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Original source: Radio Con Vos 89.9
This video from Radio Con Vos 89.9 covered several topics. Streamed.News selected 8 key moments and summarises them here. Each section links directly to the moment in the original video.
This information is crucial for understanding the true pulse of the Argentine economy, beyond government statements, and how the recession is directly impacting citizens' lives.
Consultancies Warn of Sharp Economic Decline in February, Contradicting Official Growth Claims
Various consultancies, including Ferreres, Equilibra and PQ, reported a significant contraction in economic activity in February, with setbacks in key sectors such as industry, automotive production (-9%) and steel (-4.5%). The data also reveals a 30% year-on-year drop in mortgage-backed property transactions, which, according to analysts, contradicts the government's official narrative of record economic growth.
The decline in consumer loans and household delinquency reaching peak levels reflect an economy in recession. Experts such as Carlos Melconian have criticised the manipulation of official figures, highlighting that, while economic activity may have reached a historic high in absolute terms, a per capita analysis places it six points below 2011 levels.
"Mortgage-backed property transactions recorded a 30% year-on-year drop in February 2026 due to a fall in lending."
VIP Loans from Banco Nación to Milei Government Officials Trigger Multiple Judicial Complaints
Three judicial complaints over alleged VIP loans granted by Banco Nación to officials in Javier Milei's government will be consolidated under the court of Ariel Lijo. The investigations are deepening with new revelations, such as those by Paz Rodríguez Niell in La Nación, exposing further loans received by spokesperson Manuel Adorni from retired women.
In addition, the New York Times published an article titled "New Revelations Revive the Crypto Scandal Implicating Javier Milei", questioning his statements about having no connection to the cryptocurrency "Libra". Court documents cast doubt on his account, giving the case international significance.
"Court documents cast doubt on the Argentine president's statements that he had no relationship with the launch of the Libra cryptocurrency."
Milei Government Revokes Press Credentials from Critical Outlets Based on Unproven Article
The Argentine government has revoked press credentials for the Casa Rosada from several outlets, including El Destape, Ámbito Financiero, América 24 and C5N. This decision is based on a journalistic article by Santiago O'Donnell suggesting possible Russian funding of Argentine media, despite the piece itself clarifying that there is no evidence anyone received money.
The measure, which has not been applied to all outlets mentioned in the article, appears to be targeting journalists known for asking uncomfortable questions of the government, prompting criticism of an attempt to silence the press and a potential violation of freedom of expression. Further controversies and acts of solidarity are anticipated at future press conferences.
"What they are looking for is to keep out those who ask difficult questions."
Former Banco Nación Presidents Outraged by "Disproportionate" Loan to Martín Menem's Nephew
Carlos Melconian and Eduardo Hecker, former presidents of Banco Nación, expressed outrage at new episodes of "VIP loans" granted by the institution to officials in Javier Milei's government. The controversy centres on a loan of 357 million pesos granted to Federico Sharif Menem, nephew of Martín Menem, who at 24 years of age obtained the loan on a salary of two million pesos.
Hecker described the amount as "disproportionate" given the recipient's age and employment situation, and demanded an explanation from the bank. This case reignites the debate over transparency and lending practices at state-owned banks under the current administration, raising questions about the use of public resources.
"In principle, the age of the loan recipient and the amount granted sound a little disproportionate."
Inflation "Anchoring" Policies Deepen Recession and Social Unrest
High inflation in Argentina is being "anchored" by a series of government policies including wage freezes, the importation of foreign goods that affect domestic industry, elevated interest rates and the suspension of public works. These measures, according to analysts, seek to contain rising prices but in turn generate a deep recession and a deterioration in the quality of life of Argentines.
The elimination of public works, exemplified by the debate in Tucumán following floods, illustrates the government's dilemma: prioritising the fight against inflation at the cost of deepening the recession. This strategy is fuelling strong social unrest, with a government trapped between rising inflation and a worsening recession.
"The government finds itself facing a maze where if it goes left it runs into high inflation, but if it goes right it runs into the recession."
Martín Menem Mirrors Press Ban in Congress, Heightening Tensions with Journalism
Martín Menem, president of the Chamber of Deputies, has banned the same journalists from entering whom the central government had already stripped of credentials for the Casa Rosada. This action adds to a history of press restrictions, including a prior incident involving journalist Silvia Mercado, suggesting a coordinated campaign to limit the access of certain outlets and journalists to official sources.
The situation is further aggravated by comments on a streaming show attended by President Javier Milei, where jokes were made about jailing journalists, which has been interpreted as a message of harassment. These actions reinforce the perception of a strategy to silence critical voices and control public discourse.
"Martín Menem is barring the same colleagues from entering."
Roberto Navarro Accuses Santiago Caputo of Organising "Digital Militias" to Harass Journalism
Journalist Roberto Navarro directly accused Santiago Caputo of organising "digital militias" to harass and incite violence against critical journalism in Argentina. Navarro claimed that Caputo has instigated social media campaigns to brand journalists as "traitors to the homeland" and suggest their imprisonment, actions which, he says, are retweeted by President Javier Milei himself.
Navarro denounced that these "militias" seek to attack journalists whose investigations "hurt" those in power, citing examples of corruption reporting. The journalist also reproached Milei for the aggressiveness of his comments, noting that his impotence stems from the fact that serious journalistic investigations are true and expose irregularities.
"Caputo organised digital militias to harass journalism and to generate violence."
Donald Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran and Threatens Annihilation Amid Escalating Conflict
On day 39 of the war in the Middle East, former President Donald Trump issued a third ultimatum to Iran, demanding a ceasefire and threatening to "annihilate" the country in a single night if it is not complied with. This statement comes amid mediation negotiations in Pakistan and proposals for a 45-day halt to bombing, which Trump rejected.
Israel, for its part, warned Iran about possible strikes on its railway infrastructure, following recent bombings of petrochemical plants. The situation remains in a dangerous escalation, with international criticism over strikes on civilian infrastructure, classified as war crimes under the Geneva Convention.
"The entire country could be wiped out in a single night and that night could be tomorrow itself."
Summary of Radio Con Vos 89.9 · 37:31. All credit belongs to the original creators. Streamed.News summarises publicly available video content.
