CRIME & SECURITY Prison breaks in Buenos Aires: 19 inmates escape in 20 days, many convicts at large 23-04-2024 16:04 Fugitives on the run in Argentina – overcrowding at police stations in and across the capital allows detainees to escape from jail.
DIPLOMACY Bullrich sparks row with Bolivia, Chile with Hezbollah claims 17-04-2024 16:36 Bullrich alleges the presence of Iranian-linked forces in Bolivia and Chile, along with Triple Frontier; Arce’s administration calls for “end of provocation,” while Boric demands respect.
PRESIDENTIAL U-TURN Milei will no longer fly commercial for security reasons, says spokesperson 16-04-2024 17:22 Javier Milei reverses previous decision to travel by commercial airliner on foreign trips abroad; Decision follows recommendation by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who has asked that President’s protection be stepped up.
human rights & judiciary Justice minister working on bill to lower age of criminal responsibility 04-04-2024 21:17 Mariano Cúneo Libarona posts on social media showing he had begun work on a bill that aims to lower the age of imputability so that minors can be sentenced from the age of 14.
POLITICS Milei reopens debate about dictatorship, Armed Forces 04-04-2024 18:51 President enrages human rights groups by questioning estimate of those disappeared by junta’s security forces and calls for “reconciliation” of the military in Argentina.
POLITICS & ECONOMY Tensions soar as sacked state workers react to lay-offs 03-04-2024 16:41 Security forces deployed as state workers react angrily to mass lay-offs. Patricia Bullrich defends operation as sacked public employees try to re-enter offices.
POLITICS Macri assumes control of PRO after deal with Bullrich 20-03-2024 11:32 Former head of state will take on presidency of party he founded in 2005 for first time; Vicente López Mayor Soledad Martínez named first vice as Patricia Bullrich steps aside with allies secured in key positions.
As I see it Drug-lords in the crosshairs 16-03-2024 06:35 By Latin American standards, Argentina is a law-abiding country whose inhabitants are far less prone to commit murder or be gunned down by thugs than is the case elsewhere in the region. Why do so many people in high places believe that the threat has become so frightening that the military should be called in? by James Neilson
CRIME & SECURITY Federal troops arrive in Rosario as drug violence, paralyses city 14-03-2024 21:53 After a week marked by a wave of violence, murder and drug-trafficking, 450 reinforcements arrive in troubled city, adding to the 2,000 members of the Coast Guard, Border Guard, Federal Police and Airport Security Force who are providing support.
CRIME & SECURITY Bullrich unveils new protocol for federal forces, relaxes rules on use of weapons 14-03-2024 11:00 Security Minister outlines new protocol for federal security forces, which will allow officers to shoot in order to prevent a criminal from escaping; "We don't want more Chocobar cases," declares Bullrich in reference to notorious 2017 incident.
CRISIS IN ROSARIO ‘Armed forces will arrive in Rosario in next 24 hours,’ says Petri 11-03-2024 15:43 Defence Minister Luis Petri in Rosario drawing up new security plans with Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, Santa Fe Province Governor Maximiliano Pullaro members of new crisis committee.
POLITICS Macri praises ‘honest’ and ‘well-intentioned’ Milei 07-03-2024 14:01 Horacio Rodríguez Larreta voices opposition to ‘co-government’ or ‘merger’ between PRO and La Libertad Avanza, criticises party colleague Patricia Bullrich's decision to join Javier Milei's government.
EDITORIAL Pouring oil on the flames 02-03-2024 05:57 If the spark that lit the fire was the threat of Chubut’s PRO Governor Ignacio Torres to cut off all oil and gas unless the cutbacks were reversed, this might appear a wild outburst – but it was less random and accidental than it might seem.
Politics Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Torres: the governor who lit the provincial fuse 01-03-2024 06:28 From the PRO leader’s political beginnings in Trelew, his links to Patricia Bullrich and Horacio Rodríguez Larreta and his history with Mario Das Neves. How he constructed his candidacy and the special advisor with whom he worked but now at odds. A profile of the youngest provincial governor in office today. by Ezequiel Spillman
POLITICS Bullrich divides PRO as she backs Milei in Chubut funding row 27-02-2024 16:49 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich intervenes forcefully in the spat between President Javier Milei and Chubut's PRO Governor Ignacio Torres.
POLITICS Security Minister Patricia Bullrich deepens anti-picket doctrine 19-02-2024 16:37 Argentina's security minister is moving forward with her anti-picket protocol with social conflict on the rise and wants the courts to be swifter in lifting roadblocks – the order from her portfolio is not to dialogue with social organisations and union leaders. by Ezequiel Spillman
CRIME & SECURITY Milei government relaxes use of firearms by police 10-02-2024 09:36 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich restores rules she first brought in during a previous stint as security minister in 2018, relaxing regulations for use of firearms by security forces.
