2024-10-30 22:09:00
Gerard Werthein (68) is a well-known Argentine businessman, who now takes over the position of Argentine chancellor after the dismissal of Diana Mondino. His nomination is promoted directly by President Javier Milei, who in addition to his diplomatic experience counts on his business relationships: until now he has been ambassador to the United States.
Descendants of a Russian Jewish family who emigrated to Argentina in 1904 fleeing persecution, the Wertheins built a prosperous business conglomerate, the Werthein Groupwhich became the owner of Telecom, one of the main telecommunications operators in the country. In addition to his role in the family business, Werthein is passionate about horse riding, a discipline he has practiced professionally for years. His entrepreneurial profile and his connections in the business field have allowed him to develop in strategic positions both in Argentina and abroad: his multimedia will now set foot in the United States, among other activities.
Werthein’s relationship with Milei’s government began to solidify when he accompanied him on a trip to New York after his election victory in 2023 (they traveled on the businessman’s plane), and was present at key meetings, such as with the former president of the United States. Bill Clinton. In April 2024 he was approved by the Senate as Argentine ambassador to the United States, a position in which he remained until October, when he was appointed chancellor.
Werthein arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after having held the position of president Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) between 2009 and 2021 and as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2011. In 2020 he joined the IOC Executive Committee, strengthening his international profile. During his tenure at the COA, Buenos Aires was designated as the host of the Youth Olympic Games in 2018, a notable achievement in his career that placed Argentina on the global sporting map.
Werthein was appointed head of Argentine diplomacy in a context of internal tensions, after Mondino was dismissed for having voted in favor of the uprising of United Nations embargo on Cuba. In his new role, Werthein has the challenge of re-establishing Argentina’s relations with key partners such as the United States, and his first task will be to appoint his successor at the Washington embassy, a crucial decision for the Milei government, in which it will be It is not excluded that some name appears close to former president Mauricio Macri.
by RN
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Diplomatic Expert on Gerard Werthein’s Appointment as Argentine Chancellor
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing the recent appointment of Gerard Werthein as Argentina’s new chancellor. With us is Dr. Laura Escobar, a diplomatic expert and political analyst. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Escobar.
Dr. Escobar: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Gerard Werthein is not just another politician; he comes from a prominent business background. How do you think his business acumen will influence his role as chancellor?
Dr. Escobar: That’s a great question. Werthein’s extensive experience in the private sector, especially as the head of the Werthein Group, provides him with a unique perspective. His understanding of business dynamics can be beneficial for Argentina, especially in fostering trade and investment opportunities abroad. His relationship with global business leaders can potentially enhance Argentina’s diplomatic reach and economic partnerships.
Time.news Editor: His connections certainly seem vast. With his previous role as ambassador to the U.S., how critical do you think this experience will be for his new position?
Dr. Escobar: Extremely critical. His time as ambassador to the U.S. — particularly his connections established during meetings with influential figures like former President Bill Clinton — provides him with invaluable insights into U.S.-Argentina relations. It equips him to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes with an understanding of both the political and business cultures at play.
Time.news Editor: Werthein’s background is quite distinctive, coming from a family that fled persecution. Do you think this personal history might inform his foreign policy approach?
Dr. Escobar: Absolutely. His family’s journey may shape his worldview and diplomatic priorities. People with such backgrounds often carry a deeper understanding of global challenges, including human rights and immigration issues. This could make him more empathetic in negotiations and discussions, especially concerning countries facing similar issues.
Time.news Editor: Interestingly, Werthein is also known for his passion for horse riding and even held a significant position in the Argentine Olympic Committee. How might these interests translate into his work in foreign affairs?
Dr. Escobar: While it might not seem directly relevant at first glance, sports diplomacy can play a crucial role in international relations. His involvement in the Olympic Committee means he understands the power of sports to unite nations. This could facilitate cultural and diplomatic exchanges, providing a softer approach to Argentina’s foreign policy.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating perspective! With President Javier Milei’s administration pushing for significant changes, how do you foresee Werthein’s role in implementing these policies?
Dr. Escobar: Given that he is a close ally of President Milei, Werthein will likely be a key player in executing the administration’s agenda. His business mindset might push for more pragmatic and results-driven foreign policies, aimed at stabilizing Argentina’s economy. The challenge will be balancing aggressive reforms with maintaining established diplomatic relationships.
Time.news Editor: That’s certainly a delicate balance. In your opinion, what challenges could Werthein face in his new role?
Dr. Escobar: One major challenge will be managing public perception and fostering unity in a politically divided environment. Additionally, as he engages with international counterparts, he will need to address the concerns related to Argentina’s economic situation and social issues. There’s also the task of ensuring that his policies do not alienate traditional allies while exploring new partnerships.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a complex landscape awaits him. Lastly, how do you think his appointment will affect Argentina’s relations with other countries, especially in the Americas?
Dr. Escobar: Given Werthein’s extensive network and experience, I believe we could see a more engaged Argentina, especially in North America. His business background may also attract more investment from U.S. businesses into Argentina. However, it will be crucial for him to navigate these relationships carefully to ensure that they are mutually beneficial and do not compromise Argentina’s sovereignty or social equity.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Escobar, for your insights on Gerard Werthein’s appointment. It’s going to be an interesting time for Argentine foreign policy.
Dr. Escobar: Thank you for the invitation. I look forward to observing how this unfolds.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates and analyses on this evolving situation. Good night!