News of government

CRISIS IN VENEZUELA

Split emerges in Venezuela opposition over talks with Maduro

Yesterday 17:52 A minority group of opposition parties in Venezuela agreed Monday to enter negotiations with President Nicolás Maduro's government, without the participation of US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

BLOOMBERG

The US$185-million bond payment that's overdue and stuck in Argentina

13-09-2019 15:55 Real-estate firm IRSA has the cash to cover a bond payment to foreign and local creditors. But then capital controls arrived – and everything got a lot more complicated...

ELECTION 2019

Alberto Fernández: Difficult times ahead due to 'decimated' economy

10-09-2019 07:48 "If I win, I know that the first years of my management will be difficult because I will receive a decimated economy," declares Frente de Todos presidential candidate.

BLOOMBERG

The US$15 billion of distressed provincial bonds that no-one is talking about

04-09-2019 09:13 Argentina's provinces were among the most prolific issuers when international capital markets reopened to Argentina. By offering interest rates in excess of 9%, they were able to lure yield-hungry investors to little known and sparsely populated corners of the country.

BLOOMBERG

Vulture funds circle Argentina, waiting for right time to buy

03-09-2019 17:06 Less than five years after settling with hold-out creditors from a record default in 2001, Argentina is again looking like a ripe target for funds that specialise in wringing value out of distressed assets.

ECONOMIC MEASURES

Government unilaterally raises minimum wage by 35%

03-09-2019 13:04 Minimum wage to rise in three installments to 16,875 pesos a month, announces Macri administration, after businesses and unions failed to agree on an increase.

Selective cepo?

Government imposes currency controls in bid to halt flight of dollars

01-09-2019 16:04 Exporters ordered to seek permission from the Central Bank of Argentina before purchasing foreign currency and and purchases of dollars limited to US$10,000 per individual a month.

REPORTS

Government plans aggressive defence of peso, starting Monday

31-08-2019 19:46 In May 2018, the Central Bank was able to temporarily halt the peso’s collapse by offering to buy US$5 billion, a huge amount in Argentina’s thin currency market. Monday’s measures may echo that plan, local reports suggest.

EUROPEAN POLITICS

Curtains for Italy's first post-war populist government

29-08-2019 12:56 The end of Italy's first post-war government experiment with far-right populists marks a stunning defeat for League leader Matteo Salvini, but his political career is far from over.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Venezuela condemned by OAS for 'systematic' rights abuses

28-08-2019 16:15 Organisation of American States passes resolution condemning "grave and systematic" human rights abuses in Venezuela and demands an independent investigation. It was presented by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru.

BLOOMBERG

Argentina’s line in the sand – 55 pesos – holds firm

22-08-2019 16:56 Dollar auctions by the Central Bank and the Economy Ministry have kept the peso near the same level all week, even as a debate rages about a possible sovereign default and currency controls.

POST-PASO TURBULENCE

IMF in talks with Argentina, will send team to Buenos Aires 'soon'

20-08-2019 12:32 Fund says it is continuing discussions with Argentina and will send a mission to Buenos Aires in the near future, as newly-installed Finance Minister Hernán Lacunza vows to stabilise currency.

NEW MINISTER

Hernán Lacunza begins work after being sworn in as new finance minister

20-08-2019 08:58 "I want to thank Hernán Lacunza for accepting this complex responsibility in such a difficult time," declares President Macri at Casa Rosada ceremony.

PASO FALL-OUT

Elisa Carrió alleges election fraud, provides no evidence for claim

15-08-2019 10:05 Government insists election was 'transparent' despite claims of Macri-allied outspoken lawmaker. Journalist Jorge Lanata asks those alleging fraud to place to 'use their heads a little.'

ECONOMIC MEASURES

Macri offers mea culpa, announces measures to boost incomes

14-08-2019 11:09 President offers an apology for tetchy performance in Monday's press conference and tells Argentines 'he understands' their anger, announcing raft of measures to help workers and businesses.

PASO FALL-OUT

Utility stocks face gloomy outlook as downgrades mount

14-08-2019 09:55 Outlook for Argentina’s energy companies has worsened after primary election results raise concerns about the return of more intervention in utility prices.

BLOOMBERG – ANALYSIS

What the markets are telling Argentina's next leader

14-08-2019 09:45 To boost his credibility, Fernández could name someone with a track record in finance to reach out to creditors and the IMF, clearly signalling his commitment to follow through with the fiscal consolidation Macri has put in motion.

by Marc Margolis

ECONOMIC MEASURES

Macri set to announce economic measures to help citizens, firms

14-08-2019 09:29 President set to unveil measures including a boost to child-care benefits, extra tax exemptions for lower-income Argentines, and special conditions for small and medium-sized companies to pay taxes.

PASO FALL-OUT

Alberto Fernández casts doubt over Mercosur's trade deal with European Union

13-08-2019 17:45 Frente de Todos leader questions European Union's trade deal with the South American trade bloc that was signed in June but not yet ratified.

PASO FALL-OUT

Alberto Fernández: 'Two-thirds of the population rejected the government'

13-08-2019 14:39 In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with NET TV, Frente de Todos presidential candidate detailed his views on the economy, Roberto Lavagna, 'la grieta,' his relationship with CFK and Venezuela.

