Latest news of Buenos Aires Times

Antonio Pedro de Souza (left), 42 – a painter who has been out of work since the beginning of the pandemic – poses for a picture next to his wife (right), Ilma da Silva Santos and their children at their home at Manuel Faustino squatter camp, near Salvador, Bahía, Brazil on October 16, 2020.

Poverty-stricken Brazilians fear looming end of Covid-19 emergency cash

Today 14:58 More than 67 million low-income workers receive Covid-19 relief payments in Brazil, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Many of them are fearing what lies ahead.

LATIN AMERICA

UN: Foreign direct investment in Latin America to fall by up to 55%

Today 13:39 Foreign direct investment in Latin America will fall by up to 55% in 2020, the UN's regional economic commission said Wednesday.

Racing Club's Fabricio Domínguez celebrates after scoring against Brazil's Flamengo during the penalty shoot-out of their closed-door Copa Libertadores round before the quarter-finals football match at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 1, 2020.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Racing end Flamengo's Copa Libertadores defence with penalty shoot-out win

Today 13:24 Flamengo's defence of their Copa Libertadores title has ended at the last 16 stage, after the Brazilian giants crashed out on penalties at the hands of Racing Club.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

In historic first, UK says it will introduce Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine next week

Today 07:26 Britain on Wednesday became the first country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, announcing a rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech's jab from next week in a historic advance for humanity's fightback against the coronavirus.

Opposition Venezuela leader Juan Guaidó.

JUAN GUAIDÓ INTERVIEW

Leading poll boycott, Venezuela's Guaidó seeks more sanctions on Maduro

Today 00:12 Opposition leader Juan Guaidó is leading a boycott of Venezuela's legislative elections on Sunday and, despite losing political momentum, says he is still the person the international community needs to oust Nicolás Maduro's regime.

Coronavirus pandemic

Education minister targets March 1 for return of face-to-face classes

Today 00:05 Education Minister Nicolás Trotta says face-to-face classes will be "essential" next year and says government is targeting March 1 return for classes in 17 provinces.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt not for sale, says retired England player

Yesterdat 22:06 Former England midfielder Steve Hodge has insisted the shirt worn by Diego Maradona in scoring two iconic goals against the Three Lions in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final is not for sale.

Customers wait for a flight at an airport.

Bloomberg

AA2000 plans key investment as concession extended 10 years

Yesterdat 22:03 Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, the country's largest airport operator, has pledged to invest US$2.5 billion after receiving a 10-year extension for its local airport concession.

A woman rises her fist with a green headscarf to demand the legalisation of abortion in Argentina.

Abortion bill

Congress begins debate on bill to legalise abortion

Yesterdat 17:36 Lower house opened debate on the government’s abortion bill on Tuesday, with President Alberto Fernández hoping to legalise the process in Argentina by the end of the year.

RUGBY

Pumas dump rugby captain Matera, two other players over xenophobic posts

Yesterdat 00:08 Argentina rugby skipper Pablo Matera was stripped of the captaincy and suspended over "discriminatory and xenophobic" tweets on Tuesday. Two other players, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino, were also punished.

President Alberto Fernández speaks with US President-elect Joe Biden.

DIPLOMACY

Fernández, Biden agree to improve US-LatAm ties in phone call

30-11-2020 23:32 President Alberto Fernández first Latin American leader to call US president-elect and offer congratulations for election win. In 35-minute phone call, Biden says he seeks "solid relationship" with region.

President Alberto Fernández and his team speak with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and other government officials during a videoconference call.

DIPLOMACY

President vows to improve ties with Brazil in call with Bolsonaro

30-11-2020 22:24 Almost a year after he first took office, President Alberto Fernández has finally spoken to Brazil leader Jair Bolsonaro.

Leopoldo Luque, Diego Maradona's personal doctor, speaks with journalists outside his home in Adrogué.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

Leopoldo Luque denies wrongdoing as Maradona death probe heats up

30-11-2020 00:30 The home and offices of Diego Maradona’s personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, were raided on Sunday as the investigation into the late football legend's death took a dramatic twist.

Lionel Messi pays tribute to Diego Maradona.

