International

Argentine government denies dictatorship claims regarding télam closure, announces company plan

The Argentine government has refuted allegations linking the closure of the state news agency Télam to dictatorship tactics, asserting that the move is in line with President Javier Milei’s campaign promises and announcing forthcoming plans for the company.

During a regular press briefing at the Casa Rosada (government headquarters), presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni addressed concerns about the initial steps taken towards Télam’s closure, including police cordoning off its offices and blocking its website. Adorni emphasized that the closure “is not part of a dictatorship,” stating that it solely aligns with the president’s campaign pledges.

“The closure of Télam has nothing to do with media pluralism or press freedom issues; it is merely fulfilling what the president promised during his campaign. The president has now ordered its execution. There is not much more to add,” remarked the spokesperson.

The Plan for Télam

Adorni revealed that Télam incurred losses of 20,000 million pesos (approximately 24 million dollars at the current official exchange rate) this year. He announced that this week, “the Government’s plan for the closure of the company and the fate of its workers will be unveiled.”

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He stated that “technical teams are analyzing different alternatives,” indicating uncertainty about whether the closure of the state media outlet “is a matter that should or should not go through Congress.”

As depicted by the official account of the workers’ assembly (Somos Télam) on the social media platform X, Télam’s premises were cordoned off at midnight on Sunday, while union delegates were present, describing it as “an attack on freedom of expression.”

Adorni suggested that the police presence was likely intended “to prevent any confusion” and ensure “security and assurance that no one who should not be there” was present, unrelated to the government or Télam.

Similarly, the agency’s website displays the national emblem and the message “page under reconstruction.”

All national and international media accredited for Monday’s press conference addressed the closure of the agency founded in 1945, which employs 700 workers and was intervened by the government on February 5th, along with other state media outlets, and signed a manifesto in support of its employees.

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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.