PASO FALL-OUT

Macri speaks on PASO fall-out: 'Kirchnerismo has no credibility in the world'

12-08-2019 17:13 "We are going to reverse this bad election and we are going to reach the second round," Macri tells reporters in wake of stunning defeat to Peronist candidate Alberto Fernández.

PASOs 2019

Fernández: Macri hasn't called me for years, he's not going to now

12-08-2019 16:31 In comments that raise the spectre of another difficult transition between governments in Argentina, Frente de Todos leader reveals Interior Minister Rogelio Frigerio is the only Juntos por el Cambio figure to have contacted him.

Bloomberg

Markets signal Argentina may be headed for another debt crisis

12-08-2019 15:34 Credit-default swap trading now shows an implied probability that Argentina will suspend debt payments over the next five years at about 75%.

PASOs 2019

Kicillof asks for 'responsibility' from gov't, as officials huddle at Casa Rosada

12-08-2019 09:37 Government officials meet at Casa Rosada, as Fernández and Kicillof hail Frente de Todos coalition's performance in PASO primaries.

BLOOMBERG

Argentine eurobonds tumble after Macri thrashed in shock PASO vote

12-08-2019 08:20 The peso could lose 25 percent of its value and bonds may slump about 20 percent on the results, according to BTG Pactual Argentina.

PASOs 2019

Province-by-province, how did the Fernández-Macri tickets perform?

12-08-2019 01:35 Frente de Todos presidential candidatescored victories in the overwhelming majority of provinces in Sunday's PASO primaries, with President Macri's coalition performing strongly only in Córdoba and Buenos Aires City.

PASOs 2019

Alberto Fernández: 'We are going to fix what the others have broken'

12-08-2019 00:53 Presidential candidate, fresh from his landslide victory in the primaries, declared Sunday night that "Argentina had realised that change" will arrive in the form of his Frente de Todos coalition.

BLOOMBERG

Fernández landslide likely to prompt sell-off in markets on Monday

12-08-2019 00:06 Results are poised to trigger a market sell-off on Monday as investors come to terms with the possibility that the market-friendly policies adopted by President Macri may be replaced by more interventionist measures.

PASOs 2019

Alberto Fernández scores huge victory over Macri in PASOs

11-08-2019 23:31 Frente de Todos leader emerged from Argentina's PASO primaries with an almost 15-percentage point lead over incumbent President Mauricio Macri on Sunday night, shocking the nation.

ELECTION 2019

Macri admits heavy defeat in Argentina's PASO primaries

11-08-2019 22:29 With provisional results yet to have been released, president admits his coalition had suffered 'a bad election.'

PASOs 2019

Confident Alberto Fernández vows to end polarisation

11-08-2019 21:41 Amid unconfirmed reports that the opposition Peronist grouping had performed stronger that President Mauricio Macri's Juntos por el Cambio coalition in Sunday's PASO primaries, Fernández said that "la grieta is over, forever."

WASHINGTON SANCTIONS

Trump orders freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in US

06-08-2019 09:43 Washington to announce 'sweeping steps' at big meeting as delegates from some 60 countries meet Tuesday in Lima to discuss the political crisis in Venezuela.

Bloomberg

Risks rise for Macri ahead of PASOs as markets turn sour

05-08-2019 12:35 Just six days before the country votes, the government, Central Bank and investors are facing a fresh bout of volatility in financial markets amid trade disputes and a generalised risk-off mood.

POMPEO VISIT TO BA

US deepens relationship with Argentina, announces two new security agreements

19-07-2019 15:56 "Our partnership is here to stay," declares US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as he unveils new accords with Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie.

by Lucas Robinson

IMF LOAN

IMF reaches agreement with government to release US$5.4-billion loan tranche

05-07-2019 14:51 Fund's board must approve the fourth review of the country's performance under the before Macri administration will have access to the funds. The board meeting is set for July 12.

NO PARO

Transport unions lift planned 25 de Mayo strike

24-05-2019 15:19 There will be train, Subte and bus services running this Saturday, avoiding disruption on a national holiday.

ENVIRONMENT

Buenos Aires City government moves to ban plastic straws

22-05-2019 16:59 The ban will kick in from today, with single-use plastic straws prohibited from being handed out in restaurants and other establishments across the capital unless explicitly requested. In six months time, their use will be banned outright.

ARGENTINA'S ECONOMY

Government, businesses hail MSCI emerging market reclassification

23-06-2018 13:38 Ministers hail ‘important’ decision, predict greater investment.

EUROPE

Financial turmoil engulfs Italy amid political uncertainty

29-05-2018 12:19 Carlo Cottarelli, a former IMF official, has been tapped as premier of a non-political government of technocrats after an attempt by two populist parties to form a government foundered.

TOUGH ON CRIME APPROACH UNDER DEBATE

Government’s support of police officer triggers concern

10-02-2018 07:51 Macri's support to Chocobar was well welcomed by many citizens who are weary of crime. But human rights groups say it sends the wrong message in a country who has a dark history with security forces.

INTO THE WORLD

Argentina’s upcoming challenge: defining the G20 agenda

15-11-2017 14:00 The government needs to carefully manage its own national agenda and balance it against the wishes of the international community. And it should look to obtain the support of the opposition as it develops the agenda for the important global summit, which takes place in Buenos Aires next year.

by Patricio Carmody