Maradona tributes

Messi takes Newell's to Camp Nou as Maradona tributes continue

30-11-2020 00:06 Clubs across Europe continued to pay tribute to Diego Maradona on Sunday, with Lionel Messi taking a little bit of Newell's Old Boys with particularly poignant moments in Italy and Spain where the Argentine played.

An image of the quake taken by Twitter user @ GEMINISCAR2.

JUJUY PROVINCE

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes mountainous area near Humahuaca

29-11-2020 23:57 A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shock a mountainous area near the tourist town of Humahuaca on Sunday, the National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES) reported.

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Adherence to domestic debt swap deal rises to 99.49%

29-11-2020 23:29 Government announces that adherence to its offer to restructure US$41.7 billion in bonds issued under local jurisdiction has risen to 99.49 %.

Economy Minister Martín Guzmán delivers a press conference at Casa Rosada announcing measures during the outbreak of the new Coronavirus, Covid-19, in Buenos Aires on March 17, 2020.

Bloomberg

Guzmán plays down prospects of an early IMF deal

29-11-2020 23:08 In an interview with the Financial Times, Economy Minister Martín Guzmán plays down the chances of an early agreement with the International Monetary Fund over repayment of US$44-billion loan.

President Alberto Fernández speaks during a press conference at the presidential residence in Olivos, Buenos Aires province, on August 12, 2020. Argentina will manufacture while Mexico will pack and distribute in Latin America, except of Brazil, the vaccine against COVID-19 developed by the University of Oxford and the AstraZeneca laboratory.

Coronavirus pandemic

Fernández extends distancing measures, only two cities to remain in isolation

29-11-2020 09:09 President Alberto Fernández said Friday that only two cities in Argentina will remain under strict isolation measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19, as he extended existing social distancing measures for the rest of the country.

US Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory attends a Pope's Mass with new cardinals on November 29, 2020 at St. Peter's basilica in The Vatican. Pope Francis created 13 new cardinals on November 28, including Gregory, the first African-American, putting his personal stamp on the body that will one day choose his successor.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pope Francis appoints first African American cardinal

29-11-2020 08:56 Pope Francis created 13 new cardinals on Saturday – including the first African-American – putting his personal stamp on the body that will one day choose his successor.

Aerial view of anti-abortion activists demonstrating against the bill to legalise abortion presented by President Alberto Fernández outside Congress on November 28, 2020.

Abortion bill

Thousands march to Congress in protest at new move to legalise abortion

29-11-2020 08:48 Thousands of anti-abortion protesters demonstrated on Saturday across Argentina, against the government's new bill seeking to legalise abortion.

A helium balloon with the shape of a football and a kite in Argentine colours and the number 10 are displayed in tribute to Maradona, before a Copa Diego Maradona 2020 match between Racing Club and Union at the Presidente Perón Stadium in Avellaneda, on November 28, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Tears and memories as Argentina's top flight returns without Maradona

29-11-2020 08:41 The first games in Argentina's top flight since the death of Diego Maradona kicked off Saturday amid tears and memories, with the club he last coached notching up a victory in tribute to the footballing genius.

An injured New Zealand team captain Sam Cane shakes hands with Argentina players after their 2020 Tri-Nations rugby match between New Zealand and Argentina at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on November 28, 2020.

Rugby: Tri Nations

All Blacks bounce back to crush grieving Pumas

29-11-2020 08:19 Argentina, playing just days after the death of football legend Diego Maradona, lacked cohesion after making 10 changes to side for clash against New Zealand, who were seeking revenge.

Players from both teams and referees form a M to pay homage to the late Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Girondins de Bordeaux (FCGB) at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris on November 28, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Sport pays tribute to Maradona with tears, applause, silence, banners and song

29-11-2020 08:12 On the first weekend of sporting action since the death of Diego Maradona, sports, leagues and teams round the world on Saturday paid tribute to the Argentine football great.

Politics & the pandemic

In Maradona's shadow

28-11-2020 13:52 Diego Maradona has died and everything else in Argentina will now have to wait.

by Martín Gambarotta

The hearse carrying Diego Maradona’s funeral casket is mobbed as it departs the Casa Rosada for the cemetery.

EDITORIAL

Maradona: The national mourning is also global

28-11-2020 09:09 Argentina’s greatest sporting idol born and died in the same metropolis, yet the contrast between the Villa Fiorito slum of his birth and the San Andrés gated community of his death could hardly be greater – renewed testimony to this country’s extreme social inequalities.

