EmpanadaGate: Mirtha Legrand's Show Ignites Inflation Debate

Argentina's Empanada Controversy: Mirtha Legrand Defends Ricardo Darín Amidst Price Debate Buenos Aires, Argentina – A recent episode of Mirtha Legrand's popular talk show sparked a national debate about the rising cost of living in Argentina. Actor Ricardo Darín, a guest on the show, used the price of gourmet empanadas ($48,000 ARS) as an example of inflation, a comment that drew criticism from President Javier Milei. The controversy quickly escalated, with Milei labeling Darín "ignorant and a sleazy operator." However, Mirtha Legrand, the show's longtime host, came to Darín's defense. "Poor Darín, they've made him out to be a fool! What's wrong with that?" Legrand stated, adding that Darín was "the number one" and deserving of applause. In a surprising turn of events, chef Jimena Monteverde prepared various empanadas on the show, including those filled with beef and provolone, and squash and cheese, seemingly to defuse the tension and offer a lighthearted conclusion to the discussion. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding economic issues in Argentina and the power of television to shape public discourse. The show's producers cleverly used the culinary element to shift the focus from the political clash to a more unifying theme.