Latest news of Buenos Aires Times

Relatives of the ARA San Juan submarine's lost crew stage a rally in Mar del Plata in this file photograph.

Macri, Aguard, Srur face probe over ARA San Juan submarine tragedy

Yesterdat 17:47 Appeals court orders probe into potential "criminal responsibility" of ex-president, former defence minister and retired Navy chief-of-staff in the sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine three years ago.

A woman wearing a face mask reading "Alive and rebels" holds a banner reading "Against gender violence, feminist justice" during a protest called by feminist associations in Barcelona on November 22, 2020, ahead of November 25 which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Global pandemic

Pandemic inflames gender violence against women

Yesterdat 15:58 No country has been spared the coronavirus epidemic, nor the scourge of domestic violence, which has surged during lockdowns as the day marking such violence approaches on Wednesday.

In this aerial view the red dust of the BR230 highway, known as 'Transamazonica,' mixes with fires at sunset in the agriculture town of Ruropolis, Para state, northen Brazil, on September 6, 2019.

EU-MERCOSUR DEAL

Without environmental guarantees, EU-Mercosur trade deal faces uncertain future

Yesterdat 15:51 Historic free-trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur regional bloc, announced more than a year ago after more than two decades of negotiations, stuck in limbo due to environmental concerns.

River Plate midfielder Nicolás de la Cruz.

CRIME & SECURITY

Sister of River Plate midfielder in custody after police stop uncovers 40kg of cocaine

Yesterdat 14:48 An elder sister of River Plate midfielder Nicolás De La Cruz was in Buenos Aires on Saturday while travelling in a taxi. Police officers find 40 kilogrammes of cocaine in vehicle.

President Alberto Fernández, pictured at a G20 summit near the turn of the year. Economy Minister Martín Guzmán watches on.

G20 Leaders Summit

Fernández asks G20 for ‘cooperation and solidarity’ in face of pandemic

22-11-2020 16:22 President Alberto Fernández calls on G20 member nations to prioritise"cooperation and solidarity" in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, while warning Latin America faces a likely "second wave" in the coming months.

Representatives from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) mission team. meet with government officials, including Economy Ministry Martín Guzmán, last week.

IMF DEBT TALKS

IMF and Argentina making 'good progress' on new financing plan

22-11-2020 15:13 IMF mission team ends visit to Buenos Aires, saying that talks over a new financing plan are progressing well, with the two sides beginning to “delineate the contours” of a new deal.

Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) take care of a Covid-19 patient inside the Semi-intensive Care Unit (SCU) at Hospital Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Bloomberg

Coronavirus roars back in Brazil as infections top six million

22-11-2020 08:28 Last week, Brazil reported almost 68,000 new Covid-19 cases in a single day, an all-time high that eclipses the previous record by more than 20% and rivals the numbers seen in the United States, whose population is 50% bigger.

EDITORIAL

November’s sky is chill and dear

21-11-2020 10:51 With the government falling into line with the quarantine fatigue felt by much of the nation, a vacuum has opened up in the public agenda. There was already plenty of jostling last week to fill it – from both wings of the coalition government.

THE WEEK

What we learned this week: November 14 to 21

21-11-2020 10:44 The most important stories from the last seven days in Argentina.

Coalitions are made up of political parties, but essentially they are about people interacting. Political parties can be difficult – and so can people.

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

Allies not speaking to each other

21-11-2020 10:33 Coalitions are made up of political parties, but essentially they are about people interacting. Political parties can be difficult – and so can people.

by Martín Gambarotta

RUGBY

Gutsy Argentina claw back to earn draw with Australia

21-11-2020 10:30 A courageous Pumas side battled back to earn a dramatic 15-15 Tri Nations draw with Australia Saturday and reinforce their credentials after an epic win against the All Blacks last week.

EXTRAORDINARY SOLIDARITY CONTRIBUTION

‘Extraordinary Solidarity Contribution’ – details of the ‘wealth tax’ bill

21-11-2020 10:27 Lawmakers in Argentina’s lower house on Wednesday approved a bill that will see the nation’s wealthy citizens slapped with a one-off capital levy on assets.

