Renowned Anthropologist Rita Segato Links Violence Against Women to Global Conflicts

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.

An Argentine judge has confirmed charges against five individuals linked to the death of Liam Payne, former member of the popular boy band One Direction. The judge has ordered preventive prison for two of the accused, who are alleged to have supplied drugs to Payne before his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October. The judicial officer stated that one of the detained individuals is a hotel employee, while the other is a waiter that Payne interacted with at a restaurant. Both are charged with drug supply and are required to appear before the judge. Additionally, three other individuals, including a businessman who was with Payne and two hotel managers, face manslaughter charges but were not ordered into preventive detention. Lieutenant authorities have previously revealed that Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room. An autopsy identified the cause of death as multiple injuries and external bleeding, noting traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system. Prosecutors indicated that Payne did not die by suicide, and no signs of self-harm or foul play were found in the autopsy results. The incident has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the life of the talented singer, who pursued a solo career after One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016.