Javier Milei’s Anti-Science Offensive: The Response of Argentina’s Academia

The Argentine government under Javier Milei has launched an offensive against science and technology, prompting the academic community to respond in defense. One way they have resisted this extreme right political attack is through public interventions, particularly on public transport. For instance, a major student march took place in April to raise awareness about these issues.

Ariadna Gallo, a political scientist and researcher at Conicet, participated in these interventions. She worked with colleagues to organize activities focusing on the implications of the budget cuts and a presidential veto affecting university funding.

After Milei’s veto on October 10, Gallo’s most recent intervention gained attention online. Pablo Martínez, known as Tipito Enojado on social media, criticized her in a YouTube stream. Martínez, who supports Milei, has been part of a digital movement intended to intimidate those who oppose the government. Gallo, having previously closed her social media accounts due to harassment, faced doxing as a result of Martínez’s actions.

In his video, Martínez targeted Gallo’s salary as a Conicet researcher, comparing it to the lower wages of others and criticizing the allocation of public funds. He attempted to discredit her by presenting data about her academic background while focusing mainly on her pay.

Gallo responded by saying Martínez’s attacks only fueled her determination to fight back. She highlighted the threats of budget cuts, job losses, and the reduction of research grants affecting the scientific community.

The hostile environment spurred by individuals like Martínez is intensifying. His videos have received significant views and incited aggression towards Gallo and her colleagues, evidenced by negative comments on her LinkedIn profile. Despite undergoing harassment, Gallo emphasizes the importance of continuing research in social sciences to understand the evolving political landscape.

Martínez, a young man under 40, uses an alias and a characteristic mask during his online presence. He claims to champion an irreverent message while concealing much of his personal life. His tactics have drawn academic scrutiny, featuring in a recent paper discussing the media presence of libertarian ideology in Argentina.

In summary, the attacks against Gallo represent a broader trend of hostility directed at academia by certain political factions. Gallo and her peers emphasize the necessity of defending research and its funding amidst these challenges.