News of alberto fernandez

Government extends coronavirus lockdown until October 11

Yesterdat 08:33 Government warns citizens not to relax as infections reach 613,000. Buenos Aires City to relax some measures as surge in cases draws attention to inland provinces.

CAPITAL CONTROLS

Fernandez defends new currency controls as blue dollar soars

Yesterdat 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

Offshore millionaires become target of wealth tax bill

17-09-2020 19:34 Government plans to broaden bill imposing taxes on the rich in order to reach non-residents and their investments in Argentine companies, according to lawmaker Carlos Heller.

CONGRESS, CORRUPTION & THE COURTS

Fernández signs decree formalising removal of judges investigating CFK

17-09-2020 19:21 In wake of Senate vote boycotted by opposition, president signs three decrees to annul transfers of three judges involved in corruption cases against Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

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.

Former president

Macri 'breaks silence' to launch fierce attack on Fernández

13-09-2020 23:52 Former president pens column for La Nación, accusing Peronist leader of leading a “systematic and permanent attack” on Constitution.

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 talks

IMF in 'initial stages' of Argentina loan talks: official

10-09-2020 18:27 The IMF is in the early phase of talks with Argentina over a new financing programme, and is gathering information on how best to help the country, confirms spokesperson.

Provincial police rebel

Fernández tries to defuse protests by Buenos Aires Province police

09-09-2020 23:27 Police officers in Buenos Aires Province escalate protests, with a group congregating outside the Olivos presidential residence. President Alberto Fernández vows to meet demands but criticises demonstration.

Coronavirus pandemic

High daily tally pushes Argentina past 500,000 infections

08-09-2020 22:23 Country recorded more than 12,000 confirmed cases in a day for only the second time, pushing total past half a million. Death toll reaches 10,405.

POLICE PROTEST

Police officers in Buenos Aires Province protest to demand better salaries

08-09-2020 15:59 Government promises pay increase after retired and active police officers stage demonstration outside Governor Kicillof's residence in La Plata to demand urgent salary increases and more protective equipment to protect against Covid-19.

Travel & Tourism

Transport minister says 'return of regular flights' may begin on October 1

08-09-2020 14:46 Commercial flights may begin again on October 1, depending on the progression of the coronavirus pandemic, international border restrictions and provincial regulations on internal movement.

Facundo Astudillo Castro

Protesters rally in capital to demand justice for Facundo Castro

04-09-2020 02:50 Protest held one day after forensic experts confirm remains of a body found in a rural area of Buenos Aires Province belong to Castro, a 22-year-old who had been missing for more than 100 days.

FACUNDO ASTUDILLO CASTRO

Judge confirms found remains belong to Facundo Astudillo Castro

03-09-2020 04:11 Bahía Blanca Federal Judge María Gabriela Marrón confirms remains of a skeleton found earlier this month belong to missing 22-year-old, who was last seen alive on April 30.

Coronavirus pandemic

Argentina’s Covid outbreak worsens with 47% of tests positive

01-09-2020 15:39 Almost 47% of people tested for coronavirus in Argentina get a positive result back. The WHO suggests nations push the rate below 5% for several weeks before reopening their economies.

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.

Presidential agenda

Fernández to reboot government's agenda with new announcements

31-08-2020 10:04 President seeks to push agenda beyond the immediate challenges of virus pandemic, with government planning series of announcements related to the economy, debt talks and security.

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.

Coronavirus pandemic

Argentina surpasses 400,000 coronavirus infections

30-08-2020 09:18 More than 9,000 new infections pushes country past 400,000 landmark. Culture Ministry pays tribute to artists and healthcare professionals with

Coronavirus pandemic

Lockdown extended until September 20 amid record infection rates

28-08-2020 22:24 Some restrictions eased: outdoor social gatherings of up to 10 people approved, while restaurants in capital can now serve customers at tables on streets. 11,717 new cases and 222 deaths on Friday.

JUDICIAL REFORM

Judicial reform bill clears Senate, heads to lower house

28-08-2020 18:04 Controversial proposal, which the opposition strongly rejects, passes to the Chamber of Deputies after early Friday morning vote along strict party lines.

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.

Political controversy

Duhalde widely criticised after suggesting 'coup d'état' may be on cards

25-08-2020 22:00 Sparking outrage and controversy, former president queries if there will be midterm elections next year, anticipating a coup d’état since "Argentina is the world champion of military dictatorships." Politicians and human rights leaders condemn comments.

Presidential clash

Macri accuses Fernández of lying about coronavirus lockdown phone call

24-08-2020 22:36 Mauricio Macri hit back at Alberto Fernández on Tuesday, accusing his successor of misrepresenting a conversation between the two and of disrespecting the “value” of the presidency.

