Argentine President Milei Sacks Labour Minister Over Salary Hike Amid Economic Strain

President Javier Milei of Argentina has removed Labour Minister Omar Yasín from his position following the controversial increase in salaries for ministers and senior cabinet officials. The president deemed the move irresponsible, particularly in the midst of the nation grappling with a severe economic crisis.

During a live broadcast on LN+ channel on Monday, President Milei announced, “I’ve fired the labor secretary. Let’s say at this moment they’re notifying him.”

The president had come under criticism from the opposition, accusing him of hypocrisy for accepting a 48% pay increase while publicly denouncing lawmakers for their 30% salary hike. President Milei attributed the salary boost to a 2010 decree signed by former president Cristina Kirchner, claiming it was automatic. However, he swiftly rescinded the increase.

In response, Kirchner defended herself on social media, stating, “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? Admit that you signed it, cashed it out, and were caught.”

President Milei acknowledged the salary raise as an “error” that should not have occurred and emphasized that the consensus among ministers in January was to manage with frozen salaries. He made it clear that the increase already paid to officials would be deducted from their next paycheck, attempting to rectify the situation and restore public confidence.