Culture

Javier Milei Sweeps Argentina’s Elections

Argentina’s Elections

Argentina has embraced the far-right without nuances. Javier Milei swept the presidential runoff election held this Sunday, securing 56% of the votes, while Sergio Massa, the Peronist coalition candidate and current Minister of the Economy in a country with 142% year-on-year inflation, garnered 44%. The difference between the two candidates was almost three million votes, an unprecedented thrashing for the center-left Peronist movement.

The turnaround was much more abrupt than expected, and Argentina is now heading towards the unknown, following in the footsteps of Donald Trump in the United States and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil. “Today begins the reconstruction of Argentina, today begins the end of the decadence. The impoverishing model of the omnipresent state comes to an end. Today we embrace again the ideas of freedom, those of our founding fathers,” president-elect Milei said Sunday.

Milei warned that he will be very hard on those who resist “violently” the changes he proposes and added that “there will be no gradualism or lukewarmness.” “If we do not move forward quickly with the structural changes that Argentina needs, we will be headed towards the worst crisis in history. But today, we are once again embracing the ideas of freedom to become a world power,” he promised.

Milei, a TV panelist who only became a politician two years ago when he became a congressman, promises to turn the establishment upside down. Shouting “long live freedom, dammit” and armed with a chainsaw, during his campaign he called for the extermination of “the political caste,” which he blames for the perpetual economic crisis that is devastating Argentina.

Key to Milei’s triumph was the support he received from former liberal president Mauricio Macri (2015-2019). Macri had been left out of the race after the defeat of his running mate, Patricia Bullrich, in the first round of elections held on October 22. However, it took Macri less than 24 hours to openly support the ultra candidate and thus give him a democratic veneer that, in the end, was enough to convince even the most undecided voter.

Milei campaigned on reducing the size and reach of the national government, by closing the Education and Health ministries and progressively eliminating social welfare programs. In view of Sunday’s results, it’s clear that Milei broke the reluctance of even those Argentines who, since the return to democracy in 1983, have defended the role of an entrepreneurial and welfare state, whether it be a Peronist, radical or even liberal state, such as Macri’s. In Argentina, health and education at all levels is public and free.

Milei has also said he wants to repeal abortion, which has been legal in Argentina since 2020, and revoke the rule that prevents the Armed Forces from participating in internal security tasks. To put an end to inflation, which tops 140%, Milei promotes a dollarization of the economy and the closing of the Central Bank, responsible for currency issuance.

Among the profound changes proposed by Milei, there is also a re-reading of state terrorism, arguing that the dictatorship only committed “excesses” and that the figure of 30,000 missing persons maintained by human rights organizations is “an excuse to continue stealing.” This flag of historical negationism is also carried by his running mate and vice-president-elect, Victoria Villarruel, daughter of military officers.

When she went to cast her ballot on Sunday, she was met by protestors, something she did not take well. “It is the first time that the daughter of a Malvinas veteran becomes vice president. I don’t know what bothers them when they have had children of terrorists in government positions. Those who are bothered by the arrival of freedom of expression are the violent ones,” she said.

Milei’s votes came primarily from the middle and lower classes, especially among young people. Fed up with the recurrent economic crises, voters born in democracy embraced the ideas of the ultra candidate and his promise to tear everything down and start anew.

He also managed to capture most of the 6.2 million votes that Patricia Bullrich, Macri’s former minister of security, obtained in the first round. He won 21 of the country’s 24 electoral districts, including Córdoba, Santa Fe and Mendoza, the second-largest providence after Buenos Aires.

Milei will take office on December 10, when Peronist Alberto Fernández’s term ends. On that day the far-right president-elect should have the names of his ministers, especially his pick to lead the Ministry of Economy. On top of skyrocketing inflation, four out of ten Argentines are poor and the Central Bank reserves are in the red.

The need to find immediate solutions will force Milei to negotiate with those whom during the campaign he called “shitty lefties,” “human scum” and “eyesores.” Having only 38 of the 350 deputies in the National Congress, Milei will need the help and votes of Macri’s 94 deputies. The market assumes that there will be a deep adjustment of the economy towards a zero deficit and a devaluation of the currency. The question is how Milei’s government will handle such a task.

However, the political earthquake has already taken place. This Sunday marks the beginning of the decline of Kirchnerism, the current of Peronism that has dominated Argentine politics since 2003. Cristina Kirchner did not participate in the campaign and trusted Massa, a Peronist from the most liberal sectors of the movement, to do the job. Massa already tried to become president in 2015, under the wing of the Frente Renovador party (Total Renewal Front), a dissident Peronist grouping he created to oppose Cristina Kirchner. He came in third, behind Macri and Peronist Daniel Scioli, with 21.3% of the vote.

