News of guzman

Vaccines, ambassadors and cabinet shake-ups

26-12-2020 09:29 With a Cabinet that is already on shaky ground and a dangerous combo of pandemic and stagflation on the horizon, President Fernández faces a tough start to 2021.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

POLITICS AND THE PANDEMIC

The vaccine conversation

19-12-2020 08:42 These glitches and delays add up to negative headlines. Opposition leaders accused the government of deliberately keeping the public in the dark about the pending approval of the vaccine for those over 60.

by Martín Gambarotta

MARTÍN GUZMÁN

Should he stay or should he go?

19-12-2020 08:31 The series of reversals of Martín Guzmán’s 2021 policies sends a clear message: austerity will not be tolerated, much less so in an electoral year.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

IMF DEBT TALKS

Guzmán expects new program with IMF in March or April 2021

10-12-2020 02:11 Economy Minister Martín Guzmán says talks with the IMF will still "take a while," hinting a deal would be likely in March or April next year.

POLITICAL BREAKDOWN

A growing sense of incompetence

05-12-2020 09:58 Public perception has worsened from one where Cristina was calling the shots from the background, to one where no-one is even in control.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Adherence to domestic debt swap deal rises to 99.49%

29-11-2020 23:29 Government announces that adherence to its offer to restructure US$41.7 billion in bonds issued under local jurisdiction has risen to 99.49 %.

Bloomberg

Guzmán plays down prospects of an early IMF deal

29-11-2020 23:08 In an interview with the Financial Times, Economy Minister Martín Guzmán plays down the chances of an early agreement with the International Monetary Fund over repayment of US$44-billion loan.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

IMF DEBT TALKS

Argentina will ask IMF for Extended Fund Facility programme, says Guzmán

09-11-2020 21:55 Government will ask IMF for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme as part of the government's efforts to delay repayments on the US$44 billion it owes, Economy Minister Martin Guzman confirms.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

The week: All eyes on America, with Argentina no exception

06-11-2020 00:01 The world is watching aghast at the wild way in which the US presidential elections are unfolding. Argentina, part of a pandemic-stricken world waiting to see what will happen, is no different.

by Martín Gambarotta

CFK'S OPEN LETTER

Unity, in whatever form

31-10-2020 09:24 Both former presidents have given their blessing to an initial conversation that could work towards a broader social consensus.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

BLOOMBERG

Argentina can avoid a devaluation, says Domingo Cavallo

30-10-2020 14:35 Former economy minister Domingo Cavallo tells Bloomberg in an interview that it’s still possible to avoid a one-off devaluation of the peso.

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

Peronism tries to strike back

24-10-2020 08:52 On October 17, the national government tried to regain the initiative. To some observers, Loyalty Day came and passed with some subtle but notable observations.

by Martín Gambarotta

ANALYSIS

When nobody wants pesos: currency meltdown upends business

24-10-2020 05:51 Argentina’s battle to control its currency is upending its economy, wreaking havoc on everything from household finances to the production and sale of common goods.

FINANCIAL TURMOIL

Guzmán: 'There will be no devaluation'

24-10-2020 05:44 Economy minister says currency will depreciate ‘hand-in-hand with inflation,’ as blue dollar soars to close at record high of 195 pesos per greenback.

Bloomberg

Guzmán says Argentina mulling changes to tax, social security systems

22-10-2020 01:36 Argentina is considering changes to its tax and social security structures as part of a plan to address economic imbalances, Economy Minister Martín Guzmán reportedly told a group of investors last week.

IN FOCUS

Economy Ministry takes steps to relieve pressure on currency markets

21-10-2020 18:59 Economy Ministry unveils new measures designed to reduce the pressures on volatile currency markets and ward off devaluation.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina bond rout blows up the template for debt restructuring

19-10-2020 20:40 Investors are giving up on Argentina, just six weeks after the government pulled off a US$65-billion restructuring.

IMF MISSION TEAM DEPARTS

IMF predicts 11.8% GDP slump, says talks will start in November

17-10-2020 10:18 IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva says Argentina needs “a credible and comprehensive economic agenda that balances supporting the economy and people in this difficult time.”

A PRESIDENTIAL TETE Á TETE?

Enough with the bickering – Alberto and Mauricio should meet

17-10-2020 09:05 At an extremely troublesome moment for the world, Argentina is engaging in ridiculous self-inflicted shocks of uncertainty.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

PERIODISMO PURO | INTERVIEW

Sergio Chodos: ‘The intention is to ask the IMF for financing in order to leave it’

17-10-2020 08:57 The visit of a mission team from the International Monetary Fund has begun a new chapter for Argentina and its deteriorating economy. Sergio Chodos, Executive Director for the Southern Cone at the IMF and the official perhaps closest to Economy Minister Martín Guzmán, says the government is seeking an agreement with the Fund, in order not to depend on it any longer.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

FINANCIAL TURBULENCE

Blue dollar soars again to close week at 178 pesos

17-10-2020 08:30 Dolár blue has risen by 11 pesos in past week alone, closing week at record high amid continued financial uncertainty.