Lawmakers celebrate passage of the bill.

ARGENTINA

US$3-billion ‘wealth tax’ bill clears lower house, heads to Senate

21-11-2020 10:20 Chamber of Deputies votes in favour of one-off levy for those with largest fortunes. Bill, which Peronist lawmakers hope will raise US$3 billion, now goes to Senate.

INTERNATIONAL APPROACH

Wealth taxes and extraordinary contributions – how other nations handle it

21-11-2020 10:14 Worldwide Germany and France are the two most practical examples of that class of taxes labelled “solidarity."

The “special contribution” will trigger an “exodus of investments, because it punishes the local investor when the foreign investor is not covered by this norm.

‘WEALTH TAX’ BILL

‘Wealth tax’ could hit as three times more people than anticipated

21-11-2020 10:06 Tax expert warns bill to impose one-off levy on assets of rich could eventually hit as many as 30,000 people, depending on exchange rate at time it becomes law.

by Fernando Nolé

ABORTION BILL

Fernández starts push to legalise abortion before end of year

21-11-2020 09:59 President Alberto Fernández sends bill to Congress seeking to legalise abortion in first 14 weeks of pregnancy, firing the starting pistol on another epic legislative showdown.

ABORTION BILL

‘Legal abortion now’ – Activists rally as final push begins

21-11-2020 09:53 After more than a decade of demonstrations, pro-choice activists feel that 2020 might finally be there year.

President Alberto Fernández’s complete message to the nation, announcing his bid for abortion reform.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

‘We are responding to a reality’ – president makes case for abortion reform

21-11-2020 09:44 President Alberto Fernández’s complete message to the nation.

Buenos Aires City government’s top education official, Soledad Acuña.

AS I SEE IT

We don’t need no education

21-11-2020 09:38 Instead of campaigning to get their members back to work, Argentina’s teachers’ unions are determined to prolong the longest school holiday ever until everyone has been properly vaccinated.

by James Neilson

A LA CANCHA

Stormy waters in Avellaneda as sudden crisis engulfs Racing

21-11-2020 09:32 A run of defeats has plunged Racing Club into crisis. Such is the scale of the disaster that it now looks set to take with it one of the club's most beloved figures: Diego Milito.

by Dan Edwards

UNITED STATES

Biden decries Trump’s ‘irresponsible’ bid to reverse US election

21-11-2020 09:25 US president-elect assails the Trump administration’s lack of cooperation on transition, saying it is hindering his team’s ability to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Rudy Giuliani sweats it out at a press conference to remember.

US ELECTION 2020

Chávez, Soros and ‘My Cousin Vinny’: Giuliani gives a performance to remember

21-11-2020 09:14 In an extraordinary 90-minute press conference in Washington, Giuliani and other members of Trump's legal team left no doubt they were refusing to acknowledge Biden's win, arguing instead that a broad "national conspiracy" to deny Trump re-election was underway.

ARGENTINA ABLAZE

Lawmakers approve bill to limit commercial use of fire-destroyed land

21-11-2020 09:02 After marathon debate, Chamber of Deputies approves bill drawn up by Máximo Kirchner that bans repurposing of fire-affected land.

More than one million hectares of land have been devastated by fire so far this year, according to official government figures.

ARGENTINA ABLAZE

More than one million hectares destroyed by fire in Argentina this year

21-11-2020 08:54 Environmental calamity continues: over 10,000 square kilometres of land has been destroyed by fire so far this year.

by Nick Evans

FROM WHERE I STAND

The finish-line is in sight

21-11-2020 08:42 It has certainly been a rough ride, but the finishing line is in sight and there are feeble signs that Republican legislators are questioning, although not yet challenging, Trump’s leadership of the party.

by Robert Cox

The country’s reckless borrowing didn’t begin with Macri, but with Cristina, and the practice endures even today, with Alberto.