The last farewell to the remains of Diego Maradona.

THE WEEK IN ARGENTINA

What we learned this week: November 21 to 28

28-11-2020 09:04 Our pick of the stories from the last seven days (with the exception of just a mention of Maradona).

by Michael Soltys

Chaotic scenes in Buenos Aires as people line up to pay their respects to Diego Maradona.

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (1960-2020)

Nation bids chaotic final farewell to its favourite son

28-11-2020 08:56 Huge crowds bade a grief-filled farewell to Diego Armando Maradona on Thursday, before the legendary footballer was buried on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after a chaotic public wake.

A scientific police van carrying Maradona’s body leaves the gated community where he died, in Benavidez, Buenos Aires Province, on November 25, 2020.

THE DEATH OF MARADONA

Police open probe as details of Maradona’s final hours emerge

28-11-2020 08:52 Family concerned by “irregularities” in statement from nurse who was caring for late footballing legend. Prosecutors believe Maradona passed away in his sleep.

Maradona with Argentina’s political leaders.

MARADONA & POLITICS

Maradona, a Peronist with a high political profile

28-11-2020 08:46 No fan of Mauricio Macri, Diego Maradona did not shy away from expressing his political views. A self-declared Peronist and fan of left-wing Latin American leaders, he famously viewed Fidel Castro as a hero.

Diego Maradona kisses the World Cup trophy after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over West Germany in 1986, at the Azteca stadium, Mexico City.

OBITUARY: DIEGO MARADONA (1960-2020)

Maradona: the icon who lead Argentina to glory

28-11-2020 08:41 Diego Maradona was arguably the greatest football player ever. Despite his flaws and demons, he was worshiped in Argentina.

OBITUARY: DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (1960-2020)

Why Maradona was better than Messi, Ronaldo, all of them

28-11-2020 08:34 The 'pibe de oro' was the greatest player of all time. He, above everyone else, came closest to defying the dictum that football is a team sport.

President Alberto Fernández heads the first meeting of the Vaccination Committee on Tuesday in the Eva Perón Room of Government House, with Cabinet Chief Santiago Cafiero, Health Minister Ginés González García, Defence Minister Agustín Rossi, Interior Minister Eduardo de Pedro and Security Minister Sabina Frederic in attendance. Also present: Health Access Secretary Carla Vizzotti and presidential advisor Cecilia Nicolin

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Covid-19 vaccine in Argentina: Who, what, when and how

28-11-2020 08:24 Government’s new Covid-19 vaccine committee, headed by the president, meets at Casa Rosada as preparations for mass vaccination programme get underway. Here’s what we know so far about a vaccine in Argentina.

Valeria Juárez, 34, is embarking on a fresh career in the parks department after suffering years of torment at the hands of her former partner Héctor Fabián Mendoza.

GENDER VIOLENCE

Groundbreaking gender violence initiative sees victim handed ex-partner’s job

28-11-2020 08:19 In a groundbreaking ‘reparations’ ruling advance hailed by campaigners, a local council in La Pampa has awarded 34-year-old Valeria Juárez her former partner’s job as compensation for years of abuse.

by Nick Evans

CORRUPTION & THE COURTS

Fernández de Kirchner acquitted in ‘cuadernos’ graft trial cases

28-11-2020 08:13 Federal judge Marcelo Martínez De Giorgi on Tuesday acquitted Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in one of the corruption trials against her based on the so-called “cuadernos” notebooks detailing alleged public works graft.

A rebel to the bone, genuine, charismatic and 100 percent controversial, all this and more constructed the myth of Diego.

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (1960-2020)

The life, death and philosophy of Diego Maradona

28-11-2020 08:06 A rebel to the bone, genuine, charismatic and 100 percent controversial, all this and more constructed the myth of Diego.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

AS I SEE IT

A hero of our time

28-11-2020 08:00 Maradona the footballer became an international “legend,” but this made him a magnet for many unsavoury individuals who wanted to profit from his immense reputation and the great deal of money he generated.

by James Neilson

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (1960-2020)

Thank you, Diego, forever

28-11-2020 07:41 Maradona’s greatness as a player, as a representative of Argentine sport, transcends all class and political divides.

by Francisco Aldaya

Maradona, 1986, versus England in Mexico.

