Argentine Opposition Questions BRICS Membership

Federico Pinedo, a key figure in Argentina’s center-right Juntos por el Cambio coalition, suggests avoiding the BRICS group.

He spoke at a symposium in Buenos Aires recently. Close to presidential candidate Patricia Bullrich, Pinedo may be a future foreign minister.

He said Argentina should steer clear of BRICS, emphasizing its political rather than commercial focus.

This group of nations recently invited Argentina to join, starting January 2024. On the same day, Bullrich tweeted that she would not let Argentina join if elected.

Pinedo supports this stance. He highlighted ethical mismatches with some members, like Russia.

Russia’s actions undermine the territorial integrity of its neighbors, he argued. Moreover, he mentioned Argentina’s unsettled issues with Iran, another prospective BRICS member.

These issues include two bombings in the 1990s suspected to be Iran’s doing, leaving over 100 dead.

Lastly, Pinedo warned against joining a powerful group that includes countries like China and Brazil.

He thinks Argentina lacks the military or population strength to counterbalance these nations.

The comments came during a panel on a pending Mercosur-European Union trade deal.

Other panelists included Spanish and EU ambassadors to Argentina and the head of the country’s Italian and European chambers of commerce.

Background

Pinedo’s statement provides insights into the coalition’s foreign policy vision. It suggests a conservative, cautious approach.

His words also reveal a focus on ethical and ideological compatibility. This may mean that if Bullrich wins, Argentina may lean towards alliances with nations sharing similar worldviews.

Yet, there’s a risk in avoiding BRICS. The group holds significant economic and political weight.

They make up 23% of global GDP and 42% of the world’s population. Thus, not joining could mean missing out on key opportunities for growth and influence.