POLITICS ‘New design is coming’ – Bullrich talks PRO-La Libertad Avanza merger 09-02-2024 17:43 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich says long-awaited merger between her PRO party and Javier Milei's La Libertad Avanza is on the cards. Spaces are “walking together,” says minister, and "a new political design is coming."
LAW ENFORCEMENT Bullrich announced that coast guards may use any type of firearms 08-02-2024 16:54 Security minister to repeal a resolution dating back to her predecessor, Sabina Frederic, which prevented officers from carrying long guns.
CRIME & SECURITY Patricia Bullrich: ‘We’d like to adapt the Bukele model' to Argentina 06-02-2024 17:14 President Javier Milei's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich reacts warmly to El Salvador president's declaration that he would be keen to “cooperate” with Argentina on crime and security.
EDITORIAL The four horsemen 27-01-2024 07:35 The general strike should be deemed not so much a success or a failure as a somewhat irrelevant blip within what gives every indication of being a long hot summer and a traumatic year.
OPINION & ANALYSIS Martín D’Alessandro: The trickery of populism 26-01-2024 06:55 Juntos por el Cambio's support of President Javier Milei's came cheap and it will have consequences.
CRIME & SECURITY Remaining three of four suspects at large arrested for killing of nine-year-old 25-01-2024 15:24 Suspect Axel Rojas identified as likely shooter of nine-year-old girl Umma Aguilera; Two remaining fugitive also detained by police.
ANTI-MILEI PROTEST Thousands swarm Buenos Aires' streets to protest Milei’s reforms 25-01-2024 00:39 Thousands flooded the streets and avenues surrounding Congress during a mass protest on Wednesday in Buenos Aires organised by the CGT, one of the nation’s oldest and most powerful union groups.
POLITICS & LABOUR Unions take to streets in challenge to Milei's reform push 24-01-2024 13:53 Thousands of protesters had gathered by midday in the heart of Buenos Aires for what is expected to be the biggest demonstration in years, called by Argentina’s main union, the CGT, against President Milei's proposed economic reforms.
CRIME & SECURITY Suspect arrested as family holds service for slain nine-year-old 23-01-2024 11:47 Devastated by the death of Umma Aguilera, relatives of the victim hold a wake for their beloved; Killing of nine-year-old daughter of Partricia Bullrich’s custodian believed to have been carried out by four individuals, police are still searching for three remaining suspects.
CRIME & SECURITY ‘Plot’ twist: Court frees trio held over ‘terrorist act’ plan 16-01-2024 14:49 Members of “possible terrorist cell” denounced publicly by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich released due to lack of evidence; Accused must appear before the courts once a month and may not leave Argentina.
SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTS Milei government orders social groups, unions to pay for protest 13-01-2024 22:04 Security Ministry sends summons to more than a dozen unions and social organisations, ordering them to pay the state millions of pesos for the policing of recent demonstrations within 10 days.
Government U-turn Bullrich says strict protest rules will be removed from Milei's bill 10-01-2024 16:48 After public outcry, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announces that government will withdraw restrictions on meetings of three or more people in public spaces.
CRIME & SECURITY Police arrest three foreigners on terrorism plot suspicions 04-01-2024 13:19 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich assures that suspected members of a terrorist cell arrested were waiting for "a package from Yemen"; Trio detained on December 30 are believed to be from Syria and Lebanon and at least one had multiple Latin American passports in his possession.
Politics Spokesperson, leader, political partner – Milei emboldens Bullrich with power 26-12-2023 14:51 Argentina’s president has granted more power to Patricia Bullrich, his former presidential rival turned Cabinet ally; In addition to speaking up on security issues, Milei now sees her as an authorised voice to defend his administration. by Ezequiel Spillman
Bullrich's security protocol Anti-picket protocol: Judge rules in favour of the government 21-12-2023 14:58 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, author of government's new anti-picket protocol, celebrates court ruling on social media.
DEMONSTRATIONS IN BUENOS AIRES Bullrich issues warning as picket groups forecast high turnout 20-12-2023 14:40 Security forces will be put under the spotlight later today when demonstrators deliver first challenge to Patricia Bullrich’s new anti-picket protest protocol.
POLITICS & ECONOMY Milei the pragmatist and Toto’s ‘caputazo’ 16-12-2023 06:06 The ‘caputazo’ replaced pure austerity with a mix of higher taxes together with spending cuts and the “dilution” of part of the deficit through high inflation. The next few months will see runaway inflation run even farther away and put intense pressure on the population, as wages and salaries fall even farther behind. by Agustino Fontevecchia
SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTS Bullrich clamps down on protest rights with new anti-picket protocol 14-12-2023 21:29 Security minister delivers press conference outlining government’s harsh approach to protests cutting traffic; Outlining host of measures, including severe punishments she warns "there will be consequences" for those attempting to seize control of the street.