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (1960-2020)

Maradona: Out of this world

28-11-2020 07:35 Diego Armando Maradona, the popular icon that Argentina was crying out for, blessed us mortals with 60 years in his magnetic presence. But now, the ‘Cosmic Kite’ has finally been called back to his home planet.

by Dan Edwards

Fans queue outside the Casa Rosada, waiting to pay their respects to Diego Maradona.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Billionaire Eurnekian vows to build Maradona statue at Ezeiza

28-11-2020 07:15 Billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian is preparing to fulfil an old promise to Maradona by erecting a statue of the late player at Ezeiza international airport.

Buenos Aires' police members stand guard outside the morgue where Diego Maradona's body underwent an autopsy , in San Fernando, Buenos Aires province, on November 25, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona

Workers who took photos with Maradona’s dead body apologise

27-11-2020 23:30 Employees at a morgue who photographs posing alongside Diego Maradona’s dead boy have apologised for the distress they have caused, while at least one is believed to have lost his job.

Diego Maradona's daughter, Dalma Maradona (left), and ex-wife Claudia Villafane leave the Casa Rosada to the cemetery, in Buenos Aires on November 26, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Maradona's death may trigger family inheritance battle

27-11-2020 22:54 Diego Maradona's tormented private life, with its tangled relationships and paternity suits, suggests distributing his inheritance will be a complex task for lawyers bracing for claims from a slew of children – those he recognised and those he didn't.

Aerial view of the burial of Armando Maradona at the Jardín Bella Vista cemetery, in Buenos Aires Province, on November 26, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020)

Maradona finally laid to rest after chaotic day of emotion and drama

27-11-2020 04:25 Huge crowds bade a grief-filled adieu Thursday to Diego Maradona during a farewell that at times descended into chaos.

Police detain a man during clashes while fans wait to enter the Government House to pay tribute to late football legend Diego Armando Maradona in Buenos Aires, on November 26, 2020.

MARADONA'S WAKE

Chaotic scenes at Maradona's wake as police clash with fans

26-11-2020 16:33 Riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas in clashes with football fans near the Casa Rosada on Thursday, as chaotic scenes were seen at Diego Maradona's wake.

Handout photo released by Argentina's Presidency of players of the coffin of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona during his wake at the burning chapel of the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires on November 26, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona

Outrage as photos of Maradona's dead body in coffin leak online

26-11-2020 15:58 Social networks erupt in anger after images leaked online of Diego Armando Maradona’s dead body in his coffin. Photos show an individual, believed to be a worker at the morgue, posing for an image alongside funeral casket, with late footballer's face visible.

The closed casket, where Diego Armando Maradona's body lies in state, pictured at the Casa Rosada.

MARADONA'S WAKE

Mourners bid final farewell to Maradona at the Casa Rosada

26-11-2020 10:49 Mourners, many in tears and many wearing the World Cup winner's number 10 Argentina shirt, flock to the Casa Rosada, where the national hero's coffin was draped in the sky-blue-and-white national flag.

Diego Armando Maradona

Argentina prepares for a huge and emotional farewell to Maradona

26-11-2020 01:59 Officials make preparations for Maradona's wake at Casa Rosada. Government estimates as many as one million people will want to pay their respects to legendary late footballer.

A father and her daughter, both fans of Diego Maradona, mourn as they gather by the Obelisk to pay homage on the day of his death in Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona

Nation mourns Maradona, the most human of Gods

26-11-2020 00:29 Nation plunged into grief by the death of its favourite son, a sublimely gifted sporting hero they saw as "the most human of Gods."

Fans of Diego Maradona gather by the Obelisk to pay homage on the day of his death in Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020.

Gracias Diego

Buenos Aires erupts in applause for late great Diego Maradona

26-11-2020 00:09 Buenos Aires erupted in applause on Wednesday night, as porteños paid tribute to the late Diego Armando Maradona.

A scientific police van carrying football star Diego Maradona death body leaves the gated community where he died, in Benavidez, Buenos Aires Province, on November 25, 2020.

Diego Armando Maradona

Maradona's body to lie in state at Casa Rosada

25-11-2020 17:56 The body of Diego Maradona, the legendary footballer who died Wednesday at the age of 60, will lie in state at the Casa Rosada for three days starting Thursday, government confirms.

