The Argentine President, Javier Millay, finds himself embroiled in controversy as accusations fly over a whopping 48 percent increase in his salary. Despite presenting a grand economic reform plan aimed at trimming down Argentina’s bureaucratic machinery and slashing public sector costs to a bare minimum, Millay seems to have bolstered his own paycheck instead.
Opposition lawmakers wasted no time in slamming Millay after revealing on social media the startling details of his elevated gross monthly salary, which soared to over 6 million Argentine pesos last month, a staggering $7,073 at the official exchange rate. This eye-popping figure represents a staggering 48 percent surge in presidential earnings since January. Responding to mounting pressure, Millay appeared on television Monday, announcing the dismissal of Labor Secretary Omar Yassin over the scandal, admitting that the salary increments for himself and top government officials were “a regrettable error.”
Blame Game and Political Pointing
Attempting to deflect criticism, the libertarian-leaning economist drew parallels with former US President Donald Trump, while attempting to justify the wage hike by claiming it was an automatic adjustment triggered by a decree signed by former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner some 14 years ago. However, opposition lawmakers quickly refuted this, insisting that Millay’s own signature graced the February decree authorizing the salary boost.
“I’ve just been made aware that a decree signed by former President Kristina Kirschner in 2010, which stipulated that political officials should always earn more than public administration employees, automatically granted a raise to this government’s political staff,” Milej argued in a post on Platform X, according to CNBC.
The End of Political Comedy
“In times of crisis like these, where Argentine society is making Herculean efforts, politicians must lead by example. The political circus must come to an end,” he added. The scandal erupted hot on the heels of a major setback to Millay’s economic reform bill, though the president remains resolute in pushing through contentious austerity measures.
Millay, who clinched victory in a presidential runoff late last year, maintains that there’s no alternative to his proposed “shock therapy” if Argentina is to confront its deep-seated economic woes.
With an annual inflation rate surpassing 250%, decimating purchasing power, and nearly two in five citizens plunging into poverty after decades of fiscal mismanagement, Argentina finds itself at a crossroads. Among Millay’s controversial proposals are plans to dollarize the economy, dismantle the central bank, and privatize the pension system.
Caught in the Act
Argentine lawmaker Victoria Tolosa Paz, a former member of leftist President Alberto Fernandez’s cabinet, accused Millay of hypocrisy.
“Under the guise of austerity, Milej is deceiving us,” Tolosa Paz blasted on social media.
Fernandez de Kirchner also joined the chorus of disapproval, asserting that the 2010 decree she signed had “no bearing” on the current salary scandal.
“Oh, Mr. President… You want to silence me for speaking about the decree you signed, granting yourself and your officials a 48 percent raise while decimating the pensions and wages of Argentine men… and women too. Admit it: you signed it, you’re cashing in, and you’ve been caught,” Fernandez de Kirchner fired back on Saturday, airing her grievances on the X Network.