Background and Relevance of Marco Lavagna
Marco Lavagna, the Chief of Staff for the Argentine Government, recently resigned from his position as head of the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INDEC). This development stems from differing opinions regarding the timing of updating the consumer price index (IPC) measurement base, according to sources from Javier Milei’s administration.
Differences in Opinion Regarding IPC Update
Lavagna believed that January should mark the beginning of updating the measurement base, transitioning from the 2004 base to a 2017-2018 base. However, the government disagreed with this proposal, fearing it would create suspicions in comparative terms.
Jefe de Gabinete Manuel Adorni’s Statement:
“We wouldn’t have a solid basis for comparison if we used two indices measured differently.”
Government’s Stance and Rationale
Adorni emphasized the government’s commitment to providing concrete results after nearly two years of administration. He stated, “We are not willing for people to lack a basis for comparison given the disasters left by previous Kirchnerist governments.”
Addressing Opposition Accusations
Adorni firmly rejected accusations from the opposition, which interpreted Lavagna’s resignation as government interference in INDEC. He declared, “I do not respond to them because they are a series of inconsistencies and incoherencies.”
Future Plans for IPC Update
Adorni clarified that the government intends to maintain the current situation until “inflation is zero” before making any necessary updates. He also attributed the recent IPC increase (from 1.5% to 2.8%) over the past seven months to external factors unrelated to Javier Milei’s management.
Minister Luis Caputo’s Statement on IPC Data
Following the government’s halt of the new IPC update with an updated basket, Minister of Economy Luis Caputo revealed January’s IPC data (Índice de Precios al Consumidor).
Caputo’s Social Media Dissuasion:
“That is false (referring to Eduardo Feinmann’s estimation of 3.1% to 3.5%). In fact, it was a tenth of a percentage point less than the current index. You can verify this with Marco and Pedro Lines yourself.”
Unresolved Doubts Surrounding Upcoming IPC Data
Despite Caputo’s assertion, doubts remain about the upcoming data release. INDEC confirmed the schedule but announced Lines’ takeover of the organization. Caputo had previously mentioned a difference of just a tenth of a percentage point for January, though this may not extend to subsequent months.
