'Econochantas' criticized Fantino for calling them 'econochantas who demand devaluation'

Alejandro Fantino sparked a strong controversy by pointing out that economists from CEDES are pushing for a devaluation motivated by personal interests. 

According to the journalist, their goal wouldn't be economic for the country, but to protect their own income in dollars.

Fantino's accusations against CEDES economists

During his program Multiverso Fantino on Neura, the host targeted Roberto Frenkel, José María Fanelli, Martín Rapetti, and Sebastián Katz. He accused them of being “econochantas” who seek a devaluation because their main income comes from the sale of reports in dollars abroad.

“These guys make a living by selling reports abroad. They get paid in dollars and with three reports a month they rent a yacht in Rimini and have four odalisques dance,” Fantino joked. He also argued that these economists need a more expensive dollar to maintain the purchasing power of their income.

The link with big business

Fantino went further and claimed that these economists play for the big Argentine business sector. “Did you see when Javier (Milei) talks about ‘econochantas’? He's talking about these. This dollar price doesn't work for them and they push for it to rise,” he stated.

Who are the mentioned economists?

CEDES (Center for the Study of State and Society) is an organization dedicated to research in social sciences. However, Fantino cast doubt on its independence, pointing out that its members prioritize their financial interests over academic analysis.