Buenos Aires officials criticize national security cuts and economic decline

Officials from the Province of Buenos Aires have criticized the national administration of President Javier Milei regarding security funding and the country's economic performance.

Security Minister Javier Alonso denied claims of a “blood bath” in the province, asserting that homicide rates have decreased significantly. Alonso accused the national government of attempting to “install a lie” about insecurity to distract from a “disastrous economic situation” and declining approval ratings. He noted that while the provincial prison population has grown by 8,365 inmates since 2023, the federal prison system has only increased by 1,000, suggesting inadequate national funding for security actions.

Government Minister Carlos Bianco attributed the ongoing economic recession to the policies of President Milei and his economic team. Bianco cited several declining indicators, including a 3% year-on-year drop in industrial activity between January and August, a 22.6% decrease in the textile sector during the first seven months of the year, and significant job losses in industry and construction since December 2023. Despite national budget cuts, Bianco stated that the province continues to pursue public works projects.