On Wednesday, April 26, the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) hosted an event in the MSFS Executive Conference Room featuring Argentine Chief of Cabinet of Ministers Marcos Peña. Minister Peña graduated with a degree in political science and government at Torcuato Di Tella University. Before his current post, he served the Buenos Aires city government as a legislator (2003-2007) and as the general secretary of the government (2007-2015).
Fr. Rodrigo Zarazaga, S.J., an Argentine political analyst and director of the Center for Research and Social Action (CIAS), moderated the event.
A New Era
During his presentation, Minister Peña spoke about a new era of Argentine politics and the challenges the new administration has to deal with. He identified three main challenges: “avoiding economic crisis, reducing poverty, and strengthening democratic institutions.”
Minister Peña also emphasized ongoing efforts by the President Mauricio Macri’s administration to strengthen Argentina’s democratic institutions. One of the premises for the discussion was that the election of President Macri in 2015 was an “act of rebellion” against the direction Argentine politics had taken under previous administrations.
Minister Peña shared President Macri’s hopes to strengthen ties with the United States, and in turn strengthen the region as a whole. From the administration’s viewpoint, both countries have a lot in common and stronger bilateral ties would be mutually beneficial. Moreover, a strong relationship with the United States will bring more attention to Latin America as a whole, with Argentina as an important intermediary between the United States and the region.
This event was sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies, the Latin America Initiative, and the Latin America Leadership Program.
