Argentines protest billionaire Thiel's influence
Dozens of social and environmental activists have gathered outside the Buenos Aires residence of US tech billionaire Peter Thiel. Protesters are demonstrating against what they describe as his growing economic and political influence in Argentina, and his close ties to President Javier Milei's administration. Thiel has reportedly relocated his family to Argentina, acquiring a mansion. His move is reportedly driven by concerns over global risks and seeking ideological alignment with President Milei's libertarian and anti-tax policies. Thiel and President Milei have met multiple times, with the Argentine leader describing their initial encounter as between like-minded anarcho-capitalists. The protests specifically target Thiel's recent $76 million investment, taking a significant stake in Vista Energy, Argentina's leading shale oil producer operating in the Vaca Muerta region. Demonstrators link his corporate operations to alleged environmental degradation and public health crises. They are also voicing opposition to the government's controversial "Super RIGI" investment framework, arguing that aggressive deregulation threatens Argentina's sovereignty over vital land and water resources. Protesters see Thiel as a symbol of the left's accusation that President Milei is "putting the country up for sale." President Milei's government is actively pursuing sweeping deregulation and spending cuts to attract foreign investment in the country's natural resources, a policy that has generated significant public backlash.