Diego Maradona waves next to Gimasia Club President Gabriel Pellegrino (right), during the first training session of the team with him as coach at the El Bosque stadium, in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province.

Diego Armando Maradona

'Very sad day' – Argentina mourns painful loss of Maradona

25-11-2020 17:04 Diego Maradona's sudden death from a cardiac arrest unleashed an outpouring of emotion in Argentina on Wednesday, as politicians, fans and former teammates paid tribute to the late legendary footballer.

Diego Armando Maradona

Death of 'eternal' Maradona plunges football world into mourning

25-11-2020 15:30 The football world united to pay tribute to one of the game's greatest-ever players after Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona died at the age of 60 on Wednesday.

Diego Armando Maradona

Maradona: In his own words and the words of others

25-11-2020 14:52 Diego Maradona, who died Wednesday at the age of 60, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He'll also be remembered as one of the most controversial.

Diego Armando Maradona

Diego Maradona, a divine talent with more than a touch of the devil

25-11-2020 14:47 Diego Maradona was football's archetypal troubled genius, a world-beating player whose life and career scaled the most dazzling heights but also plumbed the darkest depths.

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA

Maradona: A legend shaped by the Hand of God

25-11-2020 14:44 Diego Maradona scored more than 300 goals, but the two most famous came within four minutes of each other on June 22, 1986 in Mexico. One was voted Goal of the Century. The other is even more famous.

In this file photo taken November 2, 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters.

BREAKING NEWS

Diego Armando Maradona dies after suffering cardiac arrest

25-11-2020 13:40 Diego Armando Maradona, the legendary number 10 who guided Argentina to World Cup glory, thrilling the world in ways no other footballer did before him, has died at the age of 60.

Congress

Senate begins analysing 'wealth tax' bill, vote likely early December

25-11-2020 07:52 Senate begins analysing 'wealth tax' bill to impose a one-off levy on Argentina's richest citizens on Tuesday, following last week's approval of the initiative in the lower house.

Health Minister Ginés González García speaks to reporters after a meeting with Buenos Aires Province Health Minister Daniel Gollán and Buenos Aires City Health Minister Fernán Quirós.

HUNT FOR VACCINE

Government wants to begin Covid-19 vaccinations in January

24-11-2020 22:07 Government plans to start its massive vaccination programme in January, as long as the vaccines are ready available, says Health Minister Ginés González García.

An empty Avenida 9 de Julio, pictured during the coronavirus pandemic.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Buenos Aires to re-open for national and international tourism

24-11-2020 21:59 City Hall announces it will allow arrivals via airports, ports, bus, train and private vehicles, starting next month. Visitors will require a Covid-19 test and will only need to isolate if it comes back positive.

Argentina's economy entered recession in 2018.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Economic activity shrank 6.9% in September year-on-year

24-11-2020 19:12 New data from INDEC national statistics bureau shows economic activity has declined 11.9% since the turn of the year.

US President-elect Joe Biden listens as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speaks after introductions of key foreign policy and national security nominees and appointments at the Queen Theatre on November 24, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware.

UNITED STATES

US President-elect Joe Biden presents his security and foreign policy team

24-11-2020 17:55 Declaring 'America is back,' US President-elect Joe Biden unveils his picks for secretary of state, national security advisor, homeland security secretary, head of national intelligence, UN ambassador and climate change envoy.

US President-elect Joe Biden (centre) introduces key foreign policy and national security nominees and appointments at the Queen Theatre on November 24, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware.

UNITED STATES

Biden's Cabinet takes shape: seasoned centrists, but with a few firsts

24-11-2020 15:57 US President-elect Joe Biden names first cabinet appointments, signalling that he favours competence and centrism while providing historic firsts for women and minorities.

In this file photo taken on November 2, 2019 a reveller holds a rainbow flag during the Gay Pride Parade outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires. Government positions will be reserved for transvestites, transsexuals and transgenders, according to a decree issued on September 4, 2020.

Trans rights

Argentina's Army must comply with 1% quota for trans individuals

24-11-2020 09:10 Argentina's Army has been included on a list of official bodies that must comply with new legislation guaranteeing the incorporation of transvestites, transsexuals and transgender people into the workplace, according to press reports.

