Apocalypse prep or pure pragmatism: what is behind Peter Thiel’s move to Argentina?
Relocation coincides with proposed laws that opponents say would entrench power of US tech billionaires in country
TL;DR
- Protesters demonstrated at Peter Thiel's mansion in Buenos Aires, questioning his presence and influence.
- Dozens protested with signs like "Peter Thief" and "No to the Peter Thiel law."
- Thiel's move to Argentina has been linked by some to a desire for a safe haven in case of global conflict.
- Argentina's chamber of deputies debated regulatory changes proposed by Javier Milei's government shortly after Thiel moved.
- Critics, like Juan Marino, describe the proposed laws as a 'technofascist legislative package' favoring US tech billionaires.
- One proposed law, the 'super RIGI', offers foreign companies minimal taxes and long-term guarantees against regulatory changes.
- Another failed law aimed to reduce restrictions on foreigners buying land in Argentina.
- A decree would require civilian government departments to share personal data with state intelligence services.
- Thiel has held closed-door meetings with Milei and presidential advisers, unusual for a foreign investor.
- Critics see Thiel's influence in the data decree, potentially relating to his co-founded company Palantir, and in land laws that could enable 'startup cities'.
- Cecilia Nicolini suggested US tech billionaires are using Argentina as a 'laboratory' with a sympathetic president.
- Milei has advocated for 'non-human corporations' operated by AI, paralleling visions from figures like OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman.