Silvina Batakis becomes Argentina’s new economy minister

·

Silvina Batakis has become Argentina’s new economy minister one day after the abrupt resignation of her predecessor Martin Guzman.

Batakis, who has the nickname La Griega (‘The Greek Girl’), is the descendent of Greek immigrants to Argentina.

Her appointment to economy minister was announced on Twitter by Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez.

The 53-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously served as Secretary of Provinces in the Ministry of the Interior, and as economy minister for Argentina’s biggest and wealthiest province, Buenos Aires, from 2011 to 2015.

Her appointment comes at a time when the Argentine economy is in full-blown crisis mode, with inflation above 60 percent, a high fiscal deficit, fears rising about debt defaults, and people losing faith in the peso currency and anticipating a devaluation.

Silvina Batakis getting sworn in today. Photo: Twitter.

Guzman, her predecessor and the architect of a $44 billion debt restructuring deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), unexpectedly stepped down on Saturday.

This came after constant clashes with the militant wing of the ruling party who disapproved of his tighter fiscal policy.

According to dw.com, Batakis is seen as more aligned with the ruling Peronist coalition’s militant wing, which wants more public spending to help alleviate high poverty levels in Argentina. 

Source: dw.com.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Eleni Petinos MP appointed to NSW Liberals’ shadow cabinet

Miranda MP Eleni Petinos has been recalled to the front bench and appointed Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for Sport.

Interpreter Soula Tousimis gives a voice to the vulnerable at The Alfred in Melbourne

Soula Tousimis celebrated her 25th working anniversary at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, Victoria on June 11, 2021.

George Ellis Orchestra goes on tour for ‘The Best of the Bee Gees’

The Best of the Bee Gees celebrates 25 years on stage in 2023 with a national tour accompanied by the 20-piece George Ellis Orchestra.