Amid their homeland’s economic crunch, an increasing number of Argentines are once again looking to Europe for opportunity. By LuisAndresHenao byrnepaulj lionreport tomifcuesta
Tomas Ruiz pushes his suitcase as he is accompanied by his father Pablo at the International Airport Ministro Pistarini before boarding a plane to Ireland, in Ezeiza, Argentina, Thursday, April 4, 2019. Ruiz holds a European passport by descent, and is returning to the home country of his grandparents, far from Argentina's sizzling inflation, high unemployment and sharp currency depreciation.
Ruiz studied gastronomy and was employed as a cafe manager in Argentina’s capital. But even when he worked extra shifts, he couldn’t manage to save money, and for months he had been living with his mother to save on rent. Last year, the Argentine peso lost more than half its value to the U.S. dollar following a run on the local currency, causing the government to seek a record $56 billion bailout loan with the International Monetary Fund to try to come out of the recession.
There are no official statistics available on how many Argentines have moved to Europe. Argentina’s immigration directorate said it is nearly impossible to keep track of the number because Argentines leaving the country don’t have to provide information on their destination or how long they’ll stay. “That means that there’s a sector of society — the middle and high class professionals — who are eyeing a Plan B, which is that if the crisis deepens, one of the options would be to go abroad.”
Millions of Europeans flooded into Argentina in the 19th century to escape war and poverty back home, which has been a source of pride for the country. Argentines were also among “the most Europeanized and educated people in Latin America,” Gabriela Nouzeilles and Graciela Montaldo write in their anthology “The Argentina Reader: History, Culture and Politics.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Macron vows to rebuild Notre Dame after fireFrench president announces launch of worldwide fundraising to help rebuild the most visited landmark in Europe.
Read more »
Europe backs copyright overhaul that threatens to hit YouTube and Facebook hardThe legislation has been criticized by Google and internet freedom campaigners who worry it will result in censorship.
Read more »
IPOs will remain endangered species in EuropeDespite a rebound in equity markets in the first quarter, the number of listings collapsed year-on-year. Bankers of an optimistic nature are focusing on a recent uptick in activity. That’s not enough to offset a lengthy list of reasons to keep sitting on the sidelines.
Read more »
Europe 'wounded' by Notre-Dame fire, EU pledges helpThe devastation of Paris's Notre Dame cathedral is blow to all Europe and a...
Read more »
Libya conflict stirs divisions in Gulf and EuropeQatar called on Tuesday for a blocking of foreign arms supplies to eastern Libya...
Read more »
Cathedrals are neglected in much of EuropeAncient churches are the greatest glory of Europe’s cities, and a headache for those trying to look after them
Read more »
Cathedrals are neglected in much of EuropeHistoric churches are a source of fascination. People want them to be there, even if they don't wish to share the cost or join the prayers
Read more »
From the ashes of Notre Dame, a reminder that even in Europe, nothing is foreverThe continent offers the allure of permanence. But it’s always falling apart — and being rebuilt.
Read more »
Cash-flush buyout firms target Europe in take-private scrambleOnce shunned due to intense public scrutiny and competition from corporate buyer...
Read more »
Late night shelling in Tripoli as Europe, Gulf divided over Haftar's pushShelling could be heard late on Tuesday in several parts of the Libyan capital T...
Read more »