News of James Grainger

James Grainger

Editor-in-Chief, Buenos Aires Times.

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

PRO party candidate for Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri casts his vote in the 2023 PASO primaries in Palermo, Buenos Aires City.

ELECTION 2023: CITY PRIMARIES

Jorge Macri sees off Lousteau in battle for City mayor

13-08-2023 21:52 Juntos por el Cambio produces dominant performance in nation's capital, taking almost 56% of all votes; PRO's Jorge Macri defeats Radical Senator Martín Lousteau by a small margin to win nomination; Ruling coalition hopeful Leandro Santoro trails in third.

by James Grainger

Alberto Fernández, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Sergio Massa, pictured in Congress.

ELECTION 2023

Ruling coalition lines up behind Massa, prepares ‘unity’ photo

06-07-2023 21:03 Sergio Massa, Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in talks to “unite”at July 9 rally; Máximo Kirchner comes to presidential hopeful's defence, attacking IMF and Macrismo as social movements, mayors and provincial governors get in line behind candidate.

by James Grainger

Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta.

ELECTIONS 2023

Potential presidents catch the eye at AmCham summit

13-05-2023 09:12 Four potential candidates put on their best faces for business community, pitching their plans – and conditions for running.

by James Grainger

EU Ambassador to Argentina Amador Sánchez Rico delivers a speech marking Europe Day.

DIPLOMACY & FOREIGN POLICY

EU ambassador to Argentina highlights shared values on Europe Day

10-05-2023 23:44 EU Ambassador Amador Sánchez Rico leads Europe Day celebrations in Buenos Aires, highlighting shared values between European Union and Argentina.

by James Grainger

Buenos Aires City Education Minister Soledad Acuña.

ELECTIONS 2023

Soledad Acuña pulls out of race to become next City mayor

02-05-2023 17:13 Buenos Aires City education minister formally announces her withdrawal from race to become next mayor of capital.

by James Grainger

Representatives from Argentine and Vietnamese governments stage event marking 50 years of bilateral relations at the Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Argentina and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of bilateral ties

26-04-2023 18:03 Representatives from Argentine and Vietnamese governments stage event marking 50 years of bilateral relations at the Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires.

by James Grainger

ELECTIONS 2023

President Fernández announces he will not seek re-election

21-04-2023 10:06 In an unexpected video statement, President Alberto Fernández announces he will not seek a second term in the upcoming elections this October.

by James Grainger

Bertha Oliva, one of the co-founders of the The Committee of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared in Honduras (Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras, COFADEH) was in Buenos Aires to receive the Emilio Mignone Prize.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Honduras human rights campaigners awarded Emilio Mignone prize

23-02-2023 20:49 Human rights campaigners from Honduras awarded with this year’s Emilio F. Mignone International Human Rights Prize.

by James Grainger

World Cup celebrations hit Buenos Aires.

BEDLAM IN BUENOS AIRES

Delirium grips Buenos Aires on a chaotic day for the ages

21-12-2022 15:42 Party atmosphere on streets of nation’s capital as passionate fans revel in World Cup success as one, swamping city’s streets in huge numbers for victory parade and the chance of a glimpse of their heroes.

by James Grainger

Argentina's players celebrate on board a bus with a sign reading "World Champions" with supporters after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament as they tour through Buenos Aires' downtown on December 20, 2022. Millions of ecstatic fans are expected to cheer on their heroes as Argentina's World Cup winners led by captain Lionel Messi began their open-top bus parade of the capital Buenos Aires on Tuesday following their sensational victory over France.

VICTORY PARADE HALTED

Huge crowds force authorities to abort World Cup victory parade

20-12-2022 17:05 Huge crowds of Argentines take to streets to enjoy victory parade by World Cup winners, but security forces early abortion due to security concerns; Local outlets estimate as many as five million people took to streets to celebrate.

by James Grainger

In this aerial view fans of Argentina celebrate winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup against France at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, on December 18, 2022.

ARGENTINA: WORLD CHAMPIONS

AFA confirms Albiceleste stars will celebrate with fans at Obelisk

19-12-2022 15:04 Team expected to arrive back in Buenos Aires in the early hours of tomorrow morning; Argentina’s players and staff will leave AFA training ground headquarters at midday Tuesday and head for Obelisk to celebrate with fans; Rumours grow that government will decree national holiday to allow supporters to attend festivities.

by James Grainger

INTERVIEW / BBC WORLD QUESTIONS

Charlie Taylor: ‘People are always excited at speaking truth to power’

08-10-2022 14:39 BBC Series Producer Charlie Taylor explains why the British broadcaster returned to Buenos Aires for the latest edition of 'World Questions' show and why audiences are always full of surprises.

by James Grainger

US Ambassador to Argentina Marc R. Stanley.

Exclusive interview

US Ambassador Marc Stanley: ‘I see a once in a generation opportunity for Argentina'

01-07-2022 14:30 Joe Biden’s envoy in Buenos Aires discusses his approach to diplomacy, bilateral relations and President Fernández's upcoming trip to Washington.

by James Grainger

President Alberto Fernández touches down in Madrid, accompanied by Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Alberto jabs at Cristina as he talks up opportunities in Europe

12-05-2022 16:00 President shows off his independent streak during tour of Spain, Germany and France as he criticises vice-president’s “partial view” of challenges facing Argentina.

by James Grainger

A shopper checks the price of mate in a supermarket in Buenos Aires.

POLITICS & ECONOMY

Soaring inflation casts long shadow for Guzmán ahead of IMF talks

15-04-2022 20:19 Tensions in ruling coalition and runaway price hikes pose difficult questions for minister ahead of trip to Washington.

by James Grainger

FOREIGN MINISTER'S FAUX PAS

Communication, diplomacy and dickheads

18-03-2022 21:14 Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero's use of the English language comes under the spotlight.

by James Grainger

IMF DEBT DEAL

Government, opposition tell IMF Argentina is ready to ‘meet its obligations’

12-02-2022 09:59 Rare signs of unity as Frente de Todos and Juntos por el Cambio indicate they will support IMF agreement in Congress; Fund spokesman says staff are working closely with government officials to secure new financing deal "as quickly as possible."

by James Grainger

US Ambassador to Argentina Marc R. Stanley presents his credentials to President Alberto Fernández.

DIPLOMACY

New US ambassador presents credentials to President Fernández

24-01-2022 21:33 Marc R. Stanley presents credentials to President Alberto Fernández, formally assuming his post as Washington’s representative in Buenos Aires.

by James Grainger

POLITICS

Buenos Aires provincial legislature approves mayoral re-election for 2023

31-12-2021 00:50 Mayors, lawmakers and councillors in Buenos Aires Province can now seek a third term in office after provincial deputies speed through vote modifying law preventing their re-election after two consecutive terms in office.

by James Grainger

THE BUENOS AIRES HERALD BEGAN THE KIDDIES XMAS FUND SOME YEARS AGO TO BRING A BIT OF THE LIGHT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON TO CHILDREN.

COMMUNITY

Kiddies’ Christmas Fund – bringing seasonal cheer to those in need

18-12-2021 07:51 Help the ABCC bring a bit of the light of the holiday season to those less fortunate this year.

by James Grainger