BUENOS AIRES, Feb 6 (Reuters): Argentina's inflation data has become a political flashpoint after the abrupt resignation this week of the head of the national statistics agency exposed tensions at the heart of President Javier Milei's economic strategy.
Economy Minister Luis Caputo acknowledged that the departure of INDEC head Marco Lavagna stemmed from a disagreement over the Milei government's decision to delay an update to the methodology used to calculate inflation - a sensitive move in a country scarred by past data manipulation scandals.
Argentina was reprimanded by the International Monetary Fund in 2013 for under-reporting its numbers.
Opposition lawmakers seized on Lavagna's resignation to accuse the government of trying to protect Milei's political standing.
"It's a trick," congresswoman Julia Strada told Reuters, saying reducing inflation has been Milei's "primary tool" to boost popularity. Lavagna's resignation set off a broader debate over trust and transparency just as Milei touts a dramatic reduction of what was once double?digit level monthly inflation to now under 3%.
While the INDEC chief is appointed by the executive branch, the role has traditionally operated without political interference, making the incident a red flag, according to Marcelo Garcia of consultancy Horizon Engage.
In Argentina, inflation data dispute kindles fears of political meddling
FE Team | Published: February 07, 2026 00:09:52
In Argentina, inflation data dispute kindles fears of political meddling
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