Survey finds 71% of Argentines hold negative view of dictatorship, only 7% positive; Broad support for human rights trials ahead of March 24 coup anniversary rallies.

by James Grainger

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a leading contender to be the next United Nations secretary general.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Rafael Grossi: ‘The UN is moving into irrelevance, but it need not be so’

10-01-2026 06:59 Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is one of the leading candidates to succeed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. In an exclusive interview, the Argentine diplomat discusses the UN’s top job, his vision for it and career to date.

by James Grainger

Rafael Grossi delivers a speech at an event hosted by Argentine Council for International Relations (Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales, CARI), the nation's top foreign policy think tank.

RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Grossi lays out bold reformist vision for troubled UN

24-12-2025 00:55 Experienced diplomat Rafael Grossi calls for reshaping of global body; Argentina’s government, CARI foreign policy think tank throw backing behind his candidacy for top job; “We need a secretary-general who puts on their boots and goes where the problem is,” says IAEA chief.

by James Grainger

Francisco Paoltroni (left) and Marco Chiesa (right).

DIPLOMACY

Swiss delegation visits Buenos Aires to advance EFTA-MERCOSUR trade deal

01-12-2025 21:24 Representatives highlight “excellent relations” with Milei administration during visit to capital; Swiss delegation looking to move forward with sweeping trade deal that could create new market of some 285 million people, with June 2026 date targeted.

by James Grainger

Kemi Badenoch MP, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, delivers a speech at Canning House in London.

FROM BLIGHTY WITH LOVE

UK Conservative leader Badenoch showers praise on ‘fantastic, fearless’ Milei

17-11-2025 17:00 Kemi Badenoch says in Canning House speech that Margaret Thatcher would be “proud” of President Milei’s reform push; Tory leader showers praise on “fantastic” Argentine leader and praises reform push.

by James Grainger

Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos appears before the lower house Chamber of Deputies to answer questions.

Politics

Milei names Adorni Cabinet chief as Francos resigns

31-10-2025 21:38 Guillermo Francos tenders resignation to President Javier Milei, with Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni named as replacement; Cabinet position for top advisor Santiago Caputo increasingly more likely.

by James Grainger

Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof speaks to supporters next to Vice-Governor Verónica Magario and elected legislators after the midterm legislative election at the Fuerza Patria headquarters in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, on October 26, 2025.

ELECTION 2025: ANALYSIS

Voters hand Milei belated birthday present, post-mortem for Peronism overdue

27-10-2025 00:21 Peronism’s renovation is well overdue. It seems Argentines would much rather carry on along Milei’s path of uncertainty and sacrifice than go back to reach the future.

by James Grainger

José Luis Espert arrives at the Casa Rosada.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Espert called to Casa Rosada as opposition demands resignation

02-10-2025 16:11 Calls ramp up for top name on the ruling La Libertad Avanza party’s list of candidates in the upcoming election to step side amid revelations over links to suspected narco-trafficker; Polling shows scandal may damage chances in midterms.

by James Grainger

President Javier Milei and presidential chief-of-staff Karina Milei on the campaign trail.

POLITICS: MIDTERMS 2025

Milei’s poll numbers take a hit amid bribery scandal claims

29-08-2025 07:33 One week out from key elections in Buenos Aires Province, the popularity of Argentina’s President has hit a slump – but will scandalous graft claims be enough to damage his chances at the ballot-box?

by James Grainger

UK Ambassador to Argentina Kirsty Hayes hosts an event at the Teatro Colón celebrating 200 years of bilateral relations with Argentina.

DIPLOMACY

British ambassador hails bicentennial with Argentina in farewell bow

28-06-2025 09:51 Ambassador Kirsty Hayes looks to the past, present and future in her last event as London’s envoy in Buenos Aires, delivering a farewell speech that recognises 200 years of bilateral relations between UK and Argentina.

by James Grainger

Patricia Bullrich formally joins La Libertad Avanza at an event in Recoleta, Buenos Aires City. Among those watching on is Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, President Javier Milei's sister/

POLITICS

Pato changes her spots (again) – Bullrich quits PRO, joins Milei's party

06-05-2025 22:05 Former party colleagues accuse national security minister of “turning her back on those who voted for her” and damaging her “reputation,” as political chameleon shifts sides once again.

by James Grainger

David Cairns, the next UK ambassador to Argentina.

DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT

David Cairns named UK ambassador to Argentina, succeeding Kirsty Hayes

06-05-2025 14:44 David Cairns, former UK ambassador to Sweden, to replace departing Kirsty Hayes in September; Currently vice-president at Norwegian energy firm Equinor, he will now serve as the British government's top envoy in Buenos Aires.

by James Grainger

POPE FRANCIS (1936-2025)

Francis: The most important Argentine in history

26-04-2025 05:00 Monarchs, heads of state, religious leaders and the Catholic faithful will descend on the Vatican today in huge numbers as the world bids a final farewell to Pope Francis, the Flores-born kid who ascended to one of the powerful positions in the world.

by James Grainger

Luis Caputo, Argentina's economy minister.

