MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Macri implements pay freeze and eliminates 1.000 “political positions”
“If Argentines chip in, all of us who are part of politics must make twice the effort and lead by example,” Macri said President Mauricio Macri said on Monday that government employees in Argentina won't receive pay raises this year as part of a string of measures aimed at cutting spending. Macri also announced the elimination of 1,000 “political positions” and the firing of family members appointed as advisers by government ministers. The measure is expected to save the government about US$75 million.
Macri came into office in December 2015 promising to revive Argentina's economy and fight entrenched corruption. Although he is credited with ending a longstanding dispute that returned Argentina to global credit markets after more than 14 years, he has struggled to attract badly needed foreign investment.
At home, the government's austerity move comes just as Argentines are facing increases in fuel, utilities and transportation costs that have harmed Macri's popularity ratings. His government also faced violent protests in December over a pension overhaul bill that was ultimately approved by Congress.
“If Argentines chip in, all of us who are part of politics must make twice the effort and lead by example,” Macri said at the presidential palace after returning from Europe, where he met with potential investors.
The pay freeze and other moves are expected to have a limited impact on the annual budget. But Macri said he hopes it can be followed by mayors and governors to reduce Argentina's high deficit.
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Read all commentsHire 1000 effective workers and fire 1000 ineffective workers. Reekie would not understand the concept.
Jan 30th, 2018 - 06:37 pm +3Reekio,
Feb 01st, 2018 - 04:58 pm +3“However, Zaphod follows Marti's strategy: Whatever the Macri government does, look the other way and revert to what CFK did, or may have done.”
This is in response to your statements. I never claim that Macri is perfect - he has made a number of mistakes, but I will argue that he is better than hi predecessor.
There are four possible arguments here that can be summarised as:
1. Macri is perfect. CFK could do no right.
2. CFK was perfect.. Macri can do no right.
3. Macri isn't perfect but he's better than CFK was.
4. CFK wasn't perfect but was better than Macri is.
You are arguing 2 and claiming that myself and DT are arguing 1, when I am actually arguing 3.
DT,
Jan 31st, 2018 - 06:08 pm +1“blatant nepotism”
Remind me, how many members of CFK's family had positions in her government?
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