RECKLESSNESS

Cristina, Macri and Alberto – all of them took on debt

21-11-2020 08:38 Everyone loves to play the blame game, but let’s get one thing straight for the record: former presidents Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Mauricio Macri both took on debt – and so has Alberto Fernández.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

helicopter tragedy

Banker Jorge Brito killed in Salta helicopter crash

20-11-2020 19:33 Banker, businessman and entrepreneur Jorge Brito, 68, killed in a helicopter crash in Salta, along with his pilot.

A tractor transfers soybeans into a silo bag in Venado Tuerto.

BLOOMBERG

Night-time raiders are destroying US$100,000 soy bags

20-11-2020 13:17 Packed tight with freshly harvested soybeans, the silobags that dot the Pampas at this time of year are worth a hefty sum. They're also a target for vandals – and farmers have had enough.

Handout picture released by the Argentine presidency showing Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou welcoming Alberto Fernández for a private meeting at the Anchorena presidential ranch near Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, on November 19, 2020.

LATIN AMERICA

Fernández heads across River Plate to meet Lacalle Pou

20-11-2020 13:07 President Alberto Fernández crossed the River Plate on Thursday to meet up with his Uruguayan colleague Luis Lacalle Pou in the first meeting between the two leaders since the latter’s inauguration on March 1.

Lower House Speaker Sergio Massa fist bumps Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, opposition law- maker Álvaro González, during Wednesday’s marathon session.

CONGRESS & POLITICS

Frente de Todos advances Congress agenda with marathon session

20-11-2020 11:01 Favourable outcomes for ruling coalition in Congress. After more than 20 hours of debate in lower house, deputies back ‘wealth tax’ bill and initiative to stop commercial redevelopment of fire-destroyed land.

President Alberto Fernández takes off his face mask before delivering a speech in Buenos Aires on July 22, 2020.

Coronavirus pandemic

President leaves isolation after second negative Covid-19 test

19-11-2020 12:34 Alberto Fernández will exit his week-long period of isolation and return to normal work after testing negative for Covid-19 for a second time, the president's medical team said Thursday.

RUGBY

Cheika factor at play as Pumas, fresh from All Blacks win, eye Australia upset

19-11-2020 12:24 Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika could come back to haunt his old team on Saturday as he tries to help Pumas pull off their second straight upset after last week's stunning win over New Zealand.

Soybeans traded at the highest level in more than six years as increasing demand from top importer China and dry weather in the major producing areas of South America spur growing concerns over global supplies.

BLOOMBERG

Global crop supply fears send soybeans to highest in six years

19-11-2020 10:27 Soybeans traded at the highest level in more than six years as increasing demand from top importer China and dry weather in the major producing areas of South America spur growing concerns over global supplies.

Pro-government lawmakers applaud after the Solidarity and Extraordinary Contribution bill's passage through the lower house.

Congress

Chamber of Deputies approves government’s ‘wealth tax’ bill

19-11-2020 02:05 Lawmakers in Argentina’s lower house approve move to introduce one-off levy affecting those with largest fortunes. Bill, which Peronist lawmakers hope will raise US$3 billion, now goes to Senate.

Juan Domingo Roldán (right) in his prime.

Coronavirus pandemic

'Hammer' Roldán, rival of Hagler, Hearns, dies of Covid-19

18-11-2020 23:42 Argentine boxer Juan Domingo Roldán, who challenged the likes of Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns for the world middleweight title in the 1980s, has died of Covid-19 at the age of 63, medical sources said Wednesday.

US ELECTION 2020

Firings, recount calls, angry tweets – Trump continues bid to invalidate election

18-11-2020 19:34 Firing the US election security chief and pressuring local officials to throw out valid votes, US President Donald Trump is continuing his efforts to invalidate Joe Biden's election win.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gestures during the commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the creation of Brazil's Tourism Board (EMBRATUR) at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on November 17, 2020.

Budding bromance?

Bolsonaro beams as Putin praises his 'masculinity'

18-11-2020 18:33 Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was left beaming Wednesday after his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin praised his "masculinity" in a speech, triggering a flood of jokes online about a budding "bromance."

