Milei's culture secretary heckled at opening of 50th Buenos Aires book fair

The opening of the 2026 Buenos Aires International Book Fair at La Rural on Thursday was marked by boos, protests and a charged political atmosphere.

Culture Secretary Leonardo Cifelli was heckled and booed as he opened the 50th edition of the Feria Internacional del Libro de Buenos Aires, one of the largest Spanish literature events in the world.

Cifelli faced jeers from the outset, with sections of the audience shouting over his remarks and displaying critical banners. At points, key lines were met with scattered, muted applause, others with silence.

The situation escalated when he referenced Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Karina Milei, the head of state’s sister and presidential chief-of-staff.

“Come on, that’s enough, there are only four of you,” Cifelli said, attempting to quell the interruptions. He then urged attendees to lower signs and posters visible throughout the crowd.

Highlighting what he described as government achievements in cultural policy, Cifelli credited the leadership of La Libertad Avanza. “This progress has been possible thanks to the leadership of Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, and the constant support of Karina Milei,” he said, drawing louder boos.

“In case you didn’t understand, I’ll repeat it. Thanks to Javier Milei and Karina Milei,” he added, prompting angrier reactions.

Cifelli went on to defend broader government policy, arguing that “Argentina has begun to free itself from structural problems.” He cited state oil company YPF as an example. “Did you fix the YPF issue, or was it Javier Milei’s government?” he said, speaking over continued shouting.

Tensions were not confined to the official’s speech. Earlier in the ceremony, writer Gabriela Cabezón Cámara drew applause as she delivered a defence of environmental protections, linking access to water with everyday life, culture and economic activity.​

“Water is worth more than anything – without it there is no life,” she said, before warning against the Milei administration’s rollback of Argentina’s Glacier Law, which activists say will put key freshwater reserves at risk. 

The event proceeded with remarks from Peru’s ambassador to Argentina, Carlos Chocano Burga, representing the guest country of honour, and Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri, who delivered a brief speech focused on the publishing sector in the capital.

The opening of the fair, marking its 50th anniversary, unfolded against a backdrop of political polarisation, underscoring tensions surrounding one of Argentina’s main cultural events.

– TIMES/NA/PERFIL