On January 30, 2007, the head of Argentina's Consumer Price Index (CPI) was removed from her position for refusing to alter the calculation methodology, which strayed significantly from the established practices. Almost nineteen years later, on January 30, 2026, INDEC announced that it would not enforce the new methodology that had been touted throughout 2026. This pattern suggests a troubling trend for public statistics in Argentina during this month specifically.

The backlash against INDEC in 2007 followed by nearly a decade of what was termed an 'statistical blackout,' where not only the CPI but many public statistics faced severe manipulation, casts a long shadow over the current decision. The concerns raised by this recent announcement reflect expectations for transparency and reliability in public statistics that have been sorely tested in the past.

This recent decision not to adopt the new CPI methodology raises significant doubts about the future credibility of this key economic indicator. Echoing a sentiment about the integrity of both public officials and data, it emphasizes that just as the integrity of public figures must meet public expectations, so too must the statistical data presented to the populace remain beyond reproach to ensure public trust.