In a surprising turn of events, President Javier Milei of Argentina has taken decisive action by sacking Labour Minister Omar Yasín for authorizing a salary increase for ministers and senior cabinet officials during a time of severe economic hardship for the nation.
Speaking during a live broadcast on TV channel LN+, President Milei announced the dismissal, stating, “I’ve fired the labour secretary. Let’s say at this moment they’re notifying him.”
The decision comes after President Milei himself faced criticism for accepting a 48% increase in his own salary while simultaneously condemning lawmakers for a 30% pay raise.
President Milei attributed the salary hike to a decree signed by former president Cristina Kirchner in 2010, describing it as automatic. However, he swiftly rescinded the increase and placed the blame squarely on his predecessor. In response, Cristina Kirchner defended herself, pointing out that while she may have signed the decree 14 years ago, it was President Milei who implemented its payment this year.
“It was revealed that you and your cabinet increased your salary by 48%, and you have no better excuse than putting the blame on me, for a decree I signed 14 years ago?” Kirchner questioned in a statement on her social media account. “Admit that you signed it, cashed it out, and were caught.”
President Milei characterized the salary raise as a mistake that should never have occurred and emphasized that the consensus among ministers in January was to manage with frozen salaries. He assured the public that the increase already paid to officials would be deducted from their next paycheck.
“This is an error that should not have been made,” President Milei stated. “Because moreover, this was cleared up in January, the consensus of the ministers was that we have to manage with our salaries frozen.”
The dismissal of Labour Minister Yasín underscores the seriousness with which President Milei is addressing economic challenges in Argentina. By holding government officials accountable for irresponsible actions, he aims to restore public trust and demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility during these difficult times.
