Although dollarization and free convertibility of currencies are the final objectives of his administration, implementing them within the current year would be impractical to clean up the country’s economy.
in a recent interview, the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, ruled out the option of implementing his own dollarization plan during 2024. Milei is reducing the implementation of his libertarian reforms.
Analysis of Argentine President Election and Its Impact on Cryptodynamics
The closure of the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) and the replacement of fiat currency, originally key promises during his presidential campaign, will have to wait until at least next year to be implemented.
In a recent interview with local media, Milei explained that the BCRA sanitation process is progressing slower than expected. Furthermore, closure could only occur at the end of June if the current pace is maintained.
He also indicated that adapting the financial system model will require a significant period of time, potentially up to a year.
However, Javier Milei confirmed that dollarization and the withdrawal of the Argentine peso remain key objectives of his administration. He mentioned the relatively small size of Argentina’s monetary base as a factor that will facilitate the implementation of dollarization.
The issue of dollarization has not been discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is despite the organization recently approving a $4.7 billion disbursement as part of a refinanced payment plan for Argentina’s $44 billion debt.
Milei Challenges Argentina’s Political Order
In Argentina, the debate over the controversies is heating up, while President Javier Milei leads a brave reform initiative that divided the country. After a heated and prolonged debate, Argentine legislators approved the comprehensive reform package proposed by Milei, marking an important milestone.
This legislative triumph is just the beginning, as the bill now heads to the Senate for a decisive showdown.
Javier Milei’s rise to power was driven by widespread frustration with Argentina’s tumultuous economic situation. With an inflation rate exceeding 200% and poverty affecting 40% of the population, Milei’s bold economic reforms, including a significant devaluation of the peso and drastic benefit reductions, represent a bold move.
However, these reforms are not immune to criticism. Detractors, such as opposition deputy Leandro Santoro, evoke the memory of the 2001 crisis as a stark warning of the dangers of unrestricted market reforms.
As the nation finds itself at this delicate crossroads, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has supported Milei, approving a large $4.7 billion bill for Argentina, indicating international confidence in his reformist agenda.
La Rioja Trusts ‘Bocades’ to “Survive”
The situation in the province of La Rioja, however, tells a different story. The province, highly dependent on fiscal redistribution and with a significant portion of its workforce employed in the public sector, is in a desperate situation. This pushes Governor Ricardo Quintela to implement radical measures.
In a brave gesture, Quintela launched the local currency “bocades”, almost a currency intended to address the province’s fiscal problems, complementing public salaries and facilitating local transactions.
However, this initiative did not go unnoticed, as economists and critics alike question the feasibility of introducing a provincial currency into an economy already struggling with hyperinflation. The national government declared the initiative illegal, putting at risk the already fragile relationship between La Rioja and the central administration.
Despite the challenges, Quintela remains steadfast in his position, arguing that sandwiches could provide a much-needed economic stimulus for the province. Skepticism persists, though, and many fear this experiment will exacerbate the financial instability affecting Argentina.
By Audy Castaneda
