In a Twist of Fate

July 17th, 2008 Posted in business, culture, politics

Written by Jamie

As we have posted from time to time, there has been a big, on-going soap opera unfolding in Argentina.

For those of you just tuning in, here is what has happened in a nutshell. The government raised export taxes on soy beans overnight by about 10%. This was the farmers first good harvest in five seasons. The farmer’s started striking, etc., to try to get the government to discuss it. Both sides were very passionate (pots and pans were banged, free choripan sandwiches were passed out, etc.). The president agreed to have the new law sent to congress for a vote.

Yesterday was the vote, the debate lasted 18 hours. I can only imagine how much mate was drunk.

Even though the senate is controlled by the president’s party, it was a tie, 36 to 36. So, the Vice President, Julio Cobos casted the deciding vote.

In what is, without question, a ballsy move, SeƱor Cobos voted against the president. Could you imagine if vice president Dick voted against G W Bush?

Here is a clip of his 4 and a half minute deciding vote. He looks a little tense.

What happens next remains to be seen.

As an optimistic, I would like to think that the majority has spoken and it will be a new day in Argentine politics.

Or it could be that the soap opera just got signed for another season of prime time. Vamos a ver!