In 2019, he returned to Kirchnerism and climbed positions to become the candidate of the party that only four years earlier he had betrayed. Defeated at the national level, Peronism will now take refuge in the province of Buenos Aires, the largest, most populous and richest in the country. The governor, Axel Kicillof, won reelection in the general elections of October and will try to rebuild from there. He has four years of work ahead of him.

Related Topics:Argentina Featured Geopolitics International

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Culture

Choco: Revolutionizing The FoodTech Industry With Innovation & Sustainability | EU20

By Clint Bailey

— In the rapidly evolving world of food technology, European startup Choco has emerged as a pioneering force. With its website, Choco.com, this Berlin-based company is transforming the way food industry professionals operate by leveraging innovative digital solutions. By linking restaurants, distributors, suppliers, and producers on a single platform, Choco is streamlining the supply chain process while promoting sustainability.

Let’s explore the journey of Choco.com and its impact on the overall foodtech industry.

Company: Choco Technologies GmbH
Website: www.Choco.com
Head Office: Berlin, Germany
Year Established: 2018
Founders: Choco was co-founded by Daniel Khachab, Julian Hammer, and Rogerio da Silva.
Industry: Choco operates in the foodtech industry, specifically focusing on digitizing the supply chain for the food industry.
Funding: Choco has secured significant funding rounds from investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners & Coatue Management.
Market Presence: Choco has a strong presence in several European cities, including Berlin, Paris, London & Barcelona.
Mission: Choco aims to revolutionize the food industry by leveraging technology to simplify supply chain management, promote sustainability, and reduce food waste.

Simplifying Supply Chain Management

One of the core focuses of Choco is to simplify supply chain management for food businesses. Traditionally, the procurement process in the food industry has been cumbersome and inefficient, with numerous intermediaries and manual processes. Choco’s digital platform replaces the traditional paper-based ordering system, allowing restaurants and suppliers to communicate and collaborate seamlessly.

Choco’s platform enables restaurants to place orders directly with suppliers, eliminating the need for phone calls, faxes, or emails. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors and miscommunications.

By digitizing the ordering process, Choco improves transparency, making it easier for restaurants to compare prices, track deliveries, and manage inventory efficiently.

Streamlining Operations For Suppliers & Producers

Choco’s impact extends beyond restaurants. The platform also provides suppliers and producers with valuable tools to streamline their operations. By digitizing their product catalogs and integrating them into the Choco platform, suppliers can showcase their offerings to a wide network of potential buyers.

Suppliers benefit from increased visibility, enabling them to reach new customers and expand their market presence. Moreover, Choco’s platform helps suppliers manage their inventory, track orders, and plan deliveries effectively. These features enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable food system.

https://youtube.com/@choco233

YouTube Channel

Promoting Sustainability & Reducing Food Waste

Choco recognizes the critical importance of sustainability in the food industry. According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the world’s food production goes to waste each year. By digitizing the supply chain and enabling more efficient ordering and inventory management, Choco actively works to combat this issue.

Choco’s platform facilitates data-driven decision-making for restaurants, suppliers, and producers. By analyzing purchasing patterns & demand, Choco helps businesses optimize their inventory levels, reducing overstocking and minimizing food waste. Additionally, Choco supports local sourcing, enabling businesses to connect with nearby suppliers & promote sustainable, community-based practices.

Expanding Reach & Impact

Since its founding in 2018, Choco has experienced rapid growth and expansion. The startup has successfully secured significant funding rounds, allowing it to scale its operations and establish a strong presence across Europe and other global markets. Today, Choco’s platform is used by thousands of restaurants and suppliers, revolutionizing the way they operate.

Choco’s impact extends beyond operational efficiency or sustainability. By connecting restaurants, suppliers & producers on a single platform, Choco fosters collaboration & encourages the exchange of ideas. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall foodtech ecosystem and creates a supportive community of like-minded aiming to drive positive change within the industry.

Future Of FoodTech

Choco’s rise to prominence in the foodtech industry exemplifies the reach of sustainability, innovation, and community. Through its user-friendly platform, Choco simplifies supply chain management, streamlines operations for restaurants & suppliers, and actively promotes sustainable practices. By harnessing the potential of digital, Choco is disrupting the future of the food industry, making it more efficient and transparent.

As Choco continues to expand its impact and reach, its transformative influence on the foodtech sector is set to inspiring, grow other startups, and established players to embrace technology for a better and more sustainable food system.

We Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Support!

— Compiled by Clint Bailey | Team ‘Voice of EU’
— For More Info. & News Submissions: info@VoiceOfEU.com
— For Anonymous News Submissions: press@VoiceOfEU.com

Culture

The Hat Worn By Napoleon Bonaparte Sold For $2.1 Million At The Auction

A faded felt bicorne hat worn by Napoleon Bonaparte sold for $2.1 million at an auction on of the French emperor’s belongings.

Yes, that’s $2.1 million!!

The signature broad, black hat, one of a handful still in existence that Napoleon wore when he ruled 19th-century France and waged war in Europe, was initially valued at 600,000 to 800,000 euros ($650,000-870,000). It was the centerpiece of Sunday’s auction collected by a French industrialist who died last year.

The Hat Worn By Napoleon Bonaparte Sold For $2.1 Million At The Auction

But the bidding quickly jumped higher and higher until Jean Pierre Osenat, president of the Osenat auction house, designated the winner.

‘’We are at 1.5 million (Euros) for Napoleon’s hat … for this major symbol of the Napoleonic epoch,” he said, as applause rang out in the auction hall. The buyer, whose identity was not released, must pay 28.8% in commissions according to Osenat, bringing the overall cost to 1.9 million euros ($2.1 million).

While other officers customarily wore their bicorne hats with the wings facing front to back, Napoleon wore his with the ends pointing toward his shoulders. The style, known as “en bataille,” or in battle, made it easier for his troops to spot their leader in combat.

The hat on sale was first recovered by Col. Pierre Baillon, a quartermaster under Napoleon, according to the auctioneers. The hat then passed through many hands before industrialist Jean-Louis Noisiez acquired it.

The entrepreneur spent more than a half-century assembling his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, firearms, swords and coins before his death in 2022.

The sale came days before the release of Ridley Scott’s film Napoleon with Joaquin Phoenix, which is rekindling interest in the controversial French ruler.

Culture

The Call for AI Regulation in Creative Industries

THE VOICE OF EU | Widespread concerns have surged among artists and creatives in various domains – country singers, authors, television showrunners, and musicians – voicing apprehension about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their professions.

These worries have prompted an urgent plea to the U.S. government for regulatory action to protect their livelihoods from the encroaching threat posed by AI technology.

The Artists’ Plea

A notable rise in appeals to regulate AI has emerged, drawing attention to the potential risks AI poses to creative industries.

Thousands of letters, including those from renowned personalities like Justine Bateman and Lilla Zuckerman, underscore the peril AI models represent to the traditional structure of entertainment businesses.

The alarm extends to the music industry, expressed by acclaimed songwriter Marc Beeson, highlighting AI’s potential to both enhance and jeopardize an essential facet of American artistry.

The Call for AI Regulation in Creative Industries

Copyright Infringement Concerns

The primary contention arises from the unsanctioned use of copyrighted human works as fodder to train AI systems. The concerns about AI ingesting content from the internet without permission or compensation have sparked significant distress among artists and their representative entities.

While copyright laws explicitly protect works of human authorship, the influx of AI-generated content questions the boundaries of human contribution and authorship in an AI-influenced creative process.

The Fair Use Debate

Leading technology entities like Google, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms argue that their utilization of copyrighted materials in AI training aligns with the “fair use” doctrine—a limited use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes.

They claim that AI training isn’t aimed at reproducing individual works but rather discerning patterns across a vast corpus of content, citing precedents like Google’s legal victories in the digitization of books.

The Conflict and Seeking Resolution

Despite court rulings favoring tech companies in interpreting copyright laws regarding AI, voices like Heidi Bond, a former law professor and author, critique this comparison, emphasizing that AI developers often obtain content through unauthorized means.

Shira Perlmutter, the U.S. Register of Copyrights, acknowledges the Copyright Office’s pivotal role in navigating this complex landscape and determining the legitimacy of the fair use defense in the AI context.

The Road Ahead

The outpouring of concern from creative professionals and industry stakeholders emphasizes the urgency for regulatory frameworks to safeguard creative works while acknowledging the evolving role of AI in content creation.

The Copyright Office’s meticulous review of over 9,700 public comments seeks to strike a balance between innovation and the protection of creative rights in an AI-driven era. As the discussion continues, the convergence of legal precedents and ethical considerations remains a focal point for shaping the future landscape of AI in creative industries.

Thank You For Your Support!

— By Darren Wilson, Team VoiceOfEU.com

— For more information & news submissions: info@VoiceOfEU.com

— Anonymous news submissions: press@VoiceOfEU.com