Milei's Government Will Analyze Preventing Clarín's Purchase of Telefónica

In a measure aimed at defending competition and transparency in the telecommunications sector, the Government of Javier Milei announced that it will analyze preventing the purchase of Telefónica by Telecom, a company belonging to the Grupo Clarín.

The initiative seeks to prevent the consolidation of a monopoly that would endanger users' rights to a diverse and accessiblecommunication services offering.

According to the official statement, the National Communications Entity (ENACOM) and the National Commission for the Defense of Competition (CNDC) will be the entities responsible for evaluating whether this operation represents a threat to free competition.

If the acquisition is completed, Grupo Clarín would control approximately 70% of telecommunications services in Argentina, consolidating a hegemonic position that has been favored for decades by state benefits.

Milei's Government made it clear that it will not allow the formation of a new monopoly in such a strategic sector as telecommunications.

"This type of economic concentration undermines free competition and the disinflation process that Argentina is undergoing," the statement notes, highlighting that, since December 2023, inflation in the communications segment has dropped from an alarming 15.6% to 2.3% in January 2024, thanks to the measures adopted by the Milei administration.

Unlike previous administrations, which allowed the uncontrolled growth of media conglomerates with privileges granted by the State, the libertarian Government reaffirms its commitment to defending users' rights to choose among diverse options and not be held hostage by a single business group.

The decision is also in line with current regulations in developed countries, where rigorous controls are implemented to prevent monopolies that harm free competition and service accessibility.

Milei's administration's position also exposes the hypocrisy of Grupo Clarín, which has historically used its influence to shape public opinion to its convenience.

The intention to absorb Telefónica reveals its true strategy: to control the telecommunications market to impose arbitrary rates and limit citizens' access to alternative sources of information.

Milei's Government made it clear that it will not yield to pressure and will use all legal tools at its disposal to prevent a single business group from controlling most of the information flow and telecommunications in the country.

With this measure, the Executive not only protects users but also reinforces its commitment to a genuine competition model and an open and accessible telecommunications market for all Argentinians.