Southern Cone

Argentina's economy is receiving strong external validation for its reform path despite slowing growth. The IMF approved a $1 billion disbursement and praised the Milei government, while the World Bank identified the country as a regional growth exception. President Milei is publicly pleading for patience as his administration pushes through a major bill to allow mining in glaciers.

• 5Inflation hits one-year high, Milei calls data disgusting
• 3Argentina seeks billions in multilateral-backed loans and bonds
• 3Milei Pleads for Patience as Growth Slows and Approval Falls
• 3Argentine MPs approve Milei-backed bill to allow mining in glaciers
• 2Milei says he won't deviate from economic orthodoxy despite rising inflation

Argentine politics are dominated by severe internal conflict and scandal. President Milei has publicly accused his Vice President of sabotage, while a bribery scandal is reported to have derailed a major crypto investment. The government's focus remains on passing contentious legislation, successfully approving a 'glacier law' to ease mining restrictions amid protests.

• 9Argentina's Milei visits Israel, pledges support and embassy move
• 6Mauricio Macri says populism is fading in Argentina
• 6Argentina's Milei, Rabbinical Judge Who Urged to 'Flatten Gaza' to Light Independence Day Torch
• 6Milei accuses Argentine VP of trying to sabotage him
• 5PAMI collapse threatens Milei's deals with governors

Regional security is characterized by cross-border crime and persistent foreign espionage. Chile uncovered criminal networks smuggling millions in copper to Peru and China. Secret documents reveal an ongoing Russian spying campaign against the Milei government, while Argentina has declared Iran's Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization.

• 3Mexican Rear Admiral Arrested in Argentina for Fuel Theft
• 2Missing Brazilian professor found dead in Buenos Aires
• 2IAEA chief concerned over North Korea's increased uranium enrichment
• 2Chile Uncovers Criminal Networks Shipping Millions of Dollars of Copper to Peru and China
• 2Secret documents reveal Russian spying campaign against Milei government

Argentine society is experiencing a government-led assault on press freedom as the dominant tension. President Milei has escalated attacks on journalists, and his administration has barred critical media outlets from the presidential palace. This crackdown coincides with a media investigation revealing Russian payments to Argentine outlets to discredit the government.

• 8Israel marks 78th Independence Day as Milei says Israel is 'light to humanity'
• 5Argentine President Milei escalates attacks on journalists
• 3Press freedom in Argentina declines under Milei, NGO warns
• 2International experts defuse landmines in Argentina
• 2Messi and Argentine FA sued over missed friendly in US