麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Argentina has new economy minister after abrupt resignation

Argentina's Economy Minister Martin Guzman walks outside of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) building during the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, April 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Argentina's Economy Minister Martin Guzman walks outside of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) building during the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, April 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Share
BUENOS AIRES -

Argentina got a new economy minister late Sunday, a day after the abrupt resignation of her predecessor shook the governing coalition at a time it was already facinga crisis of unity.

Gabriela Cerruti, the presidency鈥檚 spokesperson, wrote on Twitter late Sunday that Silvina Batakis will now head the Economy Ministry, replacing Mart铆n Guzm谩n.

The pick could be crucial for the administration of President Alberto Fern谩ndez as it faces sharp internal divisions while Argentina is undergoing economic turmoil.

Batakis will be responsible for managing an economy burdened with inflation running at an annual rate above 60 per cent and will play a key role in determining the future of the country鈥檚 recent deal with the International Monetary Fund to restructure US$44 billion in debt. Many left-leaning members of the governing coalition oppose the IMF agreement.

Batakis was the economy minister of Buenos Aires province, the country鈥檚 most populous district, from 2011 to 2015 under then-Gov. Daniel Scioli, who was recently named the federal production minister.

Guzm谩n quit unexpectedly Saturday, posting his seven-page resignation letter on Twitter, and apponting a successor before the markets opened Monday was seen as particularly important to avoid a further slide by Argentina's peso, which recently hit an all-time low against the dollar.

The economy also has been disrupted by trucker strikes over shortage of diesel.

Guzm谩n was largely unknown when he became minister and was seen as a moderate in the governing coalition, which includes more left-leaning elements allied with Vice President Cristina Fern谩ndez, a former president who still has a strong base of support.

Batakis, on the other hand, has a long history of public service and is seen as close to the vice president and her allies.

The vice president, who is not related to the president, has recently taken to publicly criticizing the administration鈥檚 economic policies in high-profile speeches that have put a spotlight on the rifts within the governing coalition.

Guzm谩n's resignation letter, which was released as the vice president was giving a speech in which she again criticized economic policy, suggested he stepped down at least in part due to a lack of political support.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.