Tuesday Apr 4, 2024 - Argentina - Protesting bus drivers attack, Soy dollar launch, MotoGP rider Alex Marquez not concerned

These are the trending news headlines in Argentina on Tuesday April 4, 2023

In Argentina, a top law enforcement official of Buenos Aires province was attacked by protesting bus drivers on Monday. The protesters were demanding a crackdown on crime after a fellow bus driver was slain during a holdup in the city earlier that day. As TV cameras followed him, the official, Sergio Berni, approached the protesters, who began attacking him with punches, kicks and rocks. Berni suffered skull and cheekbone fractures and had to be removed from the scene by police officers. Despite his injuries, Berni vowed to track down the perpetrators in the slaying of the bus driver.

Argentina is set to launch a "soy dollar" preferential exchange rate for farm exports on Monday, aimed at boosting the agricultural sector and replenishing foreign reserves in the central bank. President Alberto Fernandez hopes the plan will generate some $15 billion between the second and third quarters of 2023. The new exchange rate will be an incentive for soybean exports and will be maintained for the next 90 days to stimulate foreign trade in regional economies. The move comes after the agricultural sector lost around $20 billion last year due to a drought that hit crops of soybeans, corn and wheat, slowing the economy amid galloping inflation. Argentina is the world's top exporter of soy oil and meal and the third-largest exporter of corn.

MotoGP rider Alex Marquez says he's not concerned with what people think about him as a rider, following his podium finish at the Argentina Grand Prix. The Gresini Ducati rider qualified on pole for the first time in his MotoGP career and went on to secure his first MotoGP rostrum since the 2020 Aragon GP. Marquez, who had a difficult two years with LCR Honda in 2021 and 2022, said he chose Ducati and the Gresini team because he wanted to be with the best bike and a proper team. While he admits his results have exceeded his expectations, he says he still needs to work on riding in the best way for the Ducati.

For more trending news headlines in Argentina, simply search ‘Auscast Argentina News Headlines’ in your favourite podcast app.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.