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.
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.
International
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 2,533,000 deaths worldwide between 2020 and 2024, according to an international study led by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and Stanford University in the United States, published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. Researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 5,400 doses administered.
The analysis also found that the vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life, equivalent to one year of life gained for every 900 doses given.
The study, coordinated by Professor Stefania Boccia, revealed that 82% of the lives saved were people vaccinated before becoming infected with the virus, and 57% of deaths avoided occurred during the Omicron wave. In addition, 90% of the beneficiaries were adults over 60 years old.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, based on global data and fewer assumptions about the evolution of the pandemic,” explained Boccia and researcher Angelo Maria Pezzullo.
International
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that reinstated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, stressing that the immigration program was never intended to serve as a “de facto asylum system.”
On Thursday, Judge Trina Thompson extended protections for about 7,000 Nepalese immigrants, whose TPS was set to expire on August 5. The ruling also impacts roughly 51,000 Hondurans and nearly 3,000 Nicaraguans, whose TPS protections were scheduled to end on September 8.
Immigrants covered by TPS had sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the program’s termination was driven by “racial animus” and stripped them of protection from deportation.
DHS Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the decision to end TPS was part of a mandate to “restore the integrity” of the immigration system and return the program to its original purpose.
“TPS was never conceived as a de facto asylum system; however, that is how previous administrations have used it for decades,” McLaughlin emphasized.
She also criticized Judge Thompson, calling the ruling “another example” of judges “stirring up claims of racism to distract from the facts.”
McLaughlin added that DHS would appeal the decision and take the legal battle to higher courts.
The Trump administration has also terminated TPS protections for approximately 160,000 Ukrainians, 350,000 Venezuelans, and at least half a million Haitians, among other immigrant groups.
International
Trump to build $200M ballroom at the White House by 2028
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it will begin construction in September on a new 8,000-square-meter ballroom at the White House.
The announcement was made by Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s press secretary, during a briefing in which she explained that the expansion responds to the need for a larger venue to host “major events.”
“Other presidents have long wished for a space capable of accommodating large gatherings within the White House complex… President Trump has committed to solving this issue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million, fully funded through donations from Trump himself and other “patriots,” according to a government statement. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in 2028.
The Clark Construction Group, a Virginia-based company known for projects such as the Capital One Arena and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the project.
The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House, expanding the iconic residence with a space designed for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
Costa Rica faces historic vote on lifting presidential immunity for Rodrigo Chaves
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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