Two men sitting in chairs in front of a Harvard Kennedy School backdrop with the flags of the United States and Argentina on the sides. — Federico Sturzenegger at Harvard University | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Federico Sturzenegger at Harvard University | La Derecha Diario

Sturzenegger recalled Cristina Kirchner's phrase at Harvard: 'This isn't La Matanza'

The minister used CFK's terrible phrase to refer to the 'old authoritarian and clientelist model' and the current approach of Milei's government

02/05/2025 14:55:00h

Editorial Team

During his time at Harvard University, where he taught for years, the Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, took advantage of his presentation at the Kennedy School Forum to launch an ironic critique against Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

"Thank you for the invitation to speak at the Kennedy School Forum at Harvard, where I taught for many years. What a change from the infamous phrase 'guys, this is not La Matanza' by Cristina Kirchner to the preaching of fiscal order and economic freedom that Javier Milei defends today," Sturzenegger posted on his X account.

The wound left by "this is not La Matanza"

The phrase the minister referred to alludes to an episode that occurred in September 2012, when Cristina Kirchner visited the university as president. During a round of questions with students, a young man persistently asked her about her sworn statement of assets. In an attempt to ease the tension, the then-president replied: "Guys, this is not La Matanza".

A conference at the Harvard Kennedy School with two people seated on stage, accompanied by the flags of the United States and Argentina, while the audience watches from their seats.

Sturzenegger recalled Cristina Kirchner's phrase at Harvard: "This isn't La Matanza" | La Derecha Diario

The phrase caused strong repudiation at the time, as it was interpreted as derogatory toward one of the most populous and humble districts of Greater Buenos Aires. Although her entourage tried to downplay it by pointing out that it referred to the hostile tone of the exchange, the symbolic content of the comment was harshly criticized for its classist undertone.

Sturzenegger used this memory to reinforce the contrast between what he calls an "old authoritarian and clientelist model" and the current approach of Milei's government. The same is focused on adjustment, market freedom, and state deregulation.

A minimal state with essential functions

The minister's message reinforced Milei's libertarian narrative, which insists that the state should focus on its essential functions and withdraw from activities that could be more efficiently managed by the private sector.

"Both locations are unique, and their transfer to an expert operator in the field will enhance the tourist value of both places," he added.

A conference in an auditorium with two people on stage, surrounded by flags of the United States and Argentina, while the audience is seated watching.

Federico Sturzenegger at Harvard University | La Derecha Diario

Sturzenegger thus presents himself as one of the ideological architects of the state's structural reform project, combining his academic credentials with a discourse that articulates fiscal adjustment, public spending reduction, and economic openness.

The "colossus" working under Milei's orders took advantage of the prestigious international academic forum to deepen the message. The populist model is left behind, replaced by an austere state, aligned with the market and resistant to privileges.

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