'Wealth tax'

Lower house opens debate on government's 'wealth tax' bill

18-11-2020 00:50 Argentina’s lower house is expected to approve a bill to introduce a one-off capital levy on more than 9,000 of the country’s wealthiest citizens on Wednesday morning.

Bolivia

Bolivia's Evo Morales says he has taken back control of his party

18-11-2020 00:05 Former Bolivia president Evo Morales announced Tuesday he had re-taken the leadership of the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party he founded, a week after returning from exile.

A nurse treats a patient at a hospital in Buenos Aires Province.

Coronavirus pandemic

'Probable' Argentina will face Covid-19 second wave in Autumn, warns expert

17-11-2020 22:56 A government health advisor has warned it is “probable” that Argentina will be hit by a “second wave” of Covid-19 diagnoses next year.

Javier Mascherano has decided to hang up his boots.

ALBICELESTE LEGEND

Javier Mascherano announces retirement from football aged 36

17-11-2020 22:02 A stalwart of the national side since he was 19, Javier Mascherano calls time on his playing career, describing it as “the most correct thing to do."

Passengers wearing protective masks sit in a Subte underground carriage in the capital.

TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT

Subte fares to rise from next week, highway tolls could more than double

17-11-2020 17:54 Subway fares will rise from 19 to 21 pesos as from next Wednesday while a 55% for highway tolls as from the start of next year has been proposed, subject to approval in a public hearing.

President Alberto Fernández announces he will send a bill to legalise abortion in Argentina to Congress.

Abortion bill

Fernández sends Congress bill to legalise abortion in Argentina

17-11-2020 17:36 President Alberto Fernández said Tuesday that his government had sent a bill to legalise abortion to Congress, firing the starting gun on what is likely to be another epic legislative showdown.

ECONOMIC MEASURES

Ban on lay-offs and dismissals extended until end of January

17-11-2020 16:33 Government publishes decree in Official Gazette extending ban on dismissals and lay-offs until January 29

In this image from video provided by My Brother's Keeper Alliance and The Obama Foundation, former US president Barack Obama speaks Wednesday, June 3, 2020, during a virtual town hall event with young people.

MIDDLE EAST

Obama in book wrestles with 'messy' Arab Spring choices

17-11-2020 16:26 Former US president Barack Obama offers a bleak portrait of much of the Middle East's leadership in his new memoir, as he reveals how he still agonises on where he applied pressure during the Arab Spring.

RUSSIA

Bill to give Putin lifetime immunity passes first reading

17-11-2020 16:03 Russia's lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed in its first reading a bill that would grant former presidents immunity once they leave office.

Demonstrators gather during a protest at Plaza San Martín in Lima, Peru, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Peruvians have been protesting for days amid growing public indignation over the ouster of President Martín Vizcarra by the opposition in Congress.

BLOOMBERG – ANALYSIS

Peru taps third president in less than a week to fill power vacuum

17-11-2020 08:07 Lawmakers on Monday voted in Francisco Sagasti, an elder-statesman legislator with extensive consulting experience at home and abroad to lead a new government by electing him head of congress and new president.

Handout photo released by the Peruvian Congress of Francisco Sagasti.

PERUVIAN POLITICAL CRISIS

Peruvian Congress chooses centrist Francisco Sagasti as new president

16-11-2020 19:25 Francisco Sagasti chosen as next leader by Congress as Peru gets to grips with deep political crisis, sparked by the impeachment of one popular president and the resignation of his controversial successor amid protests which killed two people.

Argentina´s debt restructuring problems continue.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Peronist senators amp up rhetoric with scathing letter to IMF chief

16-11-2020 18:05 With government in talks over new financing programme, senators from ruling Frente de Todos coalition fire off letter to IMF chief Kristialina Georgieva demanding organisation “refrain from conditioning economic policy.”

