Argentina ministers, governor clash over presidential remarks

A fiery dispute erupted between Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo and La Rioja Governor Ricardo Quintela, sparked by Caputo's dismissive comments about Axel Kicillof's presidential ambitions. Caputo stated that Kicillof would "never in his life" be president of Argentina, predicting a landslide victory for Javier Milei in 2027.

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There may be an external shock, there may be a world war or an alien invasion, but Kicillof will never be president in his life in Argentina.

Quintela, a Peronist governor, reacted strongly to Caputo's remarks, which were made at the Cambras Business Day event. He accused the minister of lacking understanding of Argentina's reality and its diverse regions. "Caputo does not know the country, he does not know the problems we have. He does not have a comprehensive vision," Quintela asserted. He further warned that his party would investigate Caputo if they regain power in 2027, labeling the minister a "neighborhood thug."

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We are going to investigate him when we come to power. We are going to do what we have never done, which is to investigate what happened in this administration. Therefore, investors must be careful.

Caputo swiftly retorted on social media, challenging Quintela's threat. He accused Peronists of using state power and brought up past accusations against his family's company, Caputo Hermanos. These accusations linked the firm to financing individuals involved in the 2022 assassination attempt on then-Vice President Cristina Kirchner. Caputo referenced a July 2023 request for his sister's investigation due to her alleged connection with the leader of Revolución Federal, a group implicated in the incident.

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You already [were in power] and you made him governor [Axel Kicillof], because that is how you use state power.