Brazilian model Shirley Pitta poses during an interview with AFP at the headquarters of JOY Model in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 7, 2020.

RACE, FASHION & CULTURE

Black models increasingly visible on Brazil's catwalks

24-11-2020 08:36 Afro-Brazilian models Shirley Pitta and Gloria Maria Fonseca Siqueira had dreamed of the runway since they were girls, but in a Brazilian fashion world much whiter than the country itself, it remained a far-away fantasy until recently. In a sign of changing times in Brazil and elsewhere, the pair saw their dreams come true at this year's São Paulo Fashion Week.

This November 23, 2020 photo shows the White House in Washington DC. US President Donald Trump came his closest yet to admitting election defeat November 23 after the government agency meant to ease Joe Biden's transition into the White House said it was finally lifting its unprecedented block on assistance. Trump acknowledged it was time for the General Services Administration to "do what needs to be done."

UNITED STATES

Trump finally agrees to Biden transition – but still not conceding

24-11-2020 08:31 US President Donald Trump came his closest yet to admitting election defeat Monday after the government agency meant to ease Joe Biden's transition into the White House said it was finally lifting its unprecedented block on assistance.

Relatives of the ARA San Juan submarine's lost crew stage a rally in Mar del Plata in this file photograph.

ARA SAN JUAN tragedy

Macri, Aguard, Srur face probe over ARA San Juan submarine tragedy

23-11-2020 17:47 Appeals court orders probe into potential "criminal responsibility" of ex-president, former defence minister and retired Navy chief-of-staff in the sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine three years ago.

A woman wearing a face mask reading "Alive and rebels" holds a banner reading "Against gender violence, feminist justice" during a protest called by feminist associations in Barcelona on November 22, 2020, ahead of November 25 which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Global pandemic

Pandemic inflames gender violence against women

23-11-2020 15:58 No country has been spared the coronavirus epidemic, nor the scourge of domestic violence, which has surged during lockdowns as the day marking such violence approaches on Wednesday.

In this aerial view the red dust of the BR230 highway, known as 'Transamazonica,' mixes with fires at sunset in the agriculture town of Ruropolis, Para state, northen Brazil, on September 6, 2019.

EU-MERCOSUR DEAL

Without environmental guarantees, EU-Mercosur trade deal faces uncertain future

23-11-2020 15:51 Historic free-trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur regional bloc, announced more than a year ago after more than two decades of negotiations, stuck in limbo due to environmental concerns.

River Plate midfielder Nicolás de la Cruz.

CRIME & SECURITY

Sister of River Plate midfielder in custody after police stop uncovers 40kg of cocaine

23-11-2020 14:48 An elder sister of River Plate midfielder Nicolás De La Cruz was in Buenos Aires on Saturday while travelling in a taxi. Police officers find 40 kilogrammes of cocaine in vehicle.

President Alberto Fernández, pictured at a G20 summit near the turn of the year. Economy Minister Martín Guzmán watches on.

G20 Leaders Summit

Fernández asks G20 for ‘cooperation and solidarity’ in face of pandemic

22-11-2020 16:22 President Alberto Fernández calls on G20 member nations to prioritise"cooperation and solidarity" in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, while warning Latin America faces a likely "second wave" in the coming months.

Representatives from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) mission team. meet with government officials, including Economy Ministry Martín Guzmán, last week.

IMF DEBT TALKS

IMF and Argentina making 'good progress' on new financing plan

22-11-2020 15:13 IMF mission team ends visit to Buenos Aires, saying that talks over a new financing plan are progressing well, with the two sides beginning to “delineate the contours” of a new deal.

Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) take care of a Covid-19 patient inside the Semi-intensive Care Unit (SCU) at Hospital Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Bloomberg

Coronavirus roars back in Brazil as infections top six million

22-11-2020 08:28 Last week, Brazil reported almost 68,000 new Covid-19 cases in a single day, an all-time high that eclipses the previous record by more than 20% and rivals the numbers seen in the United States, whose population is 50% bigger.

EDITORIAL

November’s sky is chill and drear

21-11-2020 10:51 With the government falling into line with the quarantine fatigue felt by much of the nation, a vacuum has opened up in the public agenda. There was already plenty of jostling last week to fill it – from both wings of the coalition government.

THE WEEK

What we learned this week: November 14 to 21

21-11-2020 10:44 The most important stories from the last seven days in Argentina.

