Five Charged in Connection with Liam Payne's Tragic Death

The government of President Javier Milei announced plans to eliminate the legal recognition of femicide from Argentina's penal code. Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona stated that this move is part of a broader initiative to uphold equality under the law, arguing that feminism distorts the concept of equality. Femicide, defined as the murder of a woman by a man in the context of gender violence, was incorporated into the penal code in 2012 as an aggravating factor for homicides, punishable by life imprisonment. This announcement follows Milei's controversial comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he claimed that existing legal frameworks already ensure equality before the law and that naming specific cases as femicide privileges women's lives over men's. Activists in Argentina have expressed deep concern regarding the government's stance. Mariela Belski, executive director of Amnesty Argentina, emphasized that removing the femicide category could increase the danger for women and girls, given that many femicides occur at the hands of intimate partners or family members. Data from the national ombudsman indicates that 295 femicides were recorded in the previous year. Since taking office, Milei's administration has already dissolved the ministry focused on women's issues and cut funding for gender violence support programs. The administration's actions reflect a broader cultural push against policies supporting gender protections, which activists argue could reverse years of progress in women's rights. The decision has prompted strong reactions from feminist groups, who fear it heralds a new wave of misogyny in Argentinian politics.

Argentina's President Javier Milei announced on January 18, 2025, that the country has achieved its first budget surplus since 2010. This announcement coincided with his implementation of a drastic economic plan, termed "shock therapy," aimed at stabilizing the nation’s economy. Amid ongoing high inflation and a deepening recession, Milei declared on social media that "the promises have been fulfilled" and touted the successful establishment of a "zero deficit" budget. Milei's fiscal strategy has been marked by significant cuts to public spending, including reductions in social programs and subsidies, as well as the dismissal of numerous public sector employees. These measures, designed to rein in government expenditure, resulted in a projected revenue increase of 0.3% of GDP for 2024, according to Economy Minister Luis Caputo. However, the austerity measures have had severe social repercussions; the inflation rate remains high at 117.8%, making Argentina one of the countries with the highest inflation globally. Furthermore, five million additional citizens fell below the poverty line in the first half of 2024, leading to 52.9% of the population now living in poverty, with extreme poverty increasing from 11.9% to 18.1%. Despite the criticisms of his economic policies and the immediate suffering they have inflicted, Milei maintains that these tough measures are essential for long-term recovery, predicting a GDP growth of 5% in 2025. The country is also engaged in challenging negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new support program after the previous $44 billion aid package expired. Milei is scheduled to meet with IMF Director Kristalina Georgiewa in Washington prior to the inauguration of the newly elected US President Donald Trump.

Argentine anthropologist Rita Segato, noted for her extensive research on violence, has proposed alarming connections between gender-based violence in Ciudad Juárez and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During her recent presentation at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Segato argued that these violent acts serve as a demonstration of power and impunity, marking what she sees as the end of an era of respect for human rights. Segato, who has devoted over 30 years to studying violence, power dynamics, and colonialism, expressed her concerns regarding societal trends that dismiss humanitarian principles. She articulated that the current geopolitical climate poses a universal threat, likening the violence in Gaza to a spectacle of impunity that resonates globally. Through her work, Segato has highlighted the systematic cruelty faced by women, arguing that their bodies become the battlefield where power is asserted. She criticized the lack of accountability in cases of feminicides, noting that 95% of crimes in Mexico go unresolved. The anthropologist's insights also draw parallels with historical instances of oppression, suggesting that the visible display of violence in Gaza is akin to the atrocities witnessed during the Holocaust, where such brutality was largely hidden from public view. As a prominent figure in Latin American anthropology, Segato, who holds several honorary doctorates and has written extensively on the subject, has gained recognition not only for her academic contributions but also for her passionate advocacy against gender-based violence.