Argentine President Javier Milei is set to visit Rosario this Friday, August 21, 2026, to participate in the central ceremony for the 142nd anniversary of the Rosario Stock Exchange (BCR). The day combines a productive agenda with strong social protest against his administration.
The president's arrival is scheduled for approximately 7:00 PM at Rosario International Airport. From there, he will travel by helicopter to the Naval Prefecture heliport, then by road to the Stock Exchange headquarters at Córdoba and Corrientes. Before the event, he will hold a protocol greeting with the entity's authorities, Santa Fe Governor Maximiliano Pullaro, and Mayor Pablo Javkin.
Productive and Railway Agenda
The agenda highlights the development of road and port infrastructure, as well as the future of the Belgrano Cargas railway—a strategic route for transporting produce from Argentina's northwest and northeast regions to the Gran Rosario terminals. A consortium of agro-export companies linked to the Stock Exchange has expressed interest in bidding for the concession of these lines.
The president of the BCR, Pablo Bortolato, confirmed that the entity continues to demand the elimination of export duties (retenciones), although he acknowledged that “the conditions are not currently in place” for an immediate reduction. Milei, for his part, has not announced any official measures.
Protest at Plaza Sarmiento
A broad coalition of social, union, and student organizations has called for a demonstration to repudiate the visit. The gathering begins at 5:00 PM at Plaza Sarmiento (Corrientes and San Luis) and will march toward the Stock Exchange. During the protest, Milei will be declared “persona non grata” in Rosario once again.
Participants include transport unions under CATT Rosario (Siconara, Moyano's Truckers, SOMU, aeronautical and railway workers), as well as CCC, UTEP, ATE, Oilseed Workers, and student sectors. The local CGT, through its Secretary General Miguel Vivas, expressed support and left its members free to join.
President Between Criticism and Defense
In the run-up to the visit, Milei attacked journalists who questioned his Thursday speech at the Council of the Americas. On his X account, he wrote: “It flatters me to see how much it bothered them to show how they lie and how hard data upsets them”, and closed with a “CIAO!”.
He also shared a message from economist Martín Vauthier highlighting that the current growth cycle has reached 27 consecutive months as of June, the longest in 15 years. This afternoon, his speech in Rosario will focus on production, exports, and regional logistics.
Economist Carlos Melconian countered the idea that “the movie is the best in history,” stating that “there is no movie”: “The picture is divided: the financial side is protected by Vaca Muerta, and the real economy is doing poorly.”
Sources: Rosario3 · Clarín · El Litoral