Coalitions are made up of political parties, but essentially they are about people interacting. Political parties can be difficult – and so can people.

POLITICS & THE PANDEMIC

Allies not speaking to each other

21-11-2020 10:33 Coalitions are made up of political parties, but essentially they are about people interacting. Political parties can be difficult – and so can people.

by Martín Gambarotta

RUGBY

Gutsy Argentina claw back to earn draw with Australia

21-11-2020 10:30 A courageous Pumas side battled back to earn a dramatic 15-15 Tri Nations draw with Australia Saturday and reinforce their credentials after an epic win against the All Blacks last week.

EXTRAORDINARY SOLIDARITY CONTRIBUTION

‘Extraordinary Solidarity Contribution’ – details of the ‘wealth tax’ bill

21-11-2020 10:27 Lawmakers in Argentina’s lower house on Wednesday approved a bill that will see the nation’s wealthy citizens slapped with a one-off capital levy on assets.

Lawmakers celebrate passage of the bill.

ARGENTINA

US$3-billion ‘wealth tax’ bill clears lower house, heads to Senate

21-11-2020 10:20 Chamber of Deputies votes in favour of one-off levy for those with largest fortunes. Bill, which Peronist lawmakers hope will raise US$3 billion, now goes to Senate.

INTERNATIONAL APPROACH

Wealth taxes and extraordinary contributions – how other nations handle it

21-11-2020 10:14 Worldwide Germany and France are the two most practical examples of that class of taxes labelled “solidarity."

The “special contribution” will trigger an “exodus of investments, because it punishes the local investor when the foreign investor is not covered by this norm.

‘WEALTH TAX’ BILL

‘Wealth tax’ could hit as three times more people than anticipated

21-11-2020 10:06 Tax expert warns bill to impose one-off levy on assets of rich could eventually hit as many as 30,000 people, depending on exchange rate at time it becomes law.

by Fernando Nolé

ABORTION BILL

Fernández starts push to legalise abortion before end of year

21-11-2020 09:59 President Alberto Fernández sends bill to Congress seeking to legalise abortion in first 14 weeks of pregnancy, firing the starting pistol on another epic legislative showdown.

ABORTION BILL

‘Legal abortion now’ – Activists rally as final push begins

21-11-2020 09:53 After more than a decade of demonstrations, pro-choice activists feel that 2020 might finally be there year.

President Alberto Fernández’s complete message to the nation, announcing his bid for abortion reform.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

‘We are responding to a reality’ – president makes case for abortion reform

21-11-2020 09:44 President Alberto Fernández’s complete message to the nation.

Buenos Aires City government’s top education official, Soledad Acuña.

AS I SEE IT

We don’t need no education

21-11-2020 09:38 Instead of campaigning to get their members back to work, Argentina’s teachers’ unions are determined to prolong the longest school holiday ever until everyone has been properly vaccinated.

by James Neilson

A LA CANCHA

Stormy waters in Avellaneda as sudden crisis engulfs Racing

21-11-2020 09:32 A run of defeats has plunged Racing Club into crisis. Such is the scale of the disaster that it now looks set to take with it one of the club's most beloved figures: Diego Milito.

by Dan Edwards

UNITED STATES

Biden decries Trump’s ‘irresponsible’ bid to reverse US election

21-11-2020 09:25 US president-elect assails the Trump administration’s lack of cooperation on transition, saying it is hindering his team’s ability to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Rudy Giuliani sweats it out at a press conference to remember.

US ELECTION 2020

Chávez, Soros and ‘My Cousin Vinny’: Giuliani gives a performance to remember

21-11-2020 09:14 In an extraordinary 90-minute press conference in Washington, Giuliani and other members of Trump's legal team left no doubt they were refusing to acknowledge Biden's win, arguing instead that a broad "national conspiracy" to deny Trump re-election was underway.

ARGENTINA ABLAZE

Lawmakers approve bill to limit commercial use of fire-destroyed land

21-11-2020 09:02 After marathon debate, Chamber of Deputies approves bill drawn up by Máximo Kirchner that bans repurposing of fire-affected land.

More than one million hectares of land have been devastated by fire so far this year, according to official government figures.

