Follow-up: Argie government goes after corrupt officials

Argentina's Cabinet Chief remarked that the government will not hesitate to fire any officials suspected of corruption. “This government will dismiss any officials accused or implicated and they will have to respond just as any ordinary citizen would” said Alberto Fernandez in a radio interview earlier today.

Fernandez’ words came only a day after the head of a regulatory body for Argentine toll roads was forced to quit over allowing a Venezuelan businessman citizen to fly on a government-chartered plane. The businessman- Antonini Wilson- was caught by Argentine customs agents with a suitcase filled with $800,000 in cash.

Yesterday, Argentine president Nestor Kirchner defended his administration in light of having a minister quit over stashing $60,000 in the bathroom of her office as well as the Wilson affair:

“I don't cover up anything. When something happens the people find out about it and we take the appropriate measures. For the first time, Argentina is seriously fighting corruption ... whoever is involved.”

The corruption allegations may seriously hurt the chances Kirchner’s wife has in winning this year’s presidential elections.

Sources- Bloomberg, The Latin Americanist, Canada.com, The Economist

Image- GoSouthAmerica.about.com