Workers disinfect an Aerolíneas Argentinas plane before it departs for Jujuy.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Aerolíneas Argentinas resumes regular international flights

16-11-2020 16:23 Argentina’s state airline announces return of several regular routes which had been suspended due to coronavirus pandemic. Price of ticket now includes medical insurance for positive Covid-19 diagnosis abroad, says flagship carrier.

In this image courtesy of the Henry Ford Health System, a volunteer is tested before being given the Moderna mRNA-1273 Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE), in Detroit, Michigan. US biotech firm Moderna on November 16, 2020 announced its experimental vaccine against Covid-19 was 94.5 percent effective, marking a second major breakthrough in the vaccine hunt.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

In new breakthrough, Moderna's Covid vaccine nearly 95% effective

16-11-2020 12:58 US biotech firm Moderna on Monday announced its experimental vaccine against Covid-19 was almost 95 percent effective, another major breakthrough in the quest to end the pandemic.

Coronavirus pandemic

Guzmán, Pesce, Massa in isolation after IMF officials gets Covid-19

15-11-2020 20:55 A number of government officials – including Martín Guzmán, Miguel Pesce and Sergio Massa – went into preventative isolation on Sunday, after a member of a visiting IMF mission tested positive for Covid-19.

Handout picture released by the Peruvian Presidency shows interim President Manuel Merino announcing his resignation in a televised message from the Government Palace, on November 15, 2020.

PERUVIAN POLITICAL CRISIS

Merino resigns as Peru president after five days in power

15-11-2020 17:59 Peru's interim leader Manuel Merino resigned on Sunday, just five days after taking office, sparking wild street celebrations in the capital Lima after protests against his rule.

A PFA officer inspects a coach at the Argentina-Paraguay border crossing.

TERROR THREAT?

Argentina tightens border after tip-off warns of bomb attack on Jewish community

15-11-2020 10:34 Security Ministry opens probe after anonymous tipster warns Embassy in London that explosive material is due to cross border with Paraguay “for a bomb in Argentina with a Jewish objective.”

An electronic billboard in Times Square announces "stocks soar on vaccine hopes" on November 9, 2020 in New York City.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

Covid-19: As lab execs sell shares worth millions, questions arise

15-11-2020 09:25 Executives at several US laboratories developing Covid-19 vaccines have recently pocketed millions of dollars by selling shares in their companies – raising questions about the propriety of such a move in the midst of a global health crisis.

Supporters of Peruvian ousted President Martín Vizcarra demonstrate against the government of interim president Manuel Merino in Lima on November 14, 2020.

PERUVIAN POLITICAL CRISIS

Peru's new leader faces calls to resign after three protesters killed

15-11-2020 08:16 Lawmakers call for the "immediate resignation" of interim president Manuel Merino, after a violent crackdown on protests against his new government left at least three dead and more than 60 injured.

People participate in the “Million MAGA March” from Freedom Plaza to the Supreme Court, on November 14, 2020 in Washington DC.

US ELECTION 2020

Minor clashes as Trump loyalists mount last stand in Washington

15-11-2020 08:10 Supporters of US President Donald Trump march in Washington to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Right-wing militia group the Proud Boys among those attending rally, which had large security presence.

Handout photo released by the Venezuelan Presidency showing President Nicolás Maduro, during a televised announcement in Caracas, on November 8, 2020.

US ELECTION 2020

Biden heralds shift in Washington's strategy toward Venezuela

15-11-2020 08:03 Democratic leader's arrival in the White House could help pave the way for a political solution to crisis in Venezuela, with use of sanctions against social administration in Caracas likely to be more targeted.

RUGBY

Pumas revel in All Blacks shock after emotional virus-hit journey

15-11-2020 07:48 Argentina into Saturday's Tri Nations clash in Sydney having not played a Test in 13 months, while enduring coronavirus lockdowns in their homeland and in neighbouring Uruguay before quarantining for two weeks in Australia.

US ELECTION 2020

'Time will tell': Trump hints at election loss, talks up vaccine efforts

14-11-2020 11:01 President comes close but stops just short of acknowledging he lost the November 3 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Biden has a huge task: to revive US role.

US ELECTION 2020

Biden faces tall order reviving Washington's global role

14-11-2020 10:49 US President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to restore America’s moral authority in the world but after four years of norms-shattering by Donald Trump, he will have his work cut out for him.

Pope Francis and Joe Biden a few years ago.

US ELECTION 2020

Pope Francis congratulates Biden on election win in phone call

14-11-2020 10:44 Argentine pontiff calls US president-elect, only the second Catholic elected to the White House, to offer congratulations.

US ELECTION 2020

Biden gets to work as US news outlets confirm Electoral College win

14-11-2020 10:37 US media calls races in states of Georgia and North Carolina, giving Biden 306 Electoral College votes to Trump’s 232; US president-elect names chief-of-staff, coronavirus task force.

President Alberto Fernández is facing questions about the executive performance of his Cabinet and not only from the opposition.

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

You better shape up (the Cabinet)

14-11-2020 10:33 President Alberto Fernández is facing questions about the executive performance of his Cabinet and not only from the opposition.

by Martín Gambarotta

IMF TALKS

Government to request Extended Fund Facility programme from IMF

14-11-2020 10:26 Guzmán tells reporters Argentina will seek an Extended Fund Facility programme, a scheme that normally implies a commitment to significant economic reforms.

In Bariloche three demonstrators participating in last Sunday’s nationwide “banderazo” protest had no better idea than to don Ku Klux Klan garb in order to express their rejection of vaccination in general and Sputnik V in particular.

THIS WEEK

What we learned this week: November 7 to 14

14-11-2020 10:21 A round-up of some of the key stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

‘Trump’s delusions overpower checks and balances of US democracy’.

US ELECTION 2020

Denialist-in-chief

14-11-2020 10:13 Donald Trump’s contemptuous refusal to concede defeat signs and seals his presidency on a typical note of petulance.

by Robert Cox

NEW ERA IN BOLIVIA

Fernández backs Bolivia’s new government as Evo Morales returns home

14-11-2020 10:04 President hails ‘recovering of democracy’ in Bolivia as he attends inauguration of new leader Luis Arce.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

British Cemetery honours fallen at Remembrance Service

14-11-2020 09:48 Community leaders ensure Covid-19 doesn’t prevent traditional Remembrance Day services from going ahead, though attendance was limited to just 20 people.

More of the usual will generate similar outcomes as we’ve seen in the past: stagflation, polarisation, and a growing bureaucracy. It’s time for our political class to take charge of the situation to avert another disaster.

POLITICAL INSTABILITY

On the verge of another nervous breakdown?

14-11-2020 09:16 More of the usual will generate similar outcomes as we’ve seen in the past: stagflation, polarisation, and a growing bureaucracy. It’s time for our political class to take charge of the situation to avert another disaster.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

Quite apart from the requirements of common human decency, Trump has open to him an exit strategy which would be perfectly compatible with his huge self-esteem while containing a grain of truth, if all highly debatable.

EDITORIAL

No Trump card in the disunited states

14-11-2020 09:09 When Charles I met his end, his studied dignity evoked that Shakespearian Macbeth line: “Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it” – today in the United States, Donald Trump continues to resist any such epitaph to his presidency.

AS I SEE IT

The coronavirus remains far from beaten

14-11-2020 08:56 Will life ever return to “normal”? After a fashion, it probably will, but the after-effects of the great pandemic which took the world by surprise and has yet to be mastered will be felt for many years to come.

by James Neilson

Half of respondents in a public opinion survey say they are ready to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Half of respondents in survey say they’re ready to be vaccinated

14-11-2020 08:50 Half of respondents in a new public opinion survey say they are ready to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

A hospital in Mendoza prepares for Covid 19´s second wave.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Mendoza hospital makes preparations, fearing Covid-19's second wave

14-11-2020 08:44 Mendoza’s Central Hospital is enjoying brief respite as cases fall, but staff are not placing their faith in fortune.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Covid-19 vaccines: the five frontrunners

14-11-2020 08:39 Government wants to vaccinate 11 million against Covid-19 next year, with five potential options.