SINO-ARGENTINE RELATIONS

‘Relaciones carnales’: Argentina’s ties with China deepen under Fernández

22-08-2020 08:27 Peronist leader leads charge to develop ties with Asian giant, which is now Argentina’s largest trading partner. Trip to Shanghai pencilled in for early November, with business, the pandemic and pork topping the agenda.

by Juan Luis González

EMERGENCY DECREE

Government freezes TV, Internet and mobile phone prices until 2021

21-08-2020 22:59 The government announced late Friday that is extending a price freeze for TV, Internet and mobile service until the end of the year, deeming them “essential public services.”

BLOOMBERG

Brazil, Argentina vow to put tensions aside amid deep slump

21-08-2020 03:49 Argentina's new ambassador to Brazil, veteran Peronist Daniel Scioli, presents credentials to President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Argentina's economy extends rebound from pandemic lows

21-08-2020 00:32 Economy continues to show early signs of recovery after a strict Covid-19 lockdown brought commerce to a dramatic halt.

JUDICIAL REFORM

Protesters call new rally against government’s judicial reform bill

21-08-2020 00:17 Demonstrators to stage new rally marching on Congress on August 26 in protest of the government’s judicial reform bill.

SINO-ARGENTINE RELATIONS

Alberto Fernández planning 'strategic trip' to China in November

19-08-2020 22:44 Peronist leader eyeing potential trip to Asian powerhouse in November. Multi-billion-dollar agreements and the coronavirus pandemic lead agenda for talks with Argentina's leading trade partner.

by Juan Luis González

POST '17A' RALLY

Following rally, opposition calls on Fernández to drop justice reform

18-08-2020 23:15 Seeking to build on the momentum of 17A anti-government rally, Juntos por el Cambio calls on government to withdraw its judicial reform bill.

DIPLOMACY

Argentina: ‘Electoral route is only way' to resolve crisis in Venezuela

17-08-2020 18:51 Government distances itself from statement from more than 30 groups calling for free general elections in order to establish transitional government.

Facundo Astudillo Castro

Fernández promises Facundo Castro's mother there will be 'no cover-up'

17-08-2020 16:29 President Alberto Fernández calls mother of missing 22-year-old Facundo Castro and vows there will be no cover-up, should the unidentified body found over the weekend prove to be her missing son's.

Currency controls

Fernández hints at changes to US$200 greenback purchase quota

16-08-2020 08:01 Peronist leader says Argentina is facing high demand "from small savers," with knock-on effect for country reserves. Central Bank officials, however, say no changes are planned.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina’s creditors will get better debt deals from provinces

14-08-2020 15:16 National government’s debt restructuring accord was a benchmark, setting a minimum, not a maximum for what investors can expect.

ABORTION DEBATE

Government confirms abortion bill delayed until 2021

14-08-2020 01:00 Cabinet Chief Santiago Cafiero says bill to legalise abortion in Argentina will not be presented to Congress this year, blaming the coronavirus pandemic.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

Argentina to co-produce coronavirus vaccine with Mexico

12-08-2020 17:48 President Alberto Fernández confirms Argentina and Mexico will co-produce millions of doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford and Swedish-British pharma firm AstraZeneca.

Coronavirus pandemic

Officials express concern as Argentina surpasses 5,000 coronavirus dead

12-08-2020 16:49 Argentina surpassed 5,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus on Wednesday after registering a record 325 new fatalities over the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.

DIPLOMACY

Trump's pick for top IDB job slams Argentina's 'obstruction'

12-08-2020 16:42 Mauricio Claver-Carone, US President Donald Trump's candidate to head the Inter-American Development Bank, claims he has the backing of the majority of Latin American countries and accuses Argentina of trying to "obstruct" his election.

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.

BLOOMBERG - OPINION

For Argentina, reaching a debt deal was the easy part

10-08-2020 15:50 Many analysts foresee the IMF agreeing to reschedule the loan to its biggest debtor. Nonetheless, the Fund’s imprimatur will come with conditions.

by Mac Margolis

BLOOMBERG

Government seeks to reach new IMF agreement before April

07-08-2020 00:49 Government seeks deal with the International Monetary Fund over a new financing programme before the end of March, in order to renegotiate US$2-billion payment owed to the Paris Club that matures in May.

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

With debt deal done, Argentina must answer: What’s the plan?

05-08-2020 16:20 President Alberto Fernández’s next step is to start talks for a new International Monetary Fund programme against a harrowing backdrop.