NEW IMF DEAL

Caputo says Argentina’s new IMF deal includes US$20 billion

27-03-2025 10:30 Economy Minister Luis Caputo says new IMF programme for Argentina will include US$20 billion in fresh funding.

by James Grainger

Buenos Aires City Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta.

POLITICS

Rodríguez Larreta confirms midterms run after PRO expulsion talk

18-03-2025 21:58 Former Buenos Aires City mayor confirms run in May 18 City midterms; He will likely do so under a new banner – a reaction to reported move by PRO members to expel him.

by James Grainger

President Javier Milei at the Wailing Wall, on a previous trip to Israel.

Foreign policy & diplomacy

Milei to visit Spain, make second trip to Israel

04-03-2025 14:49 President Javier Milei will travel to Tel Aviv on March 23, according to the government; La Libertad Avanza leader hopes to meet PM Netanyahu and ink memorandum on security and defence collaboration.

by James Grainger

The Senate debates a bill to suspend the PASO primaries.

CONGRESS & POLITICS

Boost for Milei as Senate backs suspension of PASO primaries

20-02-2025 23:46 Milei administration wins support to approve a bill to eliminate PASO primaries for this year’s elections; Victory for government in middle of crypto scandal.

by James Grainger

Riot police guard the Human Capital Ministry, where members of social movements gather to request food for soup kitchens before Christmas in Buenos Aires on December 22, 2023.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Amnesty Int’l urges Milei to respect rights after year of ‘confrontation’

19-12-2024 14:18 Data compiled by rights NGO shows more than 1,100 people were injured in protest “repression” during Milei’s first year in office

by James Grainger

A shopper checks his bill at a supermarket in Buenos Aires.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation slowdown continues, decelerating to 2.4% in November

11-12-2024 16:08 Data from the INDEC national statistics bureau shows consumer prices increased by 2.4% last month, below the expectation of analysts and markets.

by James Grainger

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Axel Kicillof reunite at an Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo event, with Estela Barnes de Carlotto the go-between.

POLITICS

Peronist leaders put tensions to one side for Abuelas anniversary

25-10-2024 07:31 Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof and former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner reunite at Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo event in La Plata; Opposition Peronist leaders at odds over leadership of Partido Justicialista.

by James Grainger

Shoppers at a supermarket in Buenos Aires.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Monthly inflation slows to lowest level since November 2021

10-10-2024 16:17 Consumer prices rose 3.5% in September; Annual inflation now at 209%, with hikes of 101.6% so far this year.

by James Grainger

The Armenian Embassy in Argentina celebrates its 33rd anniversary of the nation's independence on Tuesday with an impressive celebration at the Hotel Alvear in Recoleta.

DIPLOMACY & COMMUNITY

Ambassador hails community at Armenian independence day celebration

20-09-2024 00:31 Armenian Embassy in Argentina celebrates 33rd anniversary of nation's independence.

by James Grainger

POLITICS

Rodríguez Larreta launches new ‘MAD’ political 'movement'

27-08-2024 15:32 Former Buenos Aires City mayor launches new think tank, pitching the 'Movimiento al Desarrollo' as a sober developmentalist voice in Argentine politics.

by James Grainger

Migrants from Venezuela along the bank of the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas in December.

Cryptocurrencies

Venezuela crypto remittances skyrocket as migration crisis worsens

24-07-2024 21:11 Amount transmitted via crypto in Venezuela likely reached a record 9%of all the money sent home last year, according to data from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis.

by María Paula Mijares Torres, Bloomberg

President Javier Milei poses for a photograph with 18 provincial governors and the mayor of Buenos Aires City after signing the 'Acto de Mayo' or 'May Pact' at San Miguel de Tucumán in the early hours of July 9, 2024.

POLITICS & ECONOMY

Milei talks unity but shows up division with ‘symbolic’ pact

09-07-2024 15:52 President Javier Milei hails “symbolic of a change in era” as he inks his ‘Pacto de Mayo’ with 18 regional leaders at midnight ceremony in Tucumán. But amid a patriotic show of unity, his tone and absences highlight division.

by James Grainger

Images from the Independence Day party at the US Embassy.

