Alejandro Nimo denied Clarín's fake news: 'I'm here to reduce the State'

In an interview with La Derecha Diario, the economic attaché at the Argentine Embassy in Spain, Alejandro Nimo, replied harshly to the accusations that recently circulated in outlets such as Clarín, where he was linked to alleged personal favors and questioned decisions during his administration.

True to the libertarian ideology defended by Javier Milei's government, Nimo defended his actions as part of a deep change in diplomacy and state management.

The controversy over Eva Carrasco

When asked whether he influenced the appointment of Eva Carrasco —wife of Professor Philipp Bagus
— as head of the Colegio Mayor Argentino de Madrid,  Nimo categorically denied any connection:

"That position depends on the Complutense University of Madrid and the Argentine Secretariat of Education, whom I don't even know. But if they had asked me, I would have gladly recommended her:  she managed to reverse 20 years of deficit in just one month." He also denied that the appointment had any relation to his academic connection with Professor Bagus: "He graded me in December 2023 for a class presentation.  Carrasco's appointment came later. Unless we have a time machine, the accusation makes no sense."

The Huerta de Soto painting

Another criticism was related to the alleged delivery of an expensive artwork to Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto. Nimo clarified that it was a symbolic gesture: "The painting was made by Richard Somonte. I only lent it temporarily for a series of lunches among master's students at his home. Today, the artwork is in my personal office."

Questions about state spending and the traditional diplomatic model

One of the proposals that caused the most controversy was his idea to grant a concession for the ambassador's residence in Madrid. Nimo justified the initiative by appealing to austerity and the principle of efficiency: "It's a mansion that's fallen on hard times. Restoring it would be indecent when there are people in Argentina making enormous sacrifices. Let a private party restore and operate it, and let the State use it when needed."

He also questioned the relevance of certain diplomatic areas:  "Trade is done by private parties, not bureaucrats. Efficiency is in the market, not in the State. Those who do business should pay the expenses, not all taxpayers."

Criticism of the Foreign Service and digitization of consulates

Nimo was blunt in rejecting the idea that he wants to destroy Argentine diplomacy: "What I want is to modernize it. Today, you can open a bank account without going to the bank, but for a consular certificate you have to wait in line and go through procedures. Isn't it time to update?"

His proposal is clear: digitize the consulates and sign agreements with local institutions that validate identity, such as notary associations.

Management in line with Milei's promises

At the end of the interview, Nimo reaffirmed his alignment with President Javier Milei's principles: "I'm here to reduce the State. I hope even my own position will be absorbed by private parties. We don't want an efficient State; we want a minimal one that doesn't cost us 40% of our income."