In Argentina, President Javier Milei’s communications advisor, Santiago Caputo, allegedly threatened UCR deputy Facundo Manes after a congressional address. This incident has led opposition leaders to demand an investigation, labeling it as a tactic to intimidate dissenting voices. Manes criticized the government’s behavior and called for protection of constitutional values amidst growing concerns over political aggression and the treatment of opposition figures.
In Argentina, opposition leaders have requested an investigation into the actions of President Javier Milei’s chief communications advisor, Santiago Caputo. He allegedly confronted Unión Cívica Radical (UCR) deputy Facundo Manes in Congress after President Milei’s state-of-the-nation address. A video of the encounter showed Caputo behaving aggressively, prompting strong rebukes from Manes, who stated that such intimidation tactics were part of a broader strategy by the government to undermine oppositional voices.
The incident unfolded during Milei’s address, where Manes accused the President of constitutional violations regarding his appointment of Supreme Court justices. This led to a heated exchange, with Milei openly mocking Manes. Amid the tumult, Manes attempted to hold up the Constitution in response to Caputo’s accusations, but afterwards, Caputo reportedly threatened him directly in a congressional corridor.
Details surrounding the altercation highlight Caputo’s previous reputation as a controversial figure in political campaigning. He has faced criticism before for intervening during a media interview to protect Milei from difficult questions. Manes emphasized the need to defend democratic principles and warned against the government’s anti-republican stance.
The Democracia para Siempre bloc, to which Manes belongs, condemned Caputo’s actions and called for official scrutiny of the incident. Other opposition representatives echoed the need for accountability, with deputy Eduardo Toniolli labeling the libertarian allies as acting like a “sect.” He stressed that the aggressiveness of Milei’s supporters had created a hostile environment for lawmakers.
Constitutional lawyer Eduardo Barcesat condemned the actions as institutional violence, suggesting that such bullying will likely go unchecked due to Manes’ opposition status. The outcry reflects a significant concern about political conduct in Argentina, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition figures.
The aggressive confrontation involving Santiago Caputo and UCR deputy Facundo Manes has sparked a substantial controversy in Argentina, raising concerns about governmental intimidation tactics against opposition members. Caputo’s actions have drawn criticism from various political leaders and legal authorities, highlighting the increasing tensions within Argentine politics and the importance of preserving democratic principles and the rule of law. The calls for investigation signify a broader demand for accountability in political conduct.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
