International

Argentina accuses Pedro Sánchez of “intrusion” for criticizing the elimination of the Women’s Ministry

The Government of Javier Milei accused the head of the Executive of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, of “interference,” after this Friday the Spaniard criticized the elimination of the former Ministry of Women in Argentina, in a context in which the European country withdrew its ambassador in Buenos Aires due to differences between the two presidents.

“He took out the ambassador by interference. And now, @sanchezcastejon?”, posted the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, on her X account, which was replicated by Milei on the same social network.

At a rally on the last day of the campaign for the European elections, Sánchez criticized that Milei suppressed the former Ministry of Women in Argentina and assured that “it hurts, but the feminist cause is a much more powerful cause than what (President) Milei can do.”

“All my solidarity, companionship and brotherhood with the Argentine people we love,” Sánchez closed his speech.

The Government of Argentina announced on Thursday the closure of the Ministry of Women, to fulfill its mandate to reduce the size of the State and because it considers that that ministry “was created and used” for “political-partisan purposes” by the administration of Alberto Fernández, according to the official announcement.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

Sánchez, next Fernández, had supported the former Peronist candidate, the then Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, in the last presidential elections in Argentina, and did not send a congratulation to Milei when his triumph was confirmed in November 2023.

This Friday’s new difference takes place in the context of a diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Spain.

Spain withdrew its ambassador at the end of last month because Milei did not agree to apologize to the Spanish Executive, after the Argentine attacked socialism at the annual convention of the Vox party in Madrid, where he called Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, “corrupt”.

On the contrary, the Government of Argentina urged the Spanish authorities to apologize for having treated him as a “hater,” “denier,” “ingesting substances”, “authoritarian”, “anti-democratic” and being “very bad” people.

Argentina considers that this diplomatic tension is an “anecdote” in the long-term relations between both countries, but the personal relationship between the two leaders may be affected, since they are not expected to meet when Milei returns to Spain to receive an award from the liberal entity Instituto Juan de Mariana, on June 21.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

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.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“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.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

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.