News of argentina

Martín Lousteau and Emiliano Yacobitti, pictured in a file photo at an event hosted by Radical leaders.

UCR split: 12 deputies break away to form their own lower house caucus

Today 23:15 Group of Radical leaders aligned with Senador Martín Lousteau decide to break up UCR's caucus in lower house, forming a new sector that will be headed by Córdoba’s Rodrigo De Loredo once he is sworn-in as a deputy. Breakaway lawmakers will remain within Juntos por el Cambio.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernández receives a third shot of coronavirus vaccine at the Casa Rosada on December 6, 2021.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

President Alberto Fernández given third dose of Sputnik V vaccine

Today 22:45 Argentina's president given booster shot at his office in the Casa Rosada, telling citizens "it's important that we give ourselves reinforcements."

Health Minister Carla Vizzotti speaks at a press conference.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Argentina confirms first case of Omicron Covid-19 variant

Today 09:12 Argentina has confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, just days after neighbouring Brazil and Chile had also done so.

Sebastián Lacunza presents 'El testigo inglés: Luces y sombras del Buenos Aires Herald (1876-2017)', a new book charting the course of the newspaper’s history.

BooKS & LITERATURE

Ex-editor presents book detailing 140-year history of Buenos Aires Herald

04-12-2021 00:40 Sebastián Lacunza presents 'El testigo inglés: Luces y sombras del Buenos Aires Herald (1876-2017),' a new book charting the course of the newspaper’s history, from its founding to to its 2017 closure.

Armando Bó will make a new feature film based on the life of former Buenos Aires Herald editor Robert Cox.

FILM & CINEMA

Oscar winner Armando Bó to direct film based on ex-Herald editor Robert Cox

04-12-2021 00:30 Scribe behind Oscar-winning feature 'Birdman' to bring the Buenos Aires Herald newspaper to the silver screen. Film will look at former editor Robert Cox’s struggle to confront the military dictatorship about its crimes through the eyes of him and his family.

by James Grainger

here's your key, but this doesn't open any doors.

Human rights

Non-binary community left in limbo as systems fail to recognise new DNIs

04-12-2021 00:17 Essential public services have become inaccessible to those in the non-binary community in Argentina who requested new national ID cards (DNIs) – the latest blow to activists who have long sought recognition.

by Valen Iricibar

ECONOMIC CRISES

2001 to 2021: Ticking time bomb

03-12-2021 23:41 Fast forward to today from 2001 and Argentina’s massive debt pile is still front and centre of the political discussion, as is the IMF and the possibility of default.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

Lawyer Gregorio Dalbón (centre, with hand raised).

CRIME & SECURITY

Autopsy report raises further questions about Lucas González’s death

03-12-2021 23:38 Lawyer for family claims 17-year-old killed by police officers in Barracas was “tortured” after autopsy identifies cigarette burn on hand.

CRIME & SECURITY

Gruesome killing of five-year-old Lucio Dupuy shocks Argentina

03-12-2021 23:33 Forensic expert in charge of five-year-old Lucio Dupuy’s autopsy says he has “never seen anything like it” in more than a quarter of a century of professional experience.

SUPREME COURT

Names in the frame circulate as Supreme Court deadline passes

03-12-2021 23:26 Deadline to nominate new justice for nation’s highest tribunal passes without fanfare; Government drawing up list of potential replacements for Elena Highton de Nolasco, but recognises process will take time.

by Ariel Stemphelet

Healthcare professionals wait to perform Covid-19 tests on arriving travellers at Ezeiza International Airport.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Travel curbs reimposed across globe over Omicron fears

03-12-2021 23:22 Argentina orders arrivals from Africa to undertake 10-day quarantine, following host of other nations; Authorities “pre-emptively” isolate 300 passengers on cruise ship after ‘false positive’ test result.

Aerial view taken on November 29, 2021 of the Bahamas-flagged MS Hamburg vessel at a dock in Buenos Aires

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

What we learned this week: November 27 to December 4

03-12-2021 23:20 A selection of stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO

Gabriela Cerruti: ‘Cristina expresses herself how she wants, when she wants’

03-12-2021 23:16 Presidential Spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti discusses the creation of her post, attempting to represent all sectors of the ruling coalition and how the media interprets Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

EDITORIAL

The lady’s not for burning

03-12-2021 23:12 Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner makes a blazing return to centre stage after a long pre-electoral and post-electoral silence.

