On the 2nd March 2024, Argentine President Javier Gerardo Milei, in office for only four months and known for his critical stance towards journalists, bluntly announced the closure of Argentina’s historic news agency Telam, one of the most important in Latin America with a 78-year history. Telam, founded in 1945, was the country’s only news agency with correspondents in all provinces and agreements with the international press. Its extensive daily production, which included over 500 launches, witnessed some of the most crucial moments in Argentine history through a photographic archive full of iconic images.

Javier Gerardo Milei is an Argentine politician and economist who became president of Argentina on 10 December 2023. His political rise was characterized by the promotion of the ultraliberal ideas of right-wing libertarianism, with radical proposals such as the abolition of Argentina’s central bank and a significant downsizing of the role of the state. During his election campaign, Milei proposed measures such as the reduction of ministries and the unification of different sectors under a single ‘Ministry of Human Capital’. He also supported the establishment of school vouchers and temporary subsidies for medical care, with the aim of decentralizing education and reducing direct social assistance. Milei gained public visibility through television debates and harsh criticism of previous governments, including those of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Mauricio Macri, and Alberto Fernández. After running and becoming deputy for the city of Buenos Aires in 2021 with the coalition La Libertad Avanza, Milei announced his candidature for the Argentine presidential elections in 2023. After coming first in the primary elections in August and second in the actual elections in October, he was elected president in a runoff on 19 November, defeating Peronist candidate Sergio Massa. His political mission included the elimination of inflation, insecurity, and political corruption, with the goal of transforming Argentina into a country similar to the United States or Ireland. His proposals included the repeal of the abortion law, the privatization of public companies and natural resources, and opposition to any state intervention in the market. Despite criticism and challenges from some economists regarding his economic program, Milei stood firmly by his position. His victory in the 2023 elections was seen as a significant turning point in Argentine politics, with some critics expressing concerns about its compatibility with democracy. However, with more than 14 million Argentines putting their trust in him, Milei has established himself as a prominent figure in the Argentine political landscape, embodying an ultra-liberal far-right movement that has captured national and international attention.

The decision to close Telam was announced during a speech to Congress, before both chambers, in which he also emphasized his determination to rebuild Argentina, regardless of political support. With former President Cristina Kirchner out of government and the deficit of Telam, where 700 journalists work, exceeding three million dollars in 2023, the new right-wing leader justified his decision in the context of his contempt for journalism in the country. He called journalists a ‘predatory’ category that spreads slander and lies, accusing them of manipulating public opinion. These words immediately triggered condemnation from the Forum of Argentine Journalism (Fopea), the main association for freedom of the press and expression. In an official note, the organization denounced Milei’s statements as a setback for democracy and affirmed its support for non-governmental public media that respect freedom of expression.

This decision has raised significant concerns about the implications for civil rights and press freedom in Argentina. The closure of such an important and established news agency not only deprives the Argentine public of a reliable source of information but also represents a serious blow to the diversity and plurality of voices in the country’s media landscape. Access to accurate and diverse information is fundamental to a democratic society, as it allows citizens to form informed opinions and actively participate in the decision-making process. The closure of Telam could therefore limit the ability of civil society to exercise democratic control over the government and institutions, thus weakening transparency and accountability. Moreover, the hostile climate towards journalists and independent media institutions may lead to increased self-censorship and repression of freedom of expression. This, in turn, undermines the vitality of Argentine democracy and puts at risk the fundamental civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Ultimately, the closure of Telam is not only a loss for Argentine journalism but also a threat to civil rights and democracy in the country. It is crucial that the international community and civil society in Argentina continue to closely monitor the situation and press for respect for the fundamental principles of press freedom and access to information.