IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva to meet Javier Milei in Argentina

International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva is due to visit Argentina on Monday to meet President Javier Milei, as the IMF reviews progress under its current programme with the country.

An IMF source said Georgieva also plans to meet Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Central Bank director Santiago Bausili and experts from business and academia.

IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said the visit was “an opportune time” to take stock of progress made under the current programme with Argentine authorities.

Argentina, described in the item as the IMF's main debtor, concluded a $20 billion four-year extended fund facility agreement with the lender in 2025. In May, the IMF approved a $1 billion tranche under the deal.

The visit comes during a mixed period for Milei's economy. Inflation has been on a downward trend for three months but remains at 33.5 percent year-on-year. Growth is reported at 0.2 percent year-on-year, below the IMF's 3.5 percent forecast for 2026, while mortgage defaults have tripled over the past year to 12.8 percent, the highest level in 20 years.

Georgieva is also planning to visit Vaca Muerta, a major oil and gas production site about 1,200 kilometres from Buenos Aires. Some left-wing political parties are planning protests on Monday against her visit. After Argentina, Georgieva is expected to visit Uruguay to meet President Yamandu Orsi.