CFK asks for 'serious' environmental discussion amidst mining protests

As protests against mining activities in the northwestern provinces of the country multiply nationally, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner assured that the pollution and environment discussion must be approached “while avoiding a dogmatic, close-minded position.” 

The President made these statements while heading a ceremony in the Government House in which she announced a series of public works for Ensenada, in the Buenos Aires province, and the El Dorado department, in Misiones province.

“We must have a responsible, serious discussion in this country. We must demand high environmental standards, but we must do so responsibly without falling into dogmatic, close-minded positions that refuse to accept any other opinion,” she said before beginning her speech. 

“He must have a serious debate in Argentina. The environment is where we live. It’s our home. When it comes to it, I like to listen to every position,” she insisted.

Her statements come after a series of environmental protests close to several mining outposts in the country, such as the one that took place on Wednesday in the Catamarca town of Belén.