James Grainger
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Journalist/editor/analyst #COYS
Currently Editor-in-Chief, Buenos Aires Times (@thebatimes).
Articles by James Grainger
A Trump bump in the road
The proverb “All good things come in threes” does not work for President Javier Milei after the recent hat-trick of adverse (at least for him) election results abroad – just two weekends ago, Brazilian President Luiz Fernando Lula da Silva snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat against the far right’s Flávio Bolsonaro; two days later his close ally Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu stumbled into gridlock after the elections there, while the following Tuesday saw the cataclysmic meltdown...
Report: Miami-based Argentine pilot brokered payment for Flávio Bolsonaro escape flight
An Argentine pilot and businessman based in Miami brokered the payment for the flight on which right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fled Brazil, a source involved in the operation told the AFP news agency Thursday. After losing the election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro flew to the United States on October 28 aboard a private jet departing from Argentina, after Brazilian police cancelled his passports in connection with a money-laundering investigation.
Argentina prepares for historic Pope Leo XIV visit
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Buenos Aires on Sunday for the first papal visit to Argentina in almost four decades. Millions of Catholic faithful are expected to attend public events during Leo’s visit, a historic occasion made all the more significant by the fact that his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, was Argentine but never returned to his homeland during his 12 years leading the Catholic Church.
Bullrich's camp plays down talk of split with Milei ahead of meeting
President Javier Milei and Senator Patricia Bullrich are set to hold showdown talks in the coming week, with officials in the government reportedly warning that a break with one of the administration’s most prominent figures cannot be ruled out.
Paraguay's President Santiago Pena resigns amid banking scandal
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña on Thursday announced his resignation after the takeover of a bank linked to him blocked millions of people from accessing their money. "I want to apologise to the people if at any point I failed. It was never my intention to betray the trust you placed in me," he said in a video posted on X, one day after opposition lawmakers requested his impeachment. STORY IN DEVELOPMENT related news
Milei links socialism to fascism in speech before Spain PM Sánchez
President Javier Milei played the role of ungrateful guest on Thursday, using his address to the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid to underline his ideological differences with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is just weeks away from a key election. Milei, 55, attacked socialism, defended his administration and reaffirmed Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands.
Nothing changes: Officials play down fallout from Trump's midterm defeat
Economy Minister Luis Caputo said Wednesday that Donald Trump's crushing midterm defeat would not alter relations with Argentina, insisting President Javier Milei's government was prepared to weather any renewed financial turbulence without US assistance. "For Argentina, nothing changes. It was an expected result," Caputo said at an event organised by the FIEL economic research institute. He said he had already discussed the matter with the US Treasury during G20 meetings.
How Trump's defeat in US midterms might affect Argentina
The Republican Party’s defeat in the US midterm elections has raised questions over how much room Donald Trump will have to repeat the direct financial support he extended to President Javier Milei in 2025, should Argentina face further currency turbulence in the lead-up to next year’s election. Democrats objected to Trump’s unprecedented intervention and, having secured control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, could seek to block similar assistance in the future.
Outrage after transgender women attacked in Buenos Aires
Politicians, celebrities and LGBT+ campaigners have condemned an attack on transgender sex workers in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, calling for an end to violence and discrimination against minorities. Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri said midweek he would not allow “crimes to go unpunished” following the incident, footage of which was shared on social media by the alleged perpetrators.
Milei welcome, broadcasts and a VP thaw – Quirno confirms details of Pope Leo’s visit to Argentina
Church and state have finalised preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Argentina, which begins this Sunday, November 8, marking the first papal visit to the country in 39 years. The last pontiff to visit the nation was John Paul II, who travelled to Argentina in April 1987, five years after his 1982 trip during the Malvinas/Falklands War.
Democrats win control of US Congress as voters deliver Trump midterm rout
Democrats seized control of the United States Congress on Tuesday, capturing the Senate and House of Representatives in a stunning, nationwide rejection of Donald Trump set to put the brakes on the final two years of his presidency. The Democratic landslide will give the opposition power to block legislation, launch broad investigations into Trump's administration and thwart his judicial and senior government appointments.
Argentina's intelligence service launches public spy recruitment drive
Argentina's intelligence agency has launched an unprecedented public recruitment drive for new spies, using retro-style posters reminiscent of 1960s advertising featuring a young man wearing a laurel wreath and wrapped in the national flag, pointing at the viewer under the slogan: "We're looking for the best." "We live in a changing and turbulent international context. The world is at war.
Benetton sells 900,000 hectares of farmland in Argentina
A group of partners and executives from agricultural firm Adecoagro has acquired two businesses belonging to the Benetton family's holding company in a deal involving more than 900,000 hectares of land across four Argentine provinces. The transaction effectively marks the end of the Italian family's 35-year presence in Argentina, where it built up a major agricultural and livestock business.
De Paul and Lo Celso cut from Argentina squad for November friendlies
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hase dropped Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso from his squad for November's friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, first matches since Lionel Messi retired from international football. Argentina will begin life without Messi, who retired from international football in October, with several notable absentees for the two matches.
Milei and Sánchez set to cross paths at Ibero-American Summit in Madrid
President Javier Milei and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are set to come face to face this week at the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid, a potential flashpoint in their increasingly strained relationship. Milei is due to arrive in Spain on Tuesday night for the November 4-5 forum, where the two leaders will share several official engagements, including the opening ceremony, plenary sessions and official group photograph.
Fernández de Kirchner hints at 2027 comeback in US interview
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has refused to rule out a political comeback and predicted a defeat for US President Donald Trump and the Republicans in Tuesday's midterm elections in a rare interview with a US media outlet. In an interview with The Washington Post, the former head of state said she expected US voters to deliver a political setback to Trump, whose support for right-wing leaders across Latin America she believes could ultimately prove counterproductive.
Boca Juniors see off nine-man River Plate in Superclásico
Boca Juniors claimed the bragging rights in the Superclásico on Sunday, beating bitter rivals River Plate 1-0 in a heated encounter at La Bombonera that saw the visitors finish with nine men. Defender Lautaro Di Lollo rose above the River defence to head home the decisive goal in the 27th minute, sending around 50,000 Boca fans into celebration in the 15th and penultimate round of the Clausura tournament.
AFA revamps Argentina's top flight with new football format for 2027 season
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced it is revamping its format for next season’s First Division championship, while ruling out the possibility of reducing the 30 teams to 20. The Apertura and Clausura tournaments will be maintained but no longer disputed in two zones of 15 clubs. Instead it will be all against all, with 29 fixtures and an additional match-day for derbies.
Political escapism in Brazil
The upset result of last Sunday’s run-off in Brazil, quickly overshadowed by its dramatic sequel of the loser’s flight to Miami, leaves our giant neighbour still looking for an adult in the room, with the possible exception of re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who at the age of 81 is perhaps far too adult.
Stories that caught our eye: October 23 to 30
LULA WINS BUT FLÁVIO THE NEWS Against the odds, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected in last Sunday’s runoff by a comfortable margin of 51.8 to 48.2 percent over Liberal Party candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. But the impact of the surprise result lasted barely a day before attention switched to the loser’s whereabouts.
Brazilian governmen summons Argentine diplomat over Flávio Bolsonaro's escape
Brazil has summoned Argentina's diplomatic representative to seek explanations over the possible involvement of President Javier Milei's government in facilitating Flávio Bolsonaro's departure from the country after the defeated presidential candidate fled to the United States. The move was confirmed by multiple news outlets and a Brazilian diplomatic source, who spoke to the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity.
US Ambassador Lamelas quiet on Bolsonaro at ‘Freedom 250’ Rodeo
Washington’s ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, brought the American ‘Wild West’ to Buenos Aires on Wednesday as the US Embassy welcomed a large crowd to the La Rural exhibition centre for ‘Freedom 250’, a US-style rodeo. Dressed in a cowboy-style outfit, the US diplomat stuck to the topic at hand in his comments to the press and his speech, rather than addressing the issue of the day.
Judge orders Milei government to disclose details of Flávio Bolsonaro assistance
Federal judge María Eugenia Capuchetti on Thursday ordered a series of preliminary investigative measures to establish whether President Javier Milei’s government provided assistance to and helped cover up Flávio Bolsonaro’s escape from Brazil for Miami via Argentina. The investigation is examining possible irregularities in immigration controls and the role of national government officials in facilitating the Brazilian politician’s transit through the country.
UN committee says decision on Cristina Fernández de Kirchner case not imminent
The United Nations Human Rights Committee has warned that a decision on former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s challenge to her criminal conviction for corruption in Argentina is not imminent, saying it could take several years to determine whether to admit the case and rule on its merits. “Given the volume of cases before the Human Rights Committee, a decision on admissibility and the merits of a case usually takes several years.
Argentina among four nations accused of undermining science at UN nature talks
Argentina has been accused of joining Russia and Saudi Arabia in efforts to weaken the scientific basis of global environmental policy, as a United Nations biodiversity summit in Armenia enters its final days.
IMF urges Milei to turn stabilisation gains into jobs and investment
Argentina should use the gains from financial stabilisation to create jobs and boost investment, a top IMF official said Thursday. Julie Kozack, the International Monetary Fund’s communications director, urged President Javier Milei’s government to turn its economic progress into stronger growth.
Milei government under pressure to explain role in Bolsonaro’s flight to United States
Javier Milei’s government is under growing pressure to explain and clarify its role in facilitating the departure of Brazilian senator and defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro to the United States amid reports that one of the President’s closest advisers helped coordinate the journey. Opposition lawmakers are demanding answers from senior officials and filing criminal complaints alleging that the president and members of his administration helped facilitate or conceal the journey.
'Disgraceful': Trump ramps up criticism of Brazil election
US President Donald Trump on Thursday stepped up his criticism of Brazil's election, declining to say whether he recognised leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as president after right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro claimed victory. "I thought the election was a very great embarrassment to the people of Brazil. I watched the election, I didn't take sides. I let it be. I was asked not to take sides by the current president," said the Republican leader.
Two years on, football fan jailed for threats over Ángel Di María return
A court in Rosario sentenced a football supporter to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday for threatening Ángel Di Maria in 2024 in a bid to prevent the World Cup winner from returning to Argentina to play for his boyhood club Rosario Central. Sergio 'Bebe' Di Vanni, 45, was found guilty of ordering two acts of intimidation against Di Maria and his family on March 25, 2024, with the aim of dissuading the former national team star from returning from abroad to join the side.
Flávio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's true president, then backtracks
Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro insisted Wednesday he is his country's rightful leader, after fleeing to the United States to start a self-imposed exile. Bolsonaro's defiance on arrival in Florida signalled continued upheaval for Brazil, where leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a dramatic run-off election Sunday.
A look at the investigations that spooked Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro
Brazil's right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who fled to the US in self-imposed exile after losing a presidential election to incumbent leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is the target of several investigations. Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered him to surrender his passports after the election. Bolsonaro appeared in a video on social media saying he would comply with the order, before making his stealthy exit from Brazil.
Uruguayan pianist Enrique Graf to perform at Teatro Colón
Uruguayan pianist Enrique Graf will perform a solo concert at Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colón next Wednesday, presenting a programme that includes Lizst, Mozart and Hoiby. Graf will perform Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, featuring the famous 'Alla Turca' finale and take on the demanding virtuosity of Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. The programme will also feature US composer Lee Hoiby’s Ten Variations on a Schubert Ländler, Op. 35.
Opposition demands answers from Milei over role in Flávio Bolsonaro escape
Opposition lawmakers and political leaders are demanding explanations from President Javier Milei’s government over its possible role in helping Brazilian senator and former presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro leave Argentina for the United States. The opposition is seeking have Cabinet officials summoned before Congress to provide answers. Bolsonaro, his wife and their two daughters entered Argentina late on Tuesday via the border with Misiones Province.
Flávio Bolsonaro travelling to United States on private jet from Argentina
The plane that Argentine authorities say is carrying Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro made a brief stop in Ecuador on Wednesday before reportedly continuing towards the United States. Bolsonaro, who lost Brazil's run-off election to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday, boarded a flight to Ecuador after arriving in Argentina on Tuesday night. The arrival was confirmed by Argentina's National Directorate of Migration in a statement on X.
IMF backs Milei’s reforms in third review of Argentina deal
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Milei will not congratulate Lula on re-election, spokesman says
President Javier Milei will not issue an official statement congratulating Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, the Argentine leader's spokesman Adrián Ravier said on Tuesday, citing the ideological differences between the two leaders. “There will be no official statement,” Ravier told reporters at a press conference, adding that the government had taken note of Sunday’s election result.
Reports: Flávio Bolsonaro flees to United States after Brazil election defeat
Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro was reportedly travelling to the United States with his wife and two daughters on Tuesday, amid reports he intends to seek political asylum in the United States. Bolsonaro, 45, is expected to request asylum from US President Donald Trump following his defeat by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s presidential election. The Reuters news agency confirmed that Bolsonaro was heading to the US, citing sources close to his family.