COMMUNITY & DIPLOMACY

US Embassy marks Independence Day with Palacio Bosch party

06-07-2024 05:23 US Ambassador Marc Stanley pays tributes to Argentine politicians from previous and current governments as he welcomes more than 1,000 guests to the Palacio Bosch for annual Independence Day knees-up.

by James Grainger

FOOTBALL

River Plate secure qualification for 2025 Club World Cup

15-05-2024 15:57 Qualification for Copa Libertadores last 16 secures place at 2025 tournament in United States and a US$40-million windfall; River’s former manager Marcelo Gallardo sacked by Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad – is he off to Italy?

by James Grainger

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan leads a press briefing in Buenos Aires.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

‘Impossible to hide’ differences with Russia, says Armenia's top diplomat

30-03-2024 18:00 Armenia’s Ararat Mirzoyan highlights security challenges and provides further evidence that Yerevan is embarking on geopolitical realignment; Foreign minister denies nation will look to join NATO.

by James Grainger

Parliamentary representatives from European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) stop at Congress in Buenos Aires for talks with Argentine officials.

MERCOSUR TRADE DEALS

EFTA euro nations eye Mercosur deal before year-end

22-03-2024 15:00 Parliamentary representatives from European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) stop in Buenos Aires as part of regional tour focusing on efforts to secure free-trade deal with the Mercosur bloc.

by James Grainger

Argentina's President Javier Milei meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Casa Rosada, in Buenos Aires on February 23, 2024.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Blinken highlights Argentina opportunities, but warns Milei over rights

23-02-2024 14:10 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington wants to help Argentina “feed and fuel” the world, but leaves Buenos Aires with a pointed message to President Javier Milei about importance of human rights.

by James Grainger

Argentina's President Javier Milei (2nd R) leaves after voting during the elections in Boca Juniors football club, at La Bombonera stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 2023.

MILEI (AND MACRI) VERSUS AFA

Milei moves to allow privatisation of Argentina’s football clubs

21-12-2023 15:40 AFA and sporting institutions ready to challenge libertarian leader’s move; President intends to let clubs “take it or leave it,” says official.

by James Grainger

OBITUARY

Maud Daverio de Cox, author indelibly linked to dictatorship era, dies at 92

01-12-2023 11:38 Author Maud Daverio de Cox, the wife of former 'Buenos Aires Herald' editor Robert Cox who helped expose abuses perpetrated by 1976-1983 military dictatorship, passes away aged 92.

by James Grainger

Football

Gallardo agrees deal to coach Saudi side Al-Ittihad

15-11-2023 16:42 Former River Plate manager makes shock decision to join Saudi Arabian side; According to reports, contract lasting until June 2025 will make him one of the world’s top three best-paid coaches.

by James Grainger

Sergio Massa addresses supporters on election night.

ELECTION 2023

Massa, the political pro, pushes himself into pole position

28-10-2023 04:25 Sergio Massa has already achieved the unachievable, running on a disastrous economic record that would propel most politicians directly out of office. Professional, slick and unflustered, who would bet against him now?

by James Grainger

Horacio Rodríguez Larreta gives a press conference.

ELECTION 2023

‘The two options are bad’ – Rodríguez Larreta refuses to back Milei or Massa

25-10-2023 19:53 Horacio Rodríguez Larreta declares both Massa and Milei would be bad for the country and refuses to endorse either candidate; Buenos Aires City mayor says he will fight to expand opposition coalition.

by James Grainger

Opposition Juntos por el Cambio leader Patricia Bullrich announces at a press conference that she will support libertarian presidential candidate Javier Milei in the November 19 run-off.

ELECTION 2023

Bullrich confirms she’s backing Milei in presidential run-off

25-10-2023 13:00 “We have the obligation not to remain neutral,” declares opposition leader Patricia Bullrich as she declares her support for libertarian presidential candidate Javier Milei in run-off.

by James Grainger

Election 2023

Reports: Patricia Bullrich set to back Javier Milei in presidential run-off

25-10-2023 11:37 Multiple outlets report that opposition leader Patricia Bullrich will support libertarian presidential candidate Javier Milei in the November 19 run-off.

by James Grainger

Election 2023: BUENOS AIRES CITY

Santoro pulls out of City mayoral run-off, handing Jorge Macri victory

24-10-2023 15:22 Unión por la Patria mayoral candidate Leandro Santoro decides not to compete in a run-off against rival Jorge Macri; With count ongoing, campaign says team have realised they cannot win, but sceptics will see move as a cynical bid to dampen turnout by Juntos por el Cambio voters on November 19.

by James Grainger

Jorge Macri celebrates his victory in the Buenos Aires City mayoral race.

Election 2023: BUENOS AIRES CITY

Jorge Macri wins big City mayoral race but will face run-off

23-10-2023 04:41 Juntos por el Cambio close to retaining control in its stronghold; Jorge Macri almost wins in first round but will now face run-off against Leandro Santoro; Opposition also wins in Entre Ríos Province, but Catamarca will remain Peronist.

by James Grainger

Presidential candidate Javier Milei, pictured during his closing campaign rally at Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 18.

