Judicial Probe Closes Over Javier Milei’s Promotion of Libra Token
Argentine President Javier Milei has been formally acquitted following an investigation into his involvement with the private cryptocurrency project known as Libra. The inquiry originated when Milei got involved in the project’s launch by sharing its Solana contract on social media and disclosing that the private token would incentivize the Argentine economy’s growth by funding small Argentine companies. After he deleted this post hours later, when Libra’s price dumped, he stressed that he had no links to the project.
Addressing the resolution of the legal probe, the president highlighted that at the center of this probe fallout was a political and media operation whose sole aim was to damage the presidential office for coup-mongering political ends.
Milei Denounces Media Organizations and Named Journalists
In the wake of the decision, Milei targeted major domestic media organizations, arguing that legacy news networks leveraged the digital asset controversy against his administration. Milei declared that large press groups in Argentina, including La Nacion, used the case as a political weapon to extort the government in exchange for dodging taxes.
Directing his criticism toward specific commentators and investigative reporters who covered the inquiry, Milei forcefully stated: “To the bribed journalists, mercenaries of lies, and serial fabricators of operations like Hugo Alconada Mon, Carlos Pagni, Paulino RodrĂguez, Natalia Volosin, Novaresio, and all the others who exploited this issue: who’s going to clean up all the garbage they spread now?”
Opposition Lawmakers Challenge the Closed Investigation
The president’s acquittal spurred reactions from some who criticized the direction of the now-closed probe. Maximiliano Ferraro, national deputy and former head of the Libra Congressional Commission, which recommended probing Milei for misconduct, highlighted that not even a single person was called to give statements, accusing federal judge Marcelo Martinez de Giorgi and public prosecutor Eduardo Taiano of hiding and throwing evidence away, slowing the probe.
Ferraro asserted that significant elements regarding the project’s access to executive branch facilities and relevant financial activity were left unaddressed. “They never explained the dozens of meetings that Libra promoters held in Casa Rosada and Quinta de Olivos, the crypto transactions executed before and after meeting the president, and the calls between the involved on the day Libra was launched,”
Ferraro concluded, labeling all the involved as criminals.
Why This Matters
The conclusion of the Libra token investigation marks a contentious moment in the intersection of executive power, financial technology, and media scrutiny in Argentina. While the court’s decision relieves President Milei of formal legal misconduct charges, the political fallout remains pronounced. The dispute showcases deepening hostility between the executive branch and established media institutions, while opposition lawmakers continue to question the thoroughness of federal judiciary procedures regarding cryptocurrency lobbying inside governmental offices such as Casa Rosada and Quinta de Olivos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Javier Milei investigated over the Libra token?
Milei posted the Solana contract address for the private cryptocurrency token on social media, claiming it would support small Argentine businesses. The post was deleted hours later after the token experienced a severe price collapse, leading to calls for misconduct investigations regarding his ties to the venture.
What allegations did Maximiliano Ferraro make regarding the investigation?
National deputy Maximiliano Ferraro criticized federal judge Marcelo Martinez de Giorgi and prosecutor Eduardo Taiano, arguing that no witnesses were summoned to testify and that official meetings at Casa Rosada, transaction histories, and phone records connected to the launch day were never properly addressed.
How did President Milei respond to the conclusion of the case?
President Milei characterized the probe as a political operation aimed at destabilizing his administration, accusing prominent journalists and major news outlets like La Nacion of fabricating narratives and attempting to extort the executive branch.
