Bullrich Criticizes Milei’s Journalist Remarks as SIP Condemns Attacks

Senator Patricia Bullrich has publicly distinguished herself from President Javier Milei, stating that his recent comments calling for journalists to be burned at the stake "cross a limit." This intervention occurred shortly after Milei was cleared in the $LIBRA cryptocurrency investigation, during which he launched a fierce verbal assault against the press.

The Disagreement

During a telephone interview with LN+, Bullrich emphasized that while freedom of expression protects both the president and the press, there are boundaries. She stated, "It is not a way to defend oneself against an idea, but rather a very strong, very hard expression." She argued that criticisms should be answered with arguments, not threats, noting that power must always remain under scrutiny. Her remarks contrast sharply with Milei’s rhetoric, where he cited Adam Smith to justify labeling critics as "sons of bitches" who deserve to be burned.

Institutional Backlash

Bullrich’s stance aligns with widespread condemnation from various entities:

• The Inter-American Press Association (SIP) issued a report highlighting a "grave deterioration" of press freedom in Argentina, documenting hundreds of attacks by the president on specific journalists.
• The National Academy of Journalism published a statement describing the president’s words as a "death threat," warning that institutional violence undermines democracy.
• IDEA, representing major Argentine businesses, called for public debate based on respect and responsibility, rejecting insults against journalists.
• FOPEA and other media organizations echoed these concerns, noting that such language legitimizes violence against those who inform the public.

Milei, meanwhile, continued his attacks, accusing journalists of participating in a "political operation" and threatening legal action. The incident underscores a deepening rift between the executive branch and the media, with even allies within the ruling coalition expressing discomfort over the tone of the discourse.