Argentina's Milei Reinstates Press Access to Palace After Outcry

In a swift reversal, Argentine President Javier Milei has restored press access to the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, just ten days after barring journalists from the historic building. This move came after a significant backlash from lawmakers, press freedom organizations, and even business groups, who decried the initial ban as an attack on democratic principles. The government had justified the restrictions by citing security concerns, specifically alleging that a local TV channel, Todo Noticias, used smart glasses for unauthorized espionage within the palace. However, the media outlet has contested these claims, asserting that they possessed official authorization for all recordings made and that the areas shown were already publicly accessible. The abrupt decision to revoke accreditations for around sixty permanent reporters sparked outrage, with critics pointing to a pattern of aggressive rhetoric from Milei's administration towards the press. This incident occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom in Argentina, which has fallen from 66th to 98th place globally according to Reporters Without Borders. The conflict between Milei and the press is described as unprecedented since the return of democracy in 1983. Milei's personal attacks on journalists, including labeling them as "corrupt" and promoting slogans like "we don't hate journalists enough," have intensified in recent weeks. The reversal of the ban, announced by Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni, suggests the administration recognized the untenable nature of its position. While Adorni stated that accreditation rules would still be revised for security reasons, the immediate restoration of access signals a concession to public and institutional pressure. This episode underscores the volatile relationship between the Milei government and the media, reflecting a broader trend of populist leaders challenging established journalistic norms and institutions.

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Journalists say that from today, for the first time, they can enter Casa Rosada - the Argentine equivalent of the White House - after April 23, when Milei's spokesperson announced the withdrawal of accreditations for journalists who have been reporting from there for decades.