The clash between sectors of libertarianism and one of the heavyweights of the Argentine industry escalated this week on the networks. Daniel “Gordo Dan” Parisini, influencer linked to the libertarian universe and follower of President Javier Milei, unleashed a flood of criticism against Javier Madanes Quintanilla, owner of FATE and Aluarafter the announcement of the closure of the historic tire factory in San Fernando and the dismissal of 920 employees.
In a tweet that circulated intensely among followers of the ruling party, Dan accused Madanes of being a “lover of the Kirchnerist governments,” pointing out that during the administrations of Néstor and Cristina Kirchner the businessman would have multiplied his assets thanks to subsidies and soft loans for the expansion of his businesses. The criticism was accompanied by complaints about the prices of tires under his management and an alleged defense of protectionism that, in an ironic tone, Dan contrasts with his current business decision regarding the opening of imports.
The response from the Casa Rosada was immediate: officials and accounts related to the ruling party, including President Javier Milei himself, joined the media offensive against Madanes. From the presidential environment, the “timing” of the closure of FATE, announced just before the discussion of the labor reform in the Chamber of Deputies, was questioned and was linked to alleged maneuvers to put political pressure on the Government.
For the Government, the announcement was not a simple business event but a political event. Mandatory conciliation was issued between the company and the unions to momentarily stop the effects of the decision, while possible measures against the closure were evaluated.
Madanes, 73 years old, is a well-known figure in the Argentine industrial field. Owner of emblematic companies such as FATEwith more than 80 years of history, and Aluarthe country’s main aluminum producer, its decision to cease operations in San Fernando hit not only workers but also suppliers and resellers of the brand throughout the country.
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