President Javier Milei ardently advocated for his administration’s economic direction, called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Central Bank charter, and expressed his anticipations for Argentina’s forthcoming World Cup quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday. In a radio interview with Now 97.9 FM, Milei asserted that his policies have driven economic growth, claiming that consumption and export levels have reached “historic highs.” During a Thursday Cabinet meeting, the President articulated the executive branch’s forthcoming bill aimed at reforming the Central Bank, affirming that it will be submitted to Congress in the coming weeks. “We deregulated, opened the economy, fostered human capital accumulation, and modernized the labor market,” Milei said.
“This strategy is designed to make Argentina grow, and the reality is that the numbers are highly positive.” Focusing on the primary legislative agenda of the week, Milei launched a sharp critique of the former Kirchnerist administrations, asserting that the existing BCRA charter was “designed to just wave your hand and have a stack of cash thrown at you.” Recalling that his administration inherited hyperinflationary conditions, Milei outlined several fundamental components of his proposed reform: Initially, the reform seeks to create a singular mandate by removing the BCRA’s existing five competing objectives, as it is asserted that its “sole responsibility” is to maintain the value of the currency. To avert potential inflationary surges, the second pillar imposes a strict prohibition on the Central Bank from financing government expenditures.
Milei remarked that previous governments ran fiscal deficits “for 123 years” under the guise of “humane” policy, which he characterised as “deeply inhumane.” The third point serves as a safeguard for BCRA’s leadership against arbitrary political dismissal, aimed at strengthening institutional governance. Fourth, the bill implements stringent restrictions on dividends, allowing their distribution solely as payments in the event of negative inflation. Finally, the administration plans to completely eliminate non-transferable bills, a decision that Milei asserted would put an end to 91 years of political exploitation of the private sector. Milei reaffirmed his dedication to achieving a zero-deficit budget and implementing a fiscal shutdown. “Anyone against this is in favor of unbalanced budgets and fiscal irresponsibility,” he warned.
The President also commented on Argentina’s performance in the 2026 World Cup in anticipation of Saturday’s match against Switzerland. Reflecting on the dramatic previous match against Egypt, Milei remarked, “Argentina had several chances, but the goal was closed to us until the 90th minute. We deserved more, but goals are scored, not deserved.” And “I fervently hope this acts as an emotional boost to push the players to their absolute limits,” Milei said, adding that what the squad has achieved so far is already “admirable.” Concerning Switzerland, Milei expressed confidence by asserting that “on the pitch, everyone is equal.” He concluded by commending national team manager Lionel Scaloni, emphasising his “extraordinary leadership” and observing that “managing the egos of superstars is a job not just anyone can do.”