International

Argentina’s Minister of Health resigns over “VIP vaccines” scandal

AFP/Editor

The president of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, requested the resignation of his Minister of Health after it was revealed on Friday (02/19/2021) that people closed to him had been vaccinated against COVID-19 in his office, without having to request an appointment as the other argentines.

Fernández gave the indication to the chief of staff, Santiago Cafiero, to ask the Minister of Health, Ginés González García, to resing.

Subsequently, Gonzalez Garcia confirmed his resignation on his Twitter account. “I would regret that the misunderstanding situation could cause the opacity of a management that gave a big impulse to the reconstruction of Healthcare System,” he tweeted. He also expressed his gratitude “to the vast majority of the Argentine people for their commitment and support to the policies that have been implemented to rebuild a federal health system, with more equity, access and quality”.

The “privileged” vaccinations at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health were known on the same day that the city of Buenos Aires enabled the request for online shifts to vaccinate people over 80 years of age starting next Monday, a mechanism that almost collapsed immediately in the face of huge demand.

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The scandal broke out after the journalist Horacio Verbitsky told this Friday on the radio that, thanks to his long friendship with the minister, he was able to get vaccinated in his office. The scandal caused a cataract of reactions on social networks under the hashtag #vacunasvip. In addition to Verbitsky, other people close to the government were vaccinated at the Health Ministry, according to local press.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.