FINANCE

Analysts keep eye on reserves as uncertainty pushes blue dollar to 160

10-10-2020 10:05 Central Bank buys dollars for first time since mid-September, as uncertainty pushes blue dollar sky-high.

IMF TALKS

Fernández, Georgieva ‘confident’ Argentina will seal new IMF deal

10-10-2020 10:01 Officials on both sides say all the right things as first visit of IMF mission team passes off without incident. Kristalina Georgieva says Fund has "no intention of putting pressure on Argentina at this time."

PERIODISMO PURO | INTERVIEW

Miguel Pesce: ‘A dollar at 130 pesos would inflict unbearable levels of poverty’

26-09-2020 08:45 Following a week of difficult announcements, Central Bank chief Miguel Pesce sits down for a feature-length interview to explain the government’s logic in what he describes as “very arduous situation, aggravated by the action of speculators.” Nevertheless, Pesce remains optimistic over 2021 growth, lower inflation and export possibilities.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

Dollar blues

19-09-2020 09:51 Argentina’s exasperating affair with the dollar is a recurring issue.

by Martín Gambarotta

CAPITAL CONTROLS

Pesce and Guzmán split over curbs on dollar purchases

19-09-2020 09:26 Government’s economic team split on latest crackdown, as well as how long new rules should remain in place.

CAPITAL CONTROLS

Fernandez defends new currency controls as blue dollar soars

19-09-2020 08:25 Economists question wisdom of new Central Bank measures, which hit small savers as well as companies. Blue dollar closes week at more than 140 per greenback.

Bloomberg

Pesce, Guzmán split over curbs on dollar purchases

17-09-2020 16:19 Argentina's economic team split on latest crackdown, as well as how long new rules should remain in place.

Bloomberg

Argentina bonds fall with tighter foreign-exchange controls

16-09-2020 23:23 Argentine bonds fell Wednesday after the government expanded restrictions on foreign exchange in an attempt to hold onto US dollars as reserves dwindle.

CURRENCY CONTROLS

Central Bank tightens currency controls as peso weakens

16-09-2020 10:29 Central Bank tightens conditions for the purchase of foreign currency, to prevent hoarding, preserve reserves and discourage demand for US dollars.

Budget proposal

Fernández's first Budget projects 5.5% growth in 2021

16-09-2020 01:17 Government's budget bill forecast for 2021: economic growth of 5.5%, primary fiscal deficit of 4.5%, inflation at 29% and 102 pesos per dollar.

Bloomberg

Argentines are abandoning a trade that hedged currency risk

14-09-2020 16:02 Dollar-linked instruments in the local market are being abandoned amid speculation government will create a weaker parallel exchange rate while giving investors less favourable terms.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Guzmán: Argentina wants IMF deal with no payments until 2024

13-09-2020 22:50 Economy minister says Argentina wants to delay all IMF loan repayments until 2024 at the earliest in interview with La Nación.

DEBT DEAL DONE

Debt deal done – now Argentina must rebuild confidence in its economy

05-09-2020 10:29 Analysts praise government's debt restructuring deal, but say rebuilding the economy and generating confidence with markets will be a tougher task.

DEBT DEAL DONE

Creditors overwhelmingly back government’s debt restructuring offer

05-09-2020 10:24 Argentina wins "massive" bondholder support to restructure overseas debt, exchanging 99% of debt held under international law.

BLOOMBERG

Guzmán says Argentina must work to cut bond yields

04-09-2020 17:53 Country must reduce its bond yields before returning to international capital markets in a process that will likely take some time, says Economy Minister Martín Guzmán in interview.

BLOOMBERG

Investors welcome debt deal amid grim economic outlook

31-08-2020 22:54 Investors are caught between relief over Argentina’s debt deal and concern over the grim economic reality facing the country.

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Guzmán confirms 99% of overseas debt restructured in swap

31-08-2020 17:52 Argentina wins "massive" bondholder support to restructure overseas debt, exchanging 99% of debt held under international law.

Wealth tax

Congress set to debate government's 'wealth tax' bill

30-08-2020 16:55 Government’s proposed ‘wealth tax’ bill heads to Congress. President Fernández seeks to bring in 300 billion pesos in tax revenue through one-time levy on wealthiest citizens.

IMF DEBT TALKS

Government formally opens debt rescheduling talks with IMF

27-08-2020 02:30 Government formally opens talks with IMF over new terms for repayment of record US$57-billion bailout agreed in 2018 by Macri administration.

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Creditors reiterate support for debt swap

22-08-2020 10:05 Ad Hoc Group of Argentina Exchange Bondholders says members will be entering Argentina’s debt swap proposal to the tune of almost US$5 billion on Monday.

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

Vaccine ventures

15-08-2020 09:44 It's difficult to gain any kind of momentum during a pandemic. Yet there are some signs the government is regaining the initiative.

by Martín Gambarotta

IMF DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Argentina will not accept any conditions from IMF, warns Fernández

11-08-2020 22:06 President Alberto Fernández says he will not allow the IMF to impose austerity measures on Argentina as part of a new financing programme.