Despite the mass roll-out, the government has said that taking a vaccine will not be compulsory.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Government ramps up plans for massive vaccination programme

14-11-2020 08:33 Government wants to vaccinate 11 million against Covid-19 next year, with three frontrunners most likely to arrive on market first.

Argentina's players celebrate victory with their fans at the end of 2020 Tri-Nations rugby match between New Zealand and the Pumas at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on November 14, 2020.

PUMAS MAKE HISTORY

Pumas stun All Blacks, record first-ever win over New Zealand

14-11-2020 07:44 Mario Ledesma's side were given virtually no chance ahead of the Tri Nations match in Sydney after the coronavirus hindered their preparations to just two low-key practice games. But in their first Test since the World Cup last year, they pulled off a miracle.

Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (left) and President Alberto Fernández.

BLOOMBERG

CEOs frustrated with Argentina rattle off list of problems

13-11-2020 19:02 Global companies are growing ever more frustrated with Argentina. The specific gripes vary, but broadly speaking executives say it’s hard to make money given the multitude of challenges facing the nation.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

Poorer nations face vaccine wait as West locks down supply

13-11-2020 14:17 While richer nations plan their vaccination programmes through the end of 2021, experts warn that poorer and developing countries face hurdles that could deny billions the first proven protection against the coronavirus.

BLOOMBERG

China’s state grid makes a US$3-billion push into Latin America

13-11-2020 13:53 State Grid Corp of China will pay 2.57 billion euros for an electricity network company in Chile, its first overseas deal in almost a year and a move that resumes its expansion abroad.

US ELECTION 2020

US election officials say 'no evidence' of compromised votes

13-11-2020 03:14 Senior US federal and state election officials meanwhile in a statement rejected Trump's claims of fraud, saying that "the November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

The Central Bank of Argentina stands in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina hikes rates after prices surge past expectations

12-11-2020 23:56 Central Bank hikes interest rates after October inflation report showed consumer prices surged at the fastest pace this year.

Argentina's Lionel Messi (R) and Paraguay's Gustavo Gomez vie for the ball during their closed-door 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 12, 2020

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Argentina's perfect start cut short by ever-competitive Paraguay

12-11-2020 23:43 Argentina went into Thursday's World Cup qualifier hoping to extend their perfect start to the competition, but had to settle for a tense 1-1 draw against a combative Paraguay side

by Dan Edwards

By decree, the government legalises self-cultivation of cannabis for medical use by individuals and small networks, as well as the sale of creams and oils made from the plant in pharmacies.

DRUG LAWS

Argentina legalises growing of cannabis for medical use by individuals

12-11-2020 18:31 By decree, the government legalises home cultivation of cannabis for medical use by individuals and small networks, as well as the sale of creams and oils made from the plant in pharmacies.

A woman walks past a supermarket in Buenos Aires.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation reached 3.8% in October, highest monthly rate of year

12-11-2020 17:05 Prices in Argentina have risen by 26.9% since turn of the year, reveals INDEC national statistics bureau.

An ambulance carrying Argentine former football star and coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata Diego Maradona, leaves the clinic where he underwent brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires province, on November 11, 2020.

Diego out of hospital

Maradona leaves hospital following brain surgery

12-11-2020 16:48 Diego Maradona left hospital on Wednesday evening followed by a convoy of supporters, eight days after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.

Buenos Aires, as pictured from Puerto Madero.

Bloomberg

Argentina goes all-in to cut record gap with parallel peso

12-11-2020 16:42 Argentina is resorting to all necessary means to reduce the gap between its official and parallel exchange rates.

Military liason board

Rossi accuses ex-Army officers of trying to destabilise government

12-11-2020 16:29 Defence Minister Agustín Rossi on Thursday accused a group of retired Army officers of conspiring to destabilise President Alberto Fernández's government.

A photograph from the farewell dinner for Evo Morales.

