Key Developments in Argentina: March 1 to March 7

The week of March 1 to March 7 featured various news highlights in Argentina, including the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Lijo’s leave request, Milei’s state-of-the-nation address, and a criminal lawsuit by Manes against Caputo. Key government appointments, significant power outages, and initiatives to control media access were also reported alongside cultural events featuring Shakira and a new art exhibition by Llorente.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed federal judge Ariel Lijo’s request for leave, leaving the government unsettled. Fellow-nominee Manuel García-Mansilla supported the decision, with only Justice Ricardo Lorenzetti dissenting. García-Mansilla’s unexpected rejection of Lijo’s request raised concerns among supporters, while the government stated it would continue to push for Lijo’s nomination, raising pressure for him to resign and achieve a Senate majority.

President Javier Milei delivered a state-of-the-nation speech on Saturday to a sparsely attended Congress, closely tied to the upcoming midterm elections. He announced he would present an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Congress for approval, targeted Governor Axel Kicillof for his views on crime, and proposed stricter immigration laws and an amendment for lowering the age of criminal responsibility. The speech primarily highlighted economic successes, with a single mention of the Cryptogate scandal.

Radical deputy Facundo Manes filed a criminal lawsuit against presidential advisor Santiago Caputo last Tuesday, following alleged threats made after the state-of-the-nation address. Manes claimed that Caputo’s premeditated threats were alarming, considering Caputo’s influence over intelligence and tax authorities. The confrontation escalated when Manes displayed a copy of the Constitution during Milei’s speech, resulting in a physical altercation where he was reportedly punched.

City Mayor Jorge Macri has replaced Security Minister Waldo Wolff with Horacio Giménez amid recent police controversies. Macri emphasized the need for a more policing-focused leadership. Furthermore, Hernán Lombardi has taken over as the new Economic Development Minister, while Leticia Estévez assumes the role of Legal and Technical Secretary. These changes within City Hall have sparked discussions among various political figures around the management of detained individuals.

Last Wednesday, power outages affected over two million residents in Buenos Aires and neighboring districts during a severe heatwave. Traffic disruptions and subway closures ensued due to failing transmission lines operated by Edesur. Alerts for extreme weather conditions have been issued for various regions following the Carnival’s heavy rainfall.

Communication and Media Secretary Manuel Adorni disclosed in a Senate report that he employs 208 staff members despite ongoing austerity measures. Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos acknowledged significant job cuts totaling over 41,000 public employees under the Milei administration. The ATE state employees union has raised alerts regarding potential further dismissals.

The Milei administration is contemplating measures to control journalist access to presidential events, including a proposed method for voters to choose reporters and a potential “mute” button for persistent questioning. Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni humorously acknowledged the idea, indicating planned modifications to press access. The Milei government has already circumvented traditional media outlets, preferring direct communication via social media.

In international relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Javier Milei for Argentina’s abstention during a UN vote concerning troop withdrawals from Ukraine. This marked a significant shift in Argentina’s previous support for Ukraine, contrasting with the United States vote against the resolution.

Colombian singer Shakira is set to perform her sold-out concerts in Argentina as part of her ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ world tour. Her first appearance in six years has garnered significant excitement, with a private flight bringing her to the country ahead of the events.

An exhibition featuring the works of artist María Eugenia Llorente will debut at the British Arts Centre on March 14. Free to the public, the interactive show highlights Llorente’s transition from a career in computer science to art, inspired by her previous experiences abroad.

In summary, the week from March 1 to March 7 was marked by significant political developments in Argentina, including judicial controversies regarding nominations and the government’s attempts to tighten control over media access. President Javier Milei’s address to Congress set the stage for upcoming elections while international relations with Russia shifted notably. Additionally, cultural events featuring Shakira and the art exhibition by María Eugenia Llorente highlighted the vibrant social landscape amidst these political changes.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar