Since President Javier Milei took office on December 10, 2023, there has been a significant deterioration in press freedom and cultural rights in Argentina, according to reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and PEN International.
Milei’s administration has been responsible for a large percentage of the 61 attacks on the press recorded since January 2024, with Milei and his ministers directly involved in at least 30% of these incidents. FOPEA, a local press freedom organization, reported that 40% of press attacks during Milei’s first 100 days in office involved Milei or his ministers.
Milei has frequently used stigmatizing and derogatory language against journalists, calling them “corrupt,” “liars,” and “extortioners.” This hostile rhetoric has led to a chilling effect on the media and a rise in physical and verbal attacks on journalists. Notably, veteran journalist Jorge Lanata was publicly discredited by Milei, and Editorial Perfil faced similar disparagement, with Milei celebrating the potential bankruptcy of the media group.
The government has also taken direct actions against media outlets, including the suspension of government advertising contracts and the shutdown of Acequia TV and Télam, Latin America’s largest news agency, which was accused of being a “propaganda” tool. Additionally, social media content was paused for “reorganisation” reasons in May. These actions have forced many critical media outlets to consider closing due to economic pressures.
The situation has escalated further with targeted online attacks against publishing houses like Marea, specialized in journalism and human rights, which faced a troll attack on its Facebook account aimed at discrediting its book Delia, bastion of resistance. Journalists covering protests have also been subjected to arrests, threats, and physical assaults by authorities, exemplified by the attacks on 35 reporters during protests between January 31 and February 2.
These assaults, combined with economic pressure, job insecurity, and civil lawsuits against journalists, represent efforts to stifle critical media work. Six months into Milei’s administration, there is a clear pattern of attacks, threats, and media closures, creating a hostile environment for journalists and cultural workers and threatening the fundamental rights to access information and freedom of expression in Argentina.