Pope Leo XIV to meet Church abuse victims during South America trip
Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of abuse by clergy and other members of the Catholic Church during his upcoming trip to South America, the Vatican said Tuesday. The meetings during Leo's 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will "reflect the pope's desire to express his closeness to those who have suffered – and continue to suffer – as a result of this violence," it added.
Argentina's government denies reports Flávio Bolsonaro has entered the country
Authorities in Argentina on Tuesday denied local media reports that Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost Sunday's run-off election in the neighbouring country to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had attempted to leave Brazil via Argentina. On Tuesday, the Infobae website reported that the Baires Fly aviation company had allegedly arranged a charter flight for the senator from Argentina to the United States. "It's all false.
Investor appeals Milei dismissal in ‘$LIBRA’ cryptocurrency case
An investor who lost money in the ‘$LIBRA’ cryptocurrency collapse has appealed a court ruling dismissing the investigation into President Javier Milei, his sister and Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and nine other defendants. Juan Patricio Marchetto, represented by lawyers (and lawmaker) Juan Grabois and Nicolás Rechanik, filed a 40-page appeal challenging the conduct of federal judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi and prosecutor Eduardo Taiano.
Flávio Bolsonaro says court banned him from leaving Brazil
Flávio Bolsonaro on Monday said a Supreme Court justice had banned him from leaving Brazil, one day after he lost the country's presidential election and refused to concede defeat. The right-wing senator received 48.2 percent of the vote compared to 51.8 percent for incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. "I was served with an order to hand over my passports and I am also banned from leaving the country," he said in a video posted to Instagram.
Trump slams 'rigged' Brazil election after ally Flávio Bolsonaro loses
US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Brazil's elections were "rigged" and "so corrupt" after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beat Trump's right-wing ally Flávio Bolsonaro. The 45-year-old son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro has called for the annulment of a result which denies Trump the South American political map he wanted.
What Lula's re-election in Brazil means for Argentina's economy Original
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election as Brazil's president takes the bilateral relationship into a new era. And despite the well-known political differences between the two governments, Brazil remains the main destination for Argentine exports and a crucial market for domestic industry.
Flávio Bolsonaro says he will request 'annulment' of Brazil election after loss
Brazil's defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro refused to recognise President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's victory on Sunday, citing the extension of polling hours over public transport issues that disrupted some voters. "It is impossible to acknowledge the result," he said from Brasília, adding that "I am going to request the annulment of these elections." STORY IN DEVELOPMENT related news
Lula defies odds to clinch election victory over Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazil
Brazil's leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pulled off a dramatic comeback on Sunday as he clinched election victory against right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who defeated him in the first round. With Lula's victory, Brazil staved off a conservative wave that has seen numerous countries – such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru – all shift right, backed by US President Donald Trump.
Hotesur/Los Sauces: Fernández de Kirchner in dock for new corruption trial alongside son
Former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is serving a six-year sentence under house arrest for corruption, faced a new corruption trial Friday alongside her lawmaker and son over alleged money-laundering through their family’s hotel and property businesses. Fernández de Kirchner, 73, followed the hearing by videoconference from her Buenos Aires apartment, where she is serving her sentence. The official broadcast of the trial showed her reviewing documents.
Milei in dead heat with Peronism, one year out from election, polls show
One year out from Argentina’s next presidential election, the race remains wide open. Recent polling data reveals a competitive, polarised political landscape, with President Javier Milei locked in a technical tie with the opposition Peronist coalition. All the surveys consulted indicate that a second round run-off is likely, pointing to a ‘libertarian-Peronist’ showdown echoing the 2023 election.
When expansion is not growth
The disappointing August growth figures (1.7 percent down from the same month last year, placing Argentina on the brink of recession, and a feeble growth of 1.2 percent so far this year) are generally laid at the door of the Javier Milei administration but it would be overrating this or any government to hold them entirely to blame although neither are they immune from responsibility.
More than 2,000 evacuated as El Niño floods hit Argentina
More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee their homes because of flooding linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon in the northeast of the country. The emergency has already claimed the lives of two people last weekend and ongoing flooding could persist for months, officials confirmed.
Court clears Milei siblings in $LIBRA cryptocurrency case Original
Federal Judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi on Friday dismissed the criminal case against President Javier Milei, his sister Karina Milei and nine other defendants over the promotion of the '$LIBRA' cryptocurrency that collapsed in February 2025, causing investors an estimated US$100 million in losses. “The reported events do not constitute a criminal offence,” Judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi said in a ruling.
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