ARGENTINA ABLAZE

More than one million hectares destroyed by fire in Argentina this year

21-11-2020 08:54 Environmental calamity continues: over 10,000 square kilometres of land has been destroyed by fire so far this year.

by Nick Evans

FROM WHERE I STAND

The finish-line is in sight

21-11-2020 08:42 It has certainly been a rough ride, but the finishing line is in sight and there are feeble signs that Republican legislators are questioning, although not yet challenging, Trump’s leadership of the party.

by Robert Cox

The country’s reckless borrowing didn’t begin with Macri, but with Cristina, and the practice endures even today, with Alberto.

RECKLESSNESS

Cristina, Macri and Alberto – all of them took on debt

21-11-2020 08:38 Everyone loves to play the blame game, but let’s get one thing straight for the record: former presidents Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Mauricio Macri both took on debt – and so has Alberto Fernández.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

helicopter tragedy

Banker Jorge Brito killed in Salta helicopter crash

20-11-2020 19:33 Banker, businessman and entrepreneur Jorge Brito, 68, killed in a helicopter crash in Salta, along with his pilot.

A tractor transfers soybeans into a silo bag in Venado Tuerto.

BLOOMBERG

Night-time raiders are destroying US$100,000 soy bags

20-11-2020 13:17 Packed tight with freshly harvested soybeans, the silobags that dot the Pampas at this time of year are worth a hefty sum. They're also a target for vandals – and farmers have had enough.

Handout picture released by the Argentine presidency showing Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou welcoming Alberto Fernández for a private meeting at the Anchorena presidential ranch near Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, on November 19, 2020.

LATIN AMERICA

Fernández heads across River Plate to meet Lacalle Pou

20-11-2020 13:07 President Alberto Fernández crossed the River Plate on Thursday to meet up with his Uruguayan colleague Luis Lacalle Pou in the first meeting between the two leaders since the latter’s inauguration on March 1.

Lower House Speaker Sergio Massa fist bumps Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, opposition law- maker Álvaro González, during Wednesday’s marathon session.

CONGRESS & POLITICS

Frente de Todos advances Congress agenda with marathon session

20-11-2020 11:01 Favourable outcomes for ruling coalition in Congress. After more than 20 hours of debate in lower house, deputies back ‘wealth tax’ bill and initiative to stop commercial redevelopment of fire-destroyed land.

President Alberto Fernández takes off his face mask before delivering a speech in Buenos Aires on July 22, 2020.

Coronavirus pandemic

President leaves isolation after second negative Covid-19 test

19-11-2020 12:34 Alberto Fernández will exit his week-long period of isolation and return to normal work after testing negative for Covid-19 for a second time, the president's medical team said Thursday.

RUGBY

Cheika factor at play as Pumas, fresh from All Blacks win, eye Australia upset

19-11-2020 12:24 Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika could come back to haunt his old team on Saturday as he tries to help Pumas pull off their second straight upset after last week's stunning win over New Zealand.

Soybeans traded at the highest level in more than six years as increasing demand from top importer China and dry weather in the major producing areas of South America spur growing concerns over global supplies.

BLOOMBERG

Global crop supply fears send soybeans to highest in six years

19-11-2020 10:27 Soybeans traded at the highest level in more than six years as increasing demand from top importer China and dry weather in the major producing areas of South America spur growing concerns over global supplies.

Pro-government lawmakers applaud after the Solidarity and Extraordinary Contribution bill's passage through the lower house.

Congress

Chamber of Deputies approves government’s ‘wealth tax’ bill

19-11-2020 02:05 Lawmakers in Argentina’s lower house approve move to introduce one-off levy affecting those with largest fortunes. Bill, which Peronist lawmakers hope will raise US$3 billion, now goes to Senate.

Juan Domingo Roldán (right) in his prime.

Coronavirus pandemic

'Hammer' Roldán, rival of Hagler, Hearns, dies of Covid-19

18-11-2020 23:42 Argentine boxer Juan Domingo Roldán, who challenged the likes of Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns for the world middleweight title in the 1980s, has died of Covid-19 at the age of 63, medical sources said Wednesday.

US ELECTION 2020

Firings, recount calls, angry tweets – Trump continues bid to invalidate election

18-11-2020 19:34 Firing the US election security chief and pressuring local officials to throw out valid votes, US President Donald Trump is continuing his efforts to invalidate Joe Biden's election win.