A ‘mute’ button for journalists? A joke that attracts the Argentine government

A ‘mutator’ button of journalists, a popular vote to choose the accredited or clothing codes are some of the provocative ideas of the spokesman of the Argentine president Javier Milei For press conferences in the Government House.

When a journalist asked him on Wednesday about reports in the media according to which the government evaluated to install a “button“On the press conferences, Manuel Adorni replied laughing:”It would not be bad, but we are not thinking … it could be, I read the note and out there (maybe) I take the issue of the mutator button when they exceed a little”

“Now I would mutate you, for example”, Risueño continued. “It is bizarre this talk, but we are going to give it (…) yes, it seems fun, what do I know, have a button. ”

Adorni said that he considers that and other ideas so that “The press room is increasingly professional, more comfortable and listens to them”

“Within this there must be freedom of expression”He clarified.

He also talked about the possibility of submitting to the popular decision which journalists participate in the press conferences.

“We are thinking of some scheme where journalists are chosen by people. Who are and who are not. For people to feel represented, they feel informed”Said Adorni.

Stripped of solemnity and laughter, commented that it would work “Like a great journalistic brother”

Among other changes, the idea of ​​imposing sack and tie label for journalists and the opening to the participation of YouTubers and Streamers in the spokeswoman’s press conferences.

The relationship of the Argentine government with the press is tense.

In January last year, the Argentine journalism forum (Fopea) urged Adorni “to maintain distance and respect for the professional work of journalists“, No “ridicule your work“And avoid”The grievances, ironies and teasing”

President Milei has vilified numerous occasions to the critical journalists of his government, whom he accuses of “Ensobrados”(Corrupt) and describes how“Microphone criminals”

The president has not provided any press conference since he arrived at the Government in December 2023 and has only granted interviews with a handful of journalists.