MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Under pressure from government ‘Twitterman’ Timerman off the air

Timerman overexposure was considered unorthodox diplomacy

This last week when twitter was celebrating its sixth year, Argentina’ Foreign Affairs minister, the official which made most use of the social network finally decided to close its account and come off the air.

‘Twitterman’ Timerman used twitter as the main communication channel of the Argentine Foreign Affairs from where he openly criticized the opposition and the media, particularly Clarin and La Nacion, but also anticipated some significant official announcements.

Following his 140 characters saturation policy, particularly during the presidential campaign of last year when Cristina Fernandez was re-elected for a second four year mandate, ‘Twitterman’ gradually began loosing exposure, and finally last week was no longer in the air 

His high twitter exposure made the round of comments in Argentine and regional diplomatic circles and from certain areas of President Cristina Fernandez administration his excessive use of the social network was questioned.

Precisely his excessive appeal to twitter even in regional diplomatic meetings and the fact diplomacy is above all low profile and discretion, led to his identification as ‘twitterman’ with a certain whiff of ‘childish lack of professionalism’

Besides his performance as Foreign affairs minister in the Argentine administration has seen several blunders, particularly regarding relations with the US which was supposed to be his strength given his previous assignment as ambassador in Washington. Nevertheless he remains a strong link with the influential Jewish community particularly of New York.