Employees at the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec) in Argentina, represented by the Association of State Workers (ATE), have released a strong statement accusing the government of 'intervening' in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This allegation coincides with the recent announcement of a 2.9% inflation rate for January. The workers have called for the transparency of the new CPI methodology that is supposed to be based on the National Survey of Household Expenditures (ENGHo) from 2017-2018.

The timing of the statement is critical, arriving just after the official inflation figures were released. The ATE emphasized the necessity of maintaining the independence of Indec from political influence, expressing concerns that governmental actions could compromise the credibility of economic data. This issue of political influence over statistical agencies is not new, but the specifics regarding the CPI's methodology updates amplify worries in the current economic climate of Argentina.

The insistence on publishing a new methodology reveals underlying tensions between state agencies and political authorities, especially in a country grappling with persistent inflation and economic instability. The resignation of Marco Lavagna has further fueled these concerns, as stakeholders fear that subsequent leadership may not prioritize or protect the autonomy of statistical operations. The ATE advocates for accountability and clarity as vital for restoring trust in economic metrics that greatly impact policy and public perception.