Argentina: HS Students Occupy Schools Demanding Higher Budget

Argentine high school students have taken over 15 schools in Buenos Aires to demand an increase in the city's education budget. The right-wing city government has cut the education budget, leading to shortcomings in school infrastructure and a need for building repairs and maintenance. Students charge that their activism has been targeted by city authorities but that they have the support of their parents and teachers. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Argentine Voters to Select Parlasur Representatives

In the upcoming October 25 general elections, for the first time ever, Argentine voters will directly elect 43 representatives to the Parlasur, the Mercosur parliament. Its members were previously selected by the country's legislators. The Mercosur is a regional trade and integration body comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Paraguay. The direct election will bring the issue of regional integration directly before the voters. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires

Argentine Legislators Express Solidarity with Ecuador

Members of the Argentine congress formed a parliamentary friendship group with Ecuador on Thursday and expressed their support for President Rafael Correa's government. The legislators will be presenting a motion to be voted on in congress in solidarity with Ecuadorean democracy. Social organizations, intellectuals and political activists will also be mobilizing in support of the Citizens' Revolution. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Argentina Investigating HSBC for Economic Offenses

Argentina Federal Tax Agency authorities and legislators flew over to Paris to meet with former HSBC employees as part of their investigations into allegations that international banks committed economic felonies. The HSBC is accused of capital flight, tax evasion, and money laundering. Following the visit, authorities will seek to bring those guilty to justice and prepare new financial regulations to avoid such fraudulent banking practices in the future. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Argentina: First Space Engineering Degree in Latin America

The first academic degree in Space Engineering has been created at the University of San Martin in Latin America. According to the university’s School of Science and Technology, the goal is to generate the necessary knowledge to support the country’s growing space research industry. The move comes less than a year after the first Argentine satellite was launched into orbit. Two more are planned for the coming year, indicating a promising future for Argentina in space technology. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires for teleSUR. 

Argentina to Boost Social Welfare Allowances

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez announced on Monday that she would be sending a bill to Congress to increase social welfare payments. The bill would mandate two mandatory increases per year in the country's two most important social welfare programs, the universal child allowance and the universal pregnancy allowance, and in other similar plans. Current funding for these programs will be immediately increased by 30%. The bill is expected to be supported by both the ruling party and the opposition. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Malvinas Dispute Still An Open Wound in Argentine Society

Argentina's claim to the Malvinas Islands remains an ongoing issue in the South American country. An event was held at the Malvinas Museum on Wednesday to mark the day of reaffirmation of Argentina's sovereign rights to the Malvinas Islands. The day of affirmation coincides with the anniversary of when Argentina first settled the archipelago in 1829. The issue has received renewed attention as veterans of the 1982 war with Great Britain have received recognition and financial compensation for their service. Despite London's refusal to negotiate a settlement to the dispute over what Britain calls the Falkland Islands, the issue remains high on Argentina's diplomatic agenda. Argentina has received in its claim from the rest of Latin America. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.