Milei seeks to expel foreigners over Argentina 'hate'

Argentine President Javier Milei demanded Thursday that foreigners who express “hate” toward Argentina be barred or expelled under a presidential decree that still requires parliamentary approval.

The decree would bar or expel foreigners deemed to have “spread or incited hate messages” against Argentina or its people. Milei said the measure responded to “recent displays of hostility against the Argentine republic and Argentines.”

The decree says it does not affect constitutionally protected rights to express political, academic or ideological disagreements.

On Sunday, Milei criticised Brazil, Mexico and the US Democratic Party over what he called an “anti-Argentine campaign,” apparently referring to widespread criticism of Argentina’s national football team after its World Cup final defeat.

FIFA is investigating the behaviour of several Argentina players in the loss to Spain, including alleged assault and unsporting behaviour. FIFA will also investigate an incident after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England in which players held up a banner reading: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Falklands are Argentine.”