ELECTION 2023: PREVIEW

Argentina prepares to step into the unknown

20-10-2023 07:28 Nation heads to the polls for a crucial election that will define the country’s immediate and economic future. One thing’s for certain, it certainly won’t be boring.

by James Grainger

Argentina's presidential candidates (left to right) Juan Schiaretti, for Hacemos por Nuestro País; Patricia Bullrich, for Juntos por el Cambio; Javier Milei, for La Libertad Avanza; Myriam Bregman, for Frente de Izquierda y de los Trabajadores-Unidad; and Sergio Massa, for the Unión por la Patria, participate in the presidential debate at the Assembly Hall of the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) Law Faculty, in Buenos Aires on October 8, 2023, ahead of the October 22 presidential election.

ELECTION 2023

Candidates go on attack in lively second presidential debate

08-10-2023 22:00 Sparks fly in as Massa and Bullrich go on offensive; Milei asks voters to reject same well-trodden path; Bregman plays to base as Schiaretti pitches federal route to prosperity.

by James Grainger

Javier Milei, pictured during his September 2023 interview with US commentator Tucker Carlson.

When Tucker met Javier

'Pope is on side of 'bloody dictators,' Milei tells Tucker Carlson

14-09-2023 21:08 Right-wing US commentator airs 33-minute interview with libertarian presidential frontrunner on X social media platform; Milei lets rip at Pope Francis, gender ideology, abortion and "communists."

by James Grainger

News of James Grainger

James Grainger

Time to batten down the hatches

Messi announces retirement from international football

Milei star guest at US Embassy’s 250th independence day celebration

Rafael Grossi pitches ‘enlightened pragmatism’ for fractured UN

Amnesty Int'l warns Milei government scaling back protections

Milei vows to stay course, tackles ‘bad’ inflation data head-on in AmCham speech

Anaesthetist’s death sparks police probe into secret stolen drug parties

Trials into crimes against humanity press on amid political tensions

Poll shows strong rejection of dictatorship on 50th anniversary of coup

Rafael Grossi: ‘The UN is moving into irrelevance, but it need not be so’

Grossi lays out bold reformist vision for troubled UN

​​Swiss delegation visits Buenos Aires to advance EFTA-MERCOSUR trade deal

UK Conservative leader Badenoch showers praise on ‘fantastic, fearless’ Milei

Milei names Adorni Cabinet chief as Francos resigns

Voters hand Milei belated birthday present, post-mortem for Peronism overdue

Espert called to Casa Rosada as opposition demands resignation

Milei’s poll numbers take a hit amid bribery scandal claims

British ambassador hails bicentennial with Argentina in farewell bow

Pato changes her spots (again) – Bullrich quits PRO, joins Milei's party

David Cairns named UK ambassador to Argentina, succeeding Kirsty Hayes

Francis: The most important Argentine in history

Caputo says Argentina’s new IMF deal includes US$20 billion

Rodríguez Larreta confirms midterms run after PRO expulsion talk

Milei to visit Spain, make second trip to Israel

Boost for Milei as Senate backs suspension of PASO primaries

Amnesty Int’l urges Milei to respect rights after year of ‘confrontation’

Inflation slowdown continues, decelerating to 2.4% in November

Peronist leaders put tensions to one side for Abuelas anniversary

Monthly inflation slows to lowest level since November 2021

Ambassador hails community at Armenian independence day celebration

Rodríguez Larreta launches new ‘MAD’ political 'movement'

Venezuela crypto remittances skyrocket as migration crisis worsens

Milei talks unity but shows up division with ‘symbolic’ pact

US Embassy marks Independence Day with Palacio Bosch party

River Plate secure qualification for 2025 Club World Cup

‘Impossible to hide’ differences with Russia, says Armenia's top diplomat

EFTA euro nations eye Mercosur deal before year-end

Blinken highlights Argentina opportunities, but warns Milei over rights

Milei moves to allow privatisation of Argentina’s football clubs

Maud Daverio de Cox, author indelibly linked to dictatorship era, dies at 92

Gallardo agrees deal to coach Saudi side Al-Ittihad

Massa, the political pro, pushes himself into pole position

‘The two options are bad’ – Rodríguez Larreta refuses to back Milei or Massa

Bullrich confirms she’s backing Milei in presidential run-off

Reports: Patricia Bullrich set to back Javier Milei in presidential run-off

Santoro pulls out of City mayoral run-off, handing Jorge Macri victory

Jorge Macri wins big City mayoral race but will face run-off

Argentina prepares to step into the unknown

Candidates go on attack in lively second presidential debate

'Pope is on side of 'bloody dictators,' Milei tells Tucker Carlson

Swiss delegation visits Buenos Aires to advance EFTA-MERCOSUR trade deal