Las Fuerzas del Cielo: The New Militant Group of Javier Milei
New Group “Javier Milei's Presidency”>Las Fuerzas del Cielo” Launched
“Las Fuerzas del Cielo” is a new militant group within the political party La Libertad Avanza. Its leadership includes national officials, legislators, and influencers who support President Javier Milei. Many of its members are loyal to Santiago Caputo, a key advisor to Milei.
The group’s leaders avoid internal conflicts within the party, stating they fully support President Milei and his close circle, referred to as the “iron triangle.” They introduced themselves as the “armed wing” or “praetorian guard” of Milei’s government during their launch event in San Miguel, Buenos Aires. This phrase sparked criticism from various opposition factions. They pledged to engage in a “cultural battle” against what they termed “the leftists.”
Economic Concerns Raised by UIA
After announcing relaxed rules for Argentine purchases abroad, the Unión Industrial Argentina (UIA) criticized Milei’s government for its import policies. They warned that excessive commercial openness is causing negative impacts. The UIA reported that over 30,000 jobs have been lost in small and medium enterprises since August 2023. They urged the government to reduce taxes for local production and to address labor lawsuit issues.
Examination of Public Employees
The Milei government announced that around 40,000 public employees will take a “competency exam.” The assessment will cover reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and public administration. This process aims to streamline government operations and is in line with new regulations that allow the government to implement such evaluations.
Milei’s Approach at the G20
At the recent G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Javier Milei adopted a different tone compared to his previous bold statements. While he has been critical of established global norms, he chose not to disrupt relations with major economic powers. In meetings, he showed a blend of firmness and compliance concerning global agreements, which surprised many observers.
Renewable Energy Sector Emergency Extended
Through a recent decree, the Milei administration extended a state of emergency for the national energy sector, particularly regarding electricity generation and distribution. This decree aims to ensure competitive pricing and maintained investment in energy services until mid-2025.
Positive Outlook for the Frigorific Industry
The Argentine frigorific industry is optimistic about its recovery by the end of 2024. Companies are experiencing increased export demands despite lower domestic consumption. The Vice President of the Federation of Regional Frigorific Industries expressed confidence that the industry is moving past previous economic stagnation.
Upcoming Legislative Action: “Ficha Limpia”
The Pro party’s legislative bloc announced plans for the “Ficha Limpia” bill. This initiative seeks to prevent individuals with felony convictions from holding public office. The bloc emphasized the importance of passing this bill as a significant step for accountability in politics.
Buenos Aires Transportation Strike
A strike by subway workers in Buenos Aires is scheduled for November 20. The metro workers, known as “metrodelegados,” will implement rotating stoppages across subway lines. These actions are in response to the death of a colleague, who succumbed to health issues linked to exposure to asbestos.
Changes in Over-the-Counter Drug Sales
The Milei government introduced new regulations allowing pharmacies to display over-the-counter medications on store shelves. This change aims to simplify the purchasing process for these drugs while ensuring that individuals show identification to confirm they are over 18 years old.
Italian Prime Minister’s Visit to Buenos Aires
Following the G20 summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Buenos Aires for a dinner with President Milei. This meeting underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts between Argentina and Italy, coinciding with Milei’s push for international engagement in trade relations.