Controversies around the Grinspun Plan (1983-1985): economic policy debates in El Periodista de Buenos Aires

Abstract

The historical study of magazines and periodicals has gained momentum over the last decade, particularly in the analysis of economic and economic policy dimensions, which have generally received less attention compared to cultural or strictly political aspects. This work aims to address the publication El Periodista de Buenos Aires (1984-1989), hereinafter referred to as EP, a weekly magazine born in the midst of the return of Argentine democracy in 1983, which lacks studies on its economic content. The publication, closely affiliated with the democratic left of that time, initiated significant debates regarding the economic policy of the 1980s. Thus, this study examines their political and economic trajectories, background, topics of interest, and main debates, utilizing recently developed methodologies. The findings indicate that, despite maintaining a certain distance from the government, EP analysts expressed support for Minister Bernardo Grinspun's Plan. Additionally, it was observed that, while taking firm stances on contentious economic issues such as income deterioration or capital flight, they radicalized their positions as the national macroeconomy deteriorated.