Luis Caputo proposes law to punish journalists over inaccurate reports

Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo has called for new legislation to punish journalists who publish what he describes as “unfounded” or “inaccurate” information regarding government officials. The demand surfaced on social media following a report linking Caputo to businessman Julio Made and the “Grupo Lenor” in relation to a decree that deregulated fuel pump controls.

President Javier Milei endorsed Caputo's proposal, using social media to support the call for action against journalists he characterized as liars. This escalation follows a period of increased tension between the administration and the press. In response to the government's stance, opposition legislators have introduced a project to the Freedom of Expression Commission aimed at curbing what they describe as aggressive official rhetoric. Constitutional experts and communication specialists have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of such laws on democratic practices and the right to inform.