Coronavirus pandemic

Alberto Fernández in isolation after official tests positive for Covid-19

12-11-2020 02:08 President Alberto Fernández goes into isolation after Strategic Affairs Secretary Gustavo Beliz tests positive for Covid-19. Number of government officials follow suit.

CABINET CHANGE

María Eugenia Bielsa out as housing minister, Ferraresi to replace her

12-11-2020 00:22 The first Cabinet change in 11 months of the Alberto Fernández presidency materialised Wednesday with the resignation of Housing Minister María Eugenia Bielsa, following several days of rumours.

A man wearing a face mask walks past the Gran Rex theatre, in Buenos Aires, during the nationwide lockdown.

Coronavirus pandemic

Theatres can reopen with Covid-19 protocols, confirms Culture Minister

11-11-2020 23:54 Tristán Bauer says national government has approved health protocols to allow for the reopening of theatres in Argentina. No timetable set, but City theatres could open doors as soon as next weekend, according to reports.

Former Bolivian president Evo Morales delivers a speech during a rally in Chimore, Chapare province, Cochabamba department, Bolivia, on November 11, 2020, after his return from exile.

RETURN FROM EXILE

Evo Morales ends Bolivia homecoming tour with rally

11-11-2020 23:20 Thousands of supporters of former Bolivia president Evo Morales crowded into his political stronghold Wednesday for a climactic rally to mark his triumphant return to his homeland.

A congressional commission determined on Thursday, July 18, 2019, that the sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine was not caused by foreign attack or an accident, and pointed directly at the Navy high command and budget shortfalls that only allowed for minimal maintenance of the vessel as the cause of the sinking.

ARA SAN JUAN TRAGEDY

Families of ARA San Juan crew file lawsuit against Macri

11-11-2020 18:22 The families of the late crew of the ARA San Juan submarine on Wednesday denounced former president Mauricio Macri on charges of covering up the sinking of the vessel.

This handout photo released by the press officer for Diego Armando Maradona shows the Argentine football legend shaking hands with his doctor, Leopoldo Luque, at the Olivos clinic.

Diego in hospital

Maradona allowed to leave hospital, says doctor

11-11-2020 18:10 Diego Maradona is expected to leave hospital on Wednesday, his doctor said, eight days after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.

Former Argentine soldier Julio Aro (right) and retired British Army colonel Geoffrey Cardozo, have been shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize.

NOBEL PRIZE NOD

Veterans from Malvinas conflict shortlisted for Nobel Peace Prize

11-11-2020 15:22 Former Argentine soldier Julio Aro and retired British Army colonel Geoffrey Cardozo shortlisted for honour as a result of their tireless work identifying remains of fallen soldiers on islands.

US ELECTION 2020

Biden brushes off Trump’s bid to undercut US election

11-11-2020 14:42 Joe Biden shrugs off Donald Trump’s effort to challenge results of US election, as US president pursues a multi-state legal fight backed by Republican allies and the US Justice Department.

A poll watcher observes ballots being counted at the Clark County Election Department in North Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 5.

US ELECTION 2020

Trump’s challenges: A state-by-state guide

11-11-2020 14:22 US President Donald Trump’s challenge to the 2020 US election results runs through six battleground states, five of which he won in 2016.

Legal & Technical Secretary Vilmar Ibarra, pictured in her office.

Abortion bill

Abortion bill will be sent to Congress in November, says Ibarra

11-11-2020 01:43 Legal & Technical Secretary Vilma Ibarra confirms that bill will be sent to Congress this month, with debate to take place in extraordinary sessions.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

Vaccine innovation sparks hope, questions

10-11-2020 16:51 Reports that one of the vaccines for Covid-19 has shown highly promising results are a ray of hope for a world in the shadow of surging virus cases.

Festival Internacional de Colonia

The show must go on(line)

10-11-2020 15:11 Since our lives were turned upside down by Covid-19, I have benefitted from artists, musicians and comedians who have made their work available to the wider world on YouTube. Starting Wednesday, the Festival Internacional de Colonia will do the same.

by Robert Cox