Argentina's Chancellor Quirno rebuffs Colombia's President Petro over tax criticism

Argentina’s foreign minister Pablo Quirno sharply replied to Colombian President Gustavo Petro after the Colombian leader shared a study showing that lower‑income Argentines bear a 36% tax burden while higher earners face about 26%. Petro criticised President Javier Milei’s tax‑cut agenda, writing “Miren lo que pasa en Argentina, pagan más los trabajadores que los ricos”.

Quirno responded on social media with the terse phrase “7 days to be history. Nefasta por cierto”, referencing Colombia’s presidential runoff scheduled for 21 June. The exchange underscores the tense bilateral relationship between Buenos Aires and Bogotá, marked by frequent public spats over economic policy and ideology.

Both governments noted the dispute ahead of the Colombian election, which is being closely watched across the region for its political and economic implications.