Argentina accuses Grupo Clarín of manipulation to secure unjust benefits, vows to resist pressure

South America

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (NPA) — President Javier Milei has vowed not to yield to what he described as manipulative tactics by employees of Grupo Clarín, Argentina’s largest media conglomerate, accusing them of attempting to secure government benefits at the expense of ordinary citizens.

In a strongly worded statement titled “THE GREAT ARGENTINE SCAM”, Milei alleged that a portion of Clarín’s employees are enraged by his administration’s stance against the group’s dominant position in the telecommunications sector. He said they have resorted to “harassing the Government with lies” because of his commitment to defend Argentines from corporate abuse.

Milei recalled past incidents, including a 2002 meeting during Eduardo Duhalde’s presidency, where Clarín allegedly secured protection from bankruptcy through legislation that classified its assets as cultural heritage, preventing banks from seizing shares pledged as collateral. He claimed this manoeuvre allowed Clarín to escape a $3 billion debt burden at the cost of impoverishing Argentines.

The President warned that Clarín now seeks to control 70% of Argentina’s telecommunications, including mobile, internet, and fixed-line services. He argued that such dominance would eliminate competition and allow the group to set arbitrary prices. “We’re not going to let that happen. We’re not going to let them keep robbing Argentines,” Milei declared.

He insisted that Clarín’s attacks are not directed at him personally but at the Argentine people, with his government standing as a barrier against monopolistic control. Milei concluded his statement with his signature rallying cry: “¡Viva la libertad, carajo!”