Defying Milei: Argentine Province Prints Its Own Money to Survive

The Argentine province of La Rioja has introduced its own currency, the “chacho,” to combat economic hardships resulting from President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. Governor Ricardo Quintela implemented this quasi-currency to stimulate the local economy after federal funding cuts led to provincial default. The chacho, distributed to government employees as bonus payments, is accepted by local businesses at a 1:1 ratio with the peso. While the move has provided some economic relief, it also highlights the financial struggles of provinces under Milei’s strict fiscal policies and raises questions about the sustainability of such local currency initiatives.