As I see it

Does corruption matter?

03-12-2021 22:16 The blatant politicisation of the Judiciary does nothing to make Argentina look like a good place in which to do business.

by James Neilson

BALLON D'OR

Even in the twilight of his career, Messi remains the man to beat

03-12-2021 22:08 Lionel Messi said it himself: Exorcising Argentina’s demons in Brazil and leading the side to Copa América glory was “the key” in winning him a record seventh Ballon d’Or.

by Dan Edwards

President Alberto Fernández addresses the 27th annual UIA conference.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Argentina vows no austerity as talks with IMF ramp up

03-12-2021 22:03 Government officials travel to Washington to move talks forward with the International Monetary Fund over a new programme to replace record 2018 credit-line; President Fernández calls on multilateral lender to assess previous loan.

Former president Mauricio Macri dines with then-IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

IMF DEBT

Upcoming IMF report assessing 2018 loan promises to stir up local politics

03-12-2021 21:56 IMF’s board set to discuss report reviewing the record stand-by programme worth US$57 billion granted to the Mauricio Macri government.

Economy Minister Martin Guzmán speaks at CGT headquarters.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Guzmán tells CGT he won’t sign ‘austerity agreement’ with IMF

03-12-2021 02:49 Economy Minister Martín Guzmán promises that "there will be no austerity" in Argentina and that his economic plan seeks to "create jobs and lower inflation."

Directors at Villa Dálmine decided to let 16 players go after the questionable defeat.

FOOTBALL: MATCH-FIXING CLAIMS

Villa Dálmine lets 16 players go as spotlight falls on play-off defeat

03-12-2021 01:55 Second-tier side Villa Dálmine lets 16 players go in wake of play-off defeat to Barracas Central. Allegations of match-fixing emerge, or are the players being punished for a bad performance?

Buenos Aires, as pictured from Puerto Madero.

BLOOMBERG

Argentine warrants more than double after ruling favours Aurelius

03-12-2021 01:27 US court rules Argentina will be required to show how it calculated statistics at the centre of a legal battle between the country and hedge fund Aurelius Capital Management LP.

Argentina´s debt restructuring problems continue.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Argentine officials travel to Washington for IMF talks

02-12-2021 16:15 A technical mission team with officials from Argentina's Economy Ministry and Central Bank will travel to Washington on Saturday to meet with representatives from the International Monetary Fund.

Incoming Central Bank chief Miguel Angel Pesce.

BLOOMBERG

Miguel Pesce: FX adjustment not included in IMF talks

02-12-2021 14:28 Negotiations to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund do not foresee an exchange-rate adjustment, said Central Bank chief Miguel Pesce.

A directional map for travellers at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina pitches its weak currency to attract digital nomads

02-12-2021 14:08 To make up for lost tourism, Buenos Aires wants international remote workers to take advantage of favourable exchange rates.

In this photo taken on November 3, 2021, former president Mauricio Macri waves as he arrives at a federal court in Dolores, Buenos Aires Province.

ILLEGAL ESPIONAGE CASE

Former president Mauricio Macri charged with illegal espionage

01-12-2021 17:11 Former president Mauricio Macri accused of ordering illegal surveillance on the families of the 44 dead crew-members of the ARA San Juan submarine tragedy.

International Monetary Fund headquarters.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Argentine officials to meet IMF in Washington over record deal

01-12-2021 17:05 After little progress over the past two years, Argentina is hoping to ramp up negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a new programme.

Actress Thelma Fardín, pictured in a car outside the Specialised Prosecutor's Unit on Violence against Women (UFEM)in Buenos Aires, after delivering testimony to the courts regarding the rape allegations she made against actor Juan Darthés.

CRIME & THE COURTS

Rape trial against actor Juan Darthés begins in Brazil

01-12-2021 16:37 Actress Thelma Fardín gives testimony to courts in Brazil from Buenos Aires, recounting allegations that actor Juan Darthés raped her back in 2009 while in Nicaragua on tour.

Coronavirus pandemic

Authorities in Argentina order isolation of cruise ship amid Omicron fears

01-12-2021 15:38 Authorities in Argentina order immediate isolation of a cruise ship arriving in Buenos Aires from Cape Verde, after a case of coronavirus was detected onboard.

