"Dumpling Prices Are High, Many People Are Struggling"
Argentina's National Actor Criticizes Soaring Prices
Minister of Economy: "The Price He Mentioned Is from Top Restaurants"
Criticizes, "It's Like Quoting the Price of a Car by Referring to a Porsche"
President Milei Also Mocks by Posting a 'Gold Dumpling' Photo
"Twelve dumplings cost 48,000 pesos (about 57,000 won). Because of the high cost of living, many people are really struggling."
Ricardo Darin (57), widely regarded as Argentina's national actor, made this remark on a television program, sparking the so-called "Empanada (Argentinian-style dumpling) controversy." The debate has since escalated, drawing in not only the president but also the minister of economy.
The controversy erupted on May 24 during a popular TV program in Argentina. Appearing on the show, Darin responded sarcastically to the host's question about the current situation in Argentina, saying, "It's great. Fantastic." He also criticized the current administration's economic policies, remarking, "'Dollars under the bed'?I don't know who that's for or what it even means."
The term "dollars under the bed" refers to a measure by the Javier Milei administration to stimulate consumption by granting amnesty for undeclared cash assets. This policy has sparked controversy, as critics argue it effectively offers a pardon to tax evaders.
Darin emphasized twice that "twelve dumplings cost 48,000 pesos," adding, "Many people are having a very hard time because of the current economic situation." In doing so, he indirectly highlighted how Argentinians continue to suffer from high prices and low purchasing power.
After Darin's dumpling remark, supporters of President Milei began criticizing him, claiming that the price he cited was excessively high, which fueled the controversy.
The debate intensified when Minister of Economy Luis Caputo also criticized Darin's statement. Caputo argued, "The price Darin mentioned is what you'd pay at Argentina's top restaurants. It's like asking about the price of a car and saying a Porsche costs $200,000 (270 million won)." He added, "Most people enjoy delicious dumplings for 16,000 pesos (19,000 won)," and went so far as to call Darin a "fool," resorting to outright mockery. President Milei joined in by posting an AI-generated image of a gold-shaped dumpling on his social media, labeling it "Darin's dumpling" as a form of ridicule.
In response, Darin stressed, "Minister Caputo's disparaging remarks are inappropriate for a high-ranking official in a democratic country," and reiterated, "My point was simply that prices are currently too high."
Local media reported that the price Darin mentioned reflects those at famous restaurants in Argentina, while the average price at regular restaurants is about 50% lower. However, local outlet Eldiarioar compared the prices of similar goods in Argentina and Chile, noting that "Big Mac hamburgers are 40% more expensive in Argentina, paracetamol is 157% higher, Budweiser beer is 87% more expensive, and a Corolla car costs 22% more in Argentina, yet the minimum wage in Argentina is 45% lower."
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