The Americas | Bello

Sergio Massa is the only thing standing between Argentina and chaos

An economy minister wrestles with inflation nearing 100%

Walk down Calle Lavalle or Calle Florida in the centre of Buenos Aires and every 20 metres someone will call out “cambio” (exchange), offering to buy dollars at a rate that is roughly double the official one. In supermarkets prices rise every month. Inflation this year is heading for 100%. As it has been several times in the past 50 years Argentina is once again lost in an economic labyrinth mainly of its own making. The distortions have reached danger point. “If this carries on, we’ll see looting of supermarkets again,” says a taxi driver.

This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Argentina in its labyrinth”

The world China wants

From the October 15th 2022 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Americas

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva boxing.

Can Brazil’s left survive without Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva? 

Brazil’s current president, a titan of the Latin American left, has no apparent heirs

A Mexican National Guard member stands guard as migrants form a caravan.

Donald Trump is targeting Mexico like no other country

The United States’ southern neighbour is bracing for a wave of deportees and trapped migrants


Mark Carney Announces Leadership Bid for Canada's Liberal Party.

The race to lead Canada’s Liberal Party hinges on handling Trump

Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland are the front-runners


Canada has adopted assisted dying faster than anywhere on Earth

The province of Quebec now allows those with deteriorating illnesses to request an assisted death in advance

Tether’s move to El Salvador is a win for President Nayib Bukele

Why the stablecoin firm has picked the Central American country for its headquarters

From Greenland to Panama and Mexico, leaders are in shock

As Donald Trump eyes fine new pieces of real estate in the Americas and beyond