Milei demands expulsion of foreigners expressing ‘hate’ against Argentina

Lead

Argentine President Javier Milei has signed an emergency decree empowering the government to expel or bar foreigners who express "hate" against the country, a measure announced in response to what his office described as "recent displays of hostility" toward Argentina. The decree, signed on Thursday, has drawn questions from legal experts about its feasibility.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from Al Jazeera, the Buenos Aires Times, and the South China Morning Post broadly aligns on the key details of the decree, though each outlet emphasizes different aspects. Al Jazeera highlighted the legal doubts raised by experts and framed the measure as a response to a perceived "campaign of 'hostility'" after the World Cup. The Buenos Aires Times, an English-language Argentine outlet, provided the most detailed account of the decree's legal basis, noting that it was issued as a "Decree of Necessity and Urgency" (DNU) and co-signed by several Cabinet ministers. The South China Morning Post similarly reported the measure and the challenges it faces, noting that it requires parliamentary approval to remain law.

Key Claims

According to the Buenos Aires Times, the decree establishes "grounds for denying entry to or expelling from the national territory any foreigner who directs or incites messages of hatred, discrimination and/or violence against the Argentine people or its citizens on the basis of their nationality, as well as anyone who insults national symbols." The Office of the President of the Argentine Republic (OPRA) announced the measure, reiterating that "the defence of the nation, its citizens and its symbols is non-negotiable" and that "anyone who attacks the Argentine Republic is not welcome in our country."

The government did not specify particular incidents in the decree, but the references appear to relate to an alleged wave of anti-Argentina abuse that intensified during the recent FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, particularly on social media, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times. Al Jazeera noted that Argentina reached the final match of the tournament, which concluded on July 19 with Spain defeating Argentina, and that its second-place finish was "tarnished by accusations of racism among its players and fans." The tournament also prompted speculation about favorable officiating for the Argentinian side, and after the final match, a brawl appeared to break out on the pitch. FIFA announced it would initiate a disciplinary probe against three Argentinian players and one coach, citing allegations of "unsporting behaviour," as reported by Al Jazeera.

Milei has framed the backlash as a campaign to discredit the country. The South China Morning Post reported that the ultraliberal leader claimed on Sunday that leftist administrations elsewhere in the Americas were leading an "anti-Argentine campaign." Al Jazeera further reported that Milei accused the Brazilian government, as well as Mexico and the US Democratic Party, of financing an "anti-Argentina campaign."

The decree also comes amid diplomatic tensions with Brazil. The Buenos Aires Times reported that Brazil recalled its ambassador in response to Milei's accusations and insults directed at the country's president and members of its judiciary.

Experts have cast doubt on the legal feasibility of the emergency decree, as reported by both Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post. The measure is already in force but requires parliamentary approval to remain law, according to the South China Morning Post. The Buenos Aires Times noted that the DNU introduces a new restriction into one of the world's most immigrant-friendly constitutional frameworks, as Argentina's Constitution guarantees foreigners the same civil rights as citizens and explicitly encourages immigration.