economist Emmanuel Alvarez AguisFormer Vice-Minister of Economic Affairs during the second government. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and current owner of consulting firm PxQ. check taxes for new taxes on cash withdrawal.
This idea of promoting formalization of the economy was severely questioned by the president Javier Millaydescribed this measure as a form of “theft” from consumers and related it to the “collection” logic of Kirchnerism.
Emmanuel Álvarez Agiz’s proposal for a “cash tax” collection
During an interview in El d’Estape, Álvarez Aguis explained that his proposal is based on the following plan: “Carrot and stick”In other words, Eliminate taxes that affect the public sector and replace them with taxes that discourage the use of cash.
“Consumers are demanding to pay with digital payment methods, because it taxes cash, forces the formalization of commerce, and above all rewards all companies like mine, where all flows are formalized,” he said.
Former officials explained that new taxes will be applied About cash withdrawals The goal is to attract consumers and businesses to banking.
According to his proposal, “The idea is to eliminate the check tax, which is a penalty on the formal economy. replace it with a cash taxFrom a tax burden perspective, he said the proposal would be: neutralThis is because it would reduce pressure on those who operate formally and increase pressure on the informal economy.
Javier Millay criticizes former Kirchnerist official
The debate erupted when Álvarez Aguis gave examples of tax ranges during the interview. “I went to the ATM and put $1,000 in, and $900 came out.”This suggests that it is possible to reach. 10% Of the amount extracted. The fragment quickly spread on social networks, prompting strong criticism from libertarian leaders. Deputy Prime Minister of Buenos Aires Agustin RomoThe president of the ruling bloc was one of the first to question this idea, accusing Kirchnerism of seeking: “New financing method”
own Millay He amplified the controversy by citing a video on his X account that conveyed a strong message: “Kirchnerists = thieves. The former deputy economic minister of Kisilov openly proposes stealing 10% of the income allocated to consumption. They don’t think about reducing spending, only how to collect more money so that they can decide what and how much to spend.” With this publication, the president placed the tax debate at the center of political debate.
Javier Millay’s message to Alvarez Aguis
Álvarez Aguis later said that his proposal was “I was misunderstood.” He also claimed that the viral cut “distorts the original meaning.” he emphasized his proposal We are not calling for increased pressure to increase taxes.but change incentives To combat informality: “This measure is neutral for the economy as a whole in terms of tax pressure, but is designed to reduce tax pressure on the formal world and make life harder for the informal world by raising it. ”
The economist also emphasized that his proposals follow the example of policies applied in other countries. Communicating the demand for normalization to consumersrather than just focusing on businesses. “All the programs that have reduced informality around the world have not been about providing incentives to businesses, but rather placing demands on consumers to formalize,” he explained.
Although the initiative It has not been formally presented and has no legislative supportthis exchange reignited the debate over taxation and the role of the state in the economy. For Milei, the new on-demand tax state interference As for personal freedoms, this measure means that for the sectors associated with Kirchnerism, Reduce tax evasion and expand the taxpayer base.
In other words, Álvarez Aguis’ proposal combines the abolition of the current tax with the creation of another with a different orientation, reviving an old debate: the contrast between cuts in public spending and the search for new sources of funding.
This episode also Conflict between libertarian ruling party and Kirchnerismthis time about one of the most sensitive issues on the economic agenda. Collection and formalization of the Argentine production system.
About The Author