CRIME & SECURITY Milei moves to limit anti-austerity protests in Argentina 14-12-2023 19:45 Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has announced that Argentina’s federal forces will intervene in any protests or street blockades conducted without a permit.
As I see it Milei steps into the breach 09-12-2023 03:53 Javier Milei will soon find that completely reshaping a long-established political and economic order is sure to be a terribly difficult undertaking. by James Neilson
NEW GOVERNMENT Milei finalises Cabinet line-up ahead of inauguration 07-12-2023 21:15 At press time nearly all the members of new government had been revealed by president-elect’s team; One key gap remains the Health Secretariat, with speculation it may be separated from new ‘Human Capital Ministry.’
POLITICS Milei appoints Bullrich's VP candidate Luis Petri as defence minister 04-12-2023 16:44 Office of the president-elect Javier Milei confirms that Mendoza Radical Luis Petri – who formerly ran for vice-president on opposition leader Patricia Bullrich's ticket – will be in charge of the Defence Ministry in his incoming government.
POLITICS Milei enjoys peak honeymoon phase 02-12-2023 14:48 While serious doubts remain, Argentina’s president-elect is acting carefully and strategically in the conformation of his cabinet and government, seemingly betting on experience over ideology. Once the glow begins to dim and his “chainsaw” austerity plan is in full force, what Milei will face the music? by Agustino Fontevecchia
argentina Bullrich returns to government as security minister in Milei's Cabinet 01-12-2023 13:43 President-elect confirms in statement that Patricia Bullrich will return to the Security Ministry for a second time; Former rivals now aligned together in government.
CAMPAIGN COMMENTS Method in his madness? 25-11-2023 14:16 Javier Milei’s solitary rise to the top from almost nowhere in a couple of years is more apparent than real. The key to this success is more like the solution to Agatha Christie’s 'Murder on the Orient Express' – they all did it. by Michael Soltys
ELECTIONS 2023 – OPINION Milei's win sealed by a risky gamble that turned rival into ally 20-11-2023 21:06 Bullrich’s voters ended up following her and backing Milei; Milei still faces dilemma over balancing both sides of support.
ELECTION 2023 – ANALYSIS Macri victorious after backing Milei, eyes PRO officials in Cabinet 20-11-2023 16:05 Former president Mauricio Macri has been tacitly supporting Javier Milei since the libertarian lawmaker entered politics. With the La Libertad Avanza leader's triump at the ballot box, he has solidified a link that may stretch into Argentina's next government. by Ezequiel Spillman
ELECTION 2023: RUN-OFF Concern over libertarian fraud claims with tight run-off expected 17-11-2023 07:20 Argentines go to the polls on Sunday to decide if Sergio Massa or Javier Milei will be the country’s next president; Libertarian’s party raises spectre of fraud with ‘irregularities’ and ballots claims but electoral authorities say they are unfounded.
ELECTION 2023: RUN-OFF The death of moderation and the triumph of polarisation 11-11-2023 05:48 Milei seems to be recovering lost ground after a surprise defeat in the general election. If we are to believe any of the opinion polls that have come out recently (which we should read only with scepticism) the ultra-libertarian holds a thin lead over the economy minister. There seems to be a clear reversal of the post-election sentiment that Massa is already on the way to the Casa Rosada. by Agustino Fontevecchia
INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO Horacio Rodríguez Larreta: ‘PRO today is allying itself with an extreme rightist’ 11-11-2023 04:23 Buenos Aires City Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta on his PASO primary defeat, the future of Juntos por el Cambio, Macri and Bullrich’s decision to back Milei and what happens after December 10. by Jorge Fontevecchia
POLITICS The Acassuso Pact: How Macri and Milei sealed their deal 06-11-2023 15:21 Inside the meetings in the living room of the former president's home in San Isidro secured the agreement that fractured the opposition Juntos por el Cambio coalition. Causes and consequences of a crisis foretold. by Rodis Recalt
Election 2023 – Analysis ‘Petty advantage’ takes on ‘power’s pussycat’ 04-11-2023 05:50 If his first trick was managing to claw back enough votes to become the frontrunner ahead of the run-off, now Massa needs to retain and grow his electorate to win. by Agustino Fontevecchia
CAMPAIGN COMMENTS Run-up to run-off 04-11-2023 05:37 If we have had two straight surprises in the voting so far this year, why not three? by Michael Soltys