Secretary for International Economic Relations Cecilia Todesca holds a press conference.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Argentina will make US$1.8-billion payment to IMF this month

30-11-2021 22:31 Argentina will make a US$1.8-billion payment to Fund on December 18, confirms International Economic Relations Secretary Cecilia Todesca.

A man walks down a street in Buenos Aires.

NEW STUDY

World Bank: 40% of households in Argentina lost income during pandemic

30-11-2021 21:56 According to the World Bank, "food insecurity" almost doubled in Latin America and the Caribbean during the pandemic, with almost 40% of homes in Argentina hit by a drop in earnings.

FINANCIAL TURBULENCE

Central Bank reserves at the limit as rumours swirl around Argentina

30-11-2021 21:40 Ecolatina consultancy firm forecasts that Central Bank reserves could end the year lower than in December 2020. Concerns remain about the level of money available to the BCRA, but economists rule out a potential 'corralito.'

by Brenda Funes

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (Top R), his wife Antonella Roccuzzo (top L), and their children (down, L-R) Ciro, Mateo and Thiago pose upon arrival to attend the 2021 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on November 29, 2021.

ARGENTINE SUPERSTAR

Messi's enduring brilliance rewarded with another Ballon d'Or

30-11-2021 16:10 Some might question whether the Argentine superstar really deserved to win his latest Ballon d'Or prize ahead of other worthy candidates, but he has been rewarded for continuing to be so good for so long.

Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina and Cristina Kirchner, vice president.

FRENTE DE TODOS

Cristina sets stage for IMF talks – with a message to the opposition and a memo for Alberto

30-11-2021 16:06 Argentina's vice-president breaks her silence, asking the opposition to accompany negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

by Rosario Ayerdi

Guest voice

Housing crisis in Argentina: the need for a broader perspective

30-11-2021 09:00 Could a repeal of the new rental law solve the massive debt situation of the tenant population? Or improve access to homes?

by Joaquín Tome

FOOTBALL

Messi wins Ballon d'Or for seventh time as Putellas crowned women's winner

30-11-2021 08:59 Lionel Messi saw off much-fancied rivals like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema to win his seventh Ballon d'Or after a turbulent yet glorious year that saw him leave Barcelona and claim the Copa América with Argentina.

Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, prepares to give testimony.

Courts

Argentina's justice system to probe Myanmar war crimes claims

30-11-2021 08:54 Argentina's justice system will investigate allegations of war crimes committed by the Myanmar military against that country's Rohingya minority under a court ruling upholding the principles of universal jurisdiction.

Bloomberg

La Niña is set to deliver drought to Argentina's soybean crop

29-11-2021 20:50 La Niña is set to wreak havoc during Argentina’s upcoming summer, when soybean and corn plants will be growing across the Pampas farm belt.

Passengers arrive at Ezeiza international airport on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Coronavirus pandemic

Argentina introduces mandatory 10-day quarantine for arrivals from Africa

29-11-2021 13:08 As fears over spread of new Omicron Covid-19 variant sweep globe, Argentina's government announces all arrivals from Africa must undergo a 10-day period of mandatory isolation.

Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

VICE-PRESIDENT LETTER

Fernández de Kirchner: Argentina faces 'historic moment of extreme gravity'

28-11-2021 22:46 Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner says Argentina is going through "a historic moment of extreme gravity" and warns a deal with the IMF will define "the future development" of the nation.

Pope Francis shakes hands with Economy Minister Martín Guzmán at the Vatican in February 2020, as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva looks on.

ARGENTINE PONTIFF

Pope appoints Martín Guzmán to Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences

28-11-2021 10:28 In the midst of negotiations for to reach a new agreement with the IMF, Pope Francis names Argentina's Economy Minister Martín Guzmán to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

NEW CENTRAL BANK RESTRICTIONS

Kulfas defends new rules: ‘Middle class has many options for the summer’

28-11-2021 09:08 Productive Development Minister Matías Kulfas becomes the latest government minister to take to the airwaves to defend new Central Bank rules on credit card purchases in dollars.

IMF DEBT TALKS

'It’s not Cristina': Argentina’s VP breaks silence, pushes IMF decision to Congress

28-11-2021 08:28 Vice-president breaks her silence on a deal between Argentina and the International Monetary Fund, saying the approval will be the responsibility of the entire Congress and that a deal is not her responsibility.

Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Fernández de Kirchner, children cleared in money-laundering case

27-11-2021 00:31 Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her two children, Florencia and Máximo, have been cleared in the 'Hotesur-Los Sauces' case investigating alleged money-laundering.

INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO

Rogelio Frigerio: ‘Juntos por el Cambio needs a more federal leadership’

26-11-2021 23:29 Fresh off the back of a convincing victory in the recent midterms, former interior minister Rogelio Frigerio discusses provincial politics, broadening the opposition coalition’s leadership and why Peronism only united for the election.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

post-election politics

Check yo’ self before you wreck yo’ self

26-11-2021 23:13 With the election behind us, time for a deal with the IMF is running out. Argentina must make an interest payment in December and faces a tough payment calendar in the first quarter of 2022 that it is unable to face.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

River Plate's players celebrate after clinching the title.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Relentless River clinch title, ending seven-year drought

26-11-2021 23:10 What at one point appeared to be a tense race to the finish for River eventually turned out to be a procession. Celebrations at a packed Monumental were echoed in Tigre, who secure return to the top flight.

by Dan Edwards

Salvados, a 45 años de la dictadura militar, by Maud Daverio de Cox.

LITERATURE

Book presentation: Salvados, a 45 años de la dictadura militar

26-11-2021 23:08 Maude Daviero de Cox to unveil new book, 'Salvados, a 45 años de la dictadura militar', at a special presentation at the National Library.

Images from the exterior of the Clarín newspaper's offices, following the attack.

CRIME & SECURITY

Police arrest suspect following attack on offices of Clarín newspaper

26-11-2021 23:02 Police arrest one suspect following attack on newspaper’s offices in Barracas. At least nine molotov cocktail incendiary devices were thrown at building’s entrance.

A rally demanding justice for Lucas González, the 17-year-old who was killed in Barracas by police officers in November 2021.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

What we learned this week: November 20 to 27

26-11-2021 22:57 A selection of stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

As I see it

When the centre cannot hold

26-11-2021 22:52 The old order is in deep trouble. In its way, it has been far too successful, but it has also raised expectations so much that few are able to reach what they think are reasonable goals.

by James Neilson

JUNTOS POR EL CAMBIO

Rodríguez Larreta’s long and winding road to 2023

26-11-2021 22:46 City mayor wishes to avoid entering into any arguments over the presidential race for now – there is still a long time to go and he prefers avoiding the wear and tear.

by Rodis Recalt

Presidential Spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti

FINANCIAL TURBULENCE

Government: New restrictions to protect reserves are ‘temporary’

26-11-2021 22:41 Presidential Spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti slams opposition "fear-mongering" following introduction of new Central Bank rules on credit card purchases.

EDITORIAL

Any which way but loose

26-11-2021 22:31 With the withdrawal of his vice-presidential sponsor, President Fernández has more freedom of action than at any point since his record popularity in the first stages of quarantine. He needs to make the most of it.

Coronavirus pandemic

Argentina tightens Covid rules amid fears over new variant

26-11-2021 20:04 Government introduces new Covid rules, including the implementation of a health pass to attend activities in closed spaces, amid growing concerns over a new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Tech firms lead job recovery amid company exodus

26-11-2021 15:01 Argentina's tech sector is a bright spot that is creating jobs even as many companies are closing in a hostile business environment.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

River Plate crowned league champions, ending seven-year drought

26-11-2021 03:21 River Plate were crowned 2021 Liga Profesional champions on Thursday after thrashing Racing Club 4-0 at home.

“Today we have a very high exchange rate gap´´, said Guzmán.

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

Argentina tightens exchange controls to curb outflows of dollars

26-11-2021 03:06 Argentina’s Central Bank publishes two new measures intended to curb access to hard currency amid expectations for a devaluation.

NO EXTENSION

Government won't extend ban on lay-offs into next year

26-11-2021 01:37 Government will not extend double severance rule and ban on dismissals beyond end of year, says Labour Minister Claudio Moroni.

Cattle graze near Villaguay, Entre Ríos province. Figures in Argentina's livestock sector suggest that grazing can help sequester enough carbon in soils to offset animal emissions, but there is strong debate over calculations and sustainability.

AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Livestock farming seeks a more sustainable horizon

26-11-2021 01:08 The sector has some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions in Argentina, but wants to reduce its impact by boosting productivity and traceability.

by via Diálogo Chino

A man takes a picture of a street sign named after late football star Diego Maradona on a corner of the Diego Maradona stadium, on the first anniversary of his death, in Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2021.

Death of Diego Maradona

Still in the headlines: Diego Maradona’s ongoing legal disputes

25-11-2021 22:21 Diego Maradona’s death on November 25, 2020 has prompted a series of legal cases ranging from the determination of responsibility for his alleged killing to the distribution of the star’s multi-million-dollar inheritance.

Raúl Maradona (left) and Claudia Maradona, brother and sister of late footballer Diego Maradona, visit his grave on the first anniversary of his death in Bella Vista, Buenos Aires Province on November 25, 2021.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

World remembers Diego Maradona on first anniversary of his death

25-11-2021 21:52 Commemorative events take place across Argentina and the rest of the world, as supporters mark the first anniversary of Diego’s passing.

Buenos Aires' financial district, pictured during the coronavirus pandemic.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina’s dollar bonds slip to eight-month low on wait for economic plan

25-11-2021 15:23 Argentina's dollar bonds trade at an eight-month low. Slide comes just days after investors cheered outcome of midterm elections.

A stand by posters in homage to Diego Maradona is pictured at the so-called "Maradona square" in the Quartieri Spagnoli district of Naples on November 23, 2021.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

The cult of Maradona runs strong in Naples, a year after his death

24-11-2021 17:26 It is almost 30 years since Diego Maradona ended his remarkable playing spell at Napoli, but a year on from his death, the Argentine is as present as ever in the Neapolitan world.

Argentina, one of the world’s biggest food exporters, has become the first country to approve the marketing of transgenic wheat, a variant named HB4

BLOOMBERG

Dollar-strapped Argentina eyes help from record grain exports

24-11-2021 17:17 Argentina's bumper wheat and barley crops and high prices are on track to give the government some breathing room with the peso.

A handout picture provided by Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) shows the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi (C-R) and the Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation Mohammad Eslami (C-L) giving a press conference in the capital Tehran in the capital Tehran on November 23, 2021.

IRAN NUCLEAR DISPUTE

'No progress' on eve of Iran nuclear talks, says UN agency

24-11-2021 16:13 Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told a quarterly meeting of the agency's board that talks he held in Tehran on Tuesday were "inconclusive" despite being "constructive."

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Economy beats forecast despite political woes

23-11-2021 19:03 Argentina’s economy expanded more than expected in September as tourism, manufacturing and construction picked up.

The attack was captured on nearby CCTV. A hooded group of attackers were seen throwing crude molotov cocktail devices at the entrance of the offices that house the Clarín newspaper.

CRIME & SECURITY

Gang attacks offices of Clarín newspaper with molotov cocktails

23-11-2021 16:07 Political leaders, press groups condemn attack on offices of Clarín newspaper in Barracas. At least nine homemade incendiary devices were thrown at building’s entrance by attackers.

Mavys Álvarez Rego arrives to deliver a press conference to international news agencies in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 22, 2021.

MARADONA ALLEGATIONS

Cuban woman alleges Maradona abused and raped her

23-11-2021 10:17 Mavys Álvarez Rego, a 37-year-old Cuban woman who had an affair with Diego Maradona as a minor 20 years ago, accuses late footballer and his entourage of violence and abuse, including rape and holding her against her will.

Argentina's Ambassador to Chile, Rafael Bielsa.

DIPLOMATIC OUTRAGE

Argentina's envoy to Chile slams 'xenophobic' Kast, sparking anger in Santiago

22-11-2021 17:24 Rafael Bielsa slams “xenophobic” far-right Chilean presidential hopeful José Antonio Kast; Santiago condemns “inappropriate’ remarks.

City Hall hopes to be attracting around 22,000 digital nomads each year to the capital by 2023.

NOVEMBER 26-27

Buenos Aires to host Latin America’s first conference for digital nomads

20-11-2021 12:32 Free hybrid event, organised by the City government and taking place November 26 and 27, seeks to build on Buenos Aires’ growing reputation as a great place for travellers working remotely.