Leandro Santoro, a dangerous candidate for freedom of expression and democracy

The radical Kirchnerist Leandro Santoro, candidate for Buenos Aires legislator for the "Es Ahora Buenos Aires" front, once again sparked controversy after past statements in which he suggested censoring the media exposure of then-candidate for deputy  Javier Milei, raising fears about his willingness to curtail freedom of expression in Argentina.

In the midst of the campaign for the legislative elections on May 18 in the City of Buenos Aires, his statements once again generate fear since, if he wins a seat in the Buenos Aires Legislature, Santoro and his bloc could push for measures that restrict dissenting voices, endangering the country's democratic foundations.

Santoro's authoritarian statements

In a 2021 interview with Jorge Fontevecchia on Periodismo Puro (Net TV), Santoro stated that the media were "irresponsible" by giving now-president Javier Milei space in prime time, labeling his speech as "dangerous" and lamenting that, as understood, "he wasn't censored in time".

These words, which spread on social media, are seen as an attempt to silence Milei for ideological reasons, given the challenge his rise represented for Peronism. In another television appearance, Santoro stated that Milei should have been "stopped" in the media, reinforcing the perception of a stance against freedom of expression.

These statements brought freedom of expression back to the center of the debate, an essential pillar of democracy. Censoring someone because their speech is uncomfortable is incompatible with the democratic principles that guarantee diversity of opinions.

Santoro represents a danger to democracy by suggesting, even indirectly, the suppression of opposing voices. More concerning is the fear that, if Santoro wins a seat, he could push for legislative measures that restrict freedom of expression in CABA, inspired by his apparent support for limiting speeches considered, according to him, "dangerous".

Santoro's track record generates concern in a context of high polarization, where freedom of expression already faces tensions, as is the case with journalism and its continuous attacks with false information toward president Javier Milei, who, when responding to the attacks, is accused of being "authoritarian", as a way to censor him and prevent him from defending himself.

As the campaign progresses and the elections approach, Santoro's candidacy generates fear among the people, who remember the authoritarian statements he made some time ago.