Cabinet chief Jorge Capitanich hit out against market forces whom he accused of trying to attack the administration of president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, as he appeared before the Senate for the latest briefing.
In compliance with article 101 of the National Constitution, the official addressed senators on major national topics, after the Congress gave formal approval of the appointment of Vanoli as the new Central Bank chairman.
At the beginning of his speech, the politician highlighted the measures applied by the government in order to encourage a rise in consumption, pointing out that the economy is facing an international crisis that «allows one to see a restriction in foreign demand for goods produced locally.»
«We must open markets and take advantage of opportunities,» Capitanich asserted, referring to bilateral alliances with Russia and China.
«We have three strategic goals for the coming years: energy self-sufficiency, import substitution and a growth in exports.»
The Cabinet Chief moved on to call for a Bicameral Committee that would investigate and identify those groups carrying out what he dubbed «economic terrorism» in the country.
«Throughout the entire period of full democracy following the dictatorship, Argentina has suffered permanent attacks which hollow out the bases of legitimacy for democratic governments,» Capitanich claimed.
«Whatever the political persuasion, the debate on the creation of the Bicameral Committee to fully investigate a series of private manoeuvres with criminal intentions is essential.»
The politician remarked that in the last few years 62.8 billion dollars had been taken out of the country, and that current assets owned by Argentines on foreign soil totalled a figure worth «no less than 200 billion dollars.»
The government also presented new Vatican City ambassador Eduardo Valdés, and ambassador to Paraguay María Corradi to the Upper House for approval in the session.
Vanoli and Valdés’ designations will be debated in committee, before seeking approval before the full Congress.
This is Capitanich’s fourth visit to the Senate since he became cabinet chief. In his last briefing, in August, opposition lawmakers abandoned their seats in protest against Vicepresident Amado Boudou’s judicial indictments.
buenosairesherald.com