ARGENTINA: Impunity to Dictatorship-era Torturers? & more – 29th Aug 2024

¡Buenos días from Louse Point! This is the Rorshok Argentina Update from the 29th of August twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Argentina.

On Sunday the 25th, Lourdes Arrieta, a deputy from the ruling party La Libertad Avanza, leaked two controversial draft bills proposing that charges against individuals convicted of crimes during Argentina’s dictatorship be dropped. The drafts specifically suggest that lengthy delays in judicial processes justify dismissing cases, even those involving human rights abuses. This has prompted strong reactions from human rights organizations, which see the proposals as a step towards granting impunity to dictatorship-era torturers.

While President Milei and other top government officials have distanced themselves from the drafts, saying that they didn’t know anything about them, the leaks have sparked intense debate within the ruling coalition. Just as they were about to expel Arrieta, she decided to leave and form her own political group, saying that she was targeted for speaking the truth and exposing shady behavior.

Things haven’t been much quieter in the Senate. President Milei has vowed to veto a Senate-approved pension increase, calling those who supported the hike “fiscal degenerates.” This increase would raise pensions by 8% to offset losses from inflation, and was passed by a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

If the Senate maintains its majority, it could override Milei’s veto. He faces substantial resistance in Congress, where his party has limited influence. In fact, the pension clash is just one of several setbacks he has faced recently, including the rejection of additional funding for intelligence services and the appointment of an opposition senator to oversee intelligence activities.

Now, we have an update on a story we covered in previous episodes. Contrary to recent statements that the Red SUBE program would end in September, the government has announced that it will continue for trains and buses, offering fare discounts for passengers who use multiple forms of public transportation within a two-hour window.

Additionally, the government confirmed that the 55% Social Fare discount will also remain in place, and that resources will now be distributed more evenly across all provinces, aiming for greater fairness and federalism.

In other news, the US Embassy in Buenos Aires has issued a travel alert for visitors following an increase in black widow cases—incidents where women drug and rob their targets, often after meeting them in bars or through dating apps. The Embassy advises tourists to exercise caution, avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, and be wary of accepting items from strangers. Additionally, they advise against inviting new acquaintances to private locations.

Speaking of the US, both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in the production of critical minerals for the global energy transition, such as lithium. Diana Mondino, Argentina’s Foreign Minister and José Fernández, the US Under Secretary, signed the agreement in Buenos Aires, which aims to enhance Argentina’s role in US supply chains, and promote trade and investment in mineral exploration and processing. The deal highlights Argentina’s potential as a key supplier of strategic resources and aligns both nations in their efforts to support clean energy technologies.

Hopefully, this agreement will lead to new jobs, as the economic downturn has resulted in nearly 10,000 business closures and the loss of over 260,000 jobs since November twenty twenty-three. A recent report by the Center for Political Economy Research indicates a 16% decline in industry activity during the first half of twenty twenty-four compared to the previous year, representing the lowest industrial output since pre-pandemic times. Larger firms, particularly those with over 500 employees, have been responsible for the majority of job losses, although smaller businesses have also faced significant challenges.

On that note, it’s time to bid Makro farewell. After thirty-five years, the wholesale supermarket chain is pulling out of the country due to declining consumer spending. SHV Holding, its Dutch parent company, has initiated the sale of Makro’s twenty-four branches across various provinces, with a price tag of 200 million dollars. The company has enlisted Banco Santander to handle the process and is negotiating with potential buyers.

Another headline this week involves former lawmaker Germán Kiczka. Authorities are actively searching for him as he faces international charges related to child pornography. The Misiones provincial legislature expelled Kiczka and issued an international arrest warrant for him due to possession and distribution of nearly 600 explicit images involving minors. So far he has managed to evade capture, with reports suggesting he may have crossed into Paraguay or Brazil.

Also on the topic of abuse, the government has announced changes to the Acompañar program, which supports victims of gender-based violence. A new decree now requires individuals to provide a judicial or police report to access assistance, unlike before when a social report from an official violence support agency sufficed. Additionally, the duration of financial support has been reduced from six months to three. The government says these changes aim to improve oversight and reduce misuse of funds.

Moving on, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, the former mayor of Buenos Aires, has launched a new political movement called MAD, which stands for Movimiento al Desarrollo or Movement for Development. His initiative aims to be a more thoughtful, developmentalist approach to politics, focusing on infrastructure, innovation, and technology. Having kept a low profile since losing the PRO party’s presidential candidacy, he is now pitching MAD as an alternative for those who believe in modernizing and developing Argentina.

Regarding technological development, Mercado Libre, the e-commerce and fintech giant, has filed a formal complaint against thirty-six Argentine banks, accusing them of operating as a cartel through their joint digital wallet service, MODO. Mercado Libre says the banks are colluding to stifle competition in the fintech sector by promoting MODO collectively without getting the necessary approval from antitrust regulators. The banks, on their part, have brushed off the complaint, arguing it’s just Mercado Libre’s attempt to curb competition. They maintain that MODO provides substantial benefits to consumers and businesses alike.

Moving into sports, the British Formula 1 team Williams Racing has promoted Franco Colapinto, a twenty-one-year-old Argentine driver, to compete in the remainder of the twenty twenty-four Formula 1 season, replacing Logan Sargeant. Colapinto will be the first Argentine to race in F1 in over two decades, and will make his debut at the Monza Grand Prix on the 1st of September.

Speaking of promising young people, Ilan Schnaider, the thirteen-year-old Argentine chess prodigy, has achieved the title of International Master after securing a victory in the final round at the Master Bella Italia tournament. Schnaider clinched second place in the tournament and became the second-youngest Argentine to earn this title, following Faustino Oro, who claimed the title earlier this year at just ten years old. Celebrating his success on social media, Ilan expressed his happiness and gratitude for the support from his family and friends, noting that he’s been self-taught.

There’s good news for basketball fans, too. Argentina’s legendary basketball team, which defeated the US at the two thousand four Athens Olympics, is reuniting for one final game. The squad, featuring stars like Manu Ginóbili and Luis Scola, announced the event through a viral video. This highly anticipated game is scheduled for the 2nd of November at the Parque Roca in Buenos Aires, although ticket details have yet to be announced.

Another event to look forward to is MUBI Fest Buenos Aires. The film festival will take place from the 12th to the 15th of September, and features a lineup of twenty acclaimed art-house films to be screened at the Cine Arte Cacodelphia theater. The festival will showcase a mix of international hits, including Cannes selections like Motel Destino by Karim Aïnouz and Rodrigo Moreno’s The Delinquents, alongside award-winning works such as Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance. To know more about the festival, follow the link in the show notes!

Aaand that’s it for this week! Thank you for joining us!

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¡Nos vemos la próxima semana!