Dozens of protesters converged on Peter Thiel’s mansion in Buenos Aires this week, following a congressional session that raised questions about the billionaire’s presence in Argentina. Protesters, wearing white masks, held signs such as “Peter Thief” and “No to the Peter Thiel law” outside the $12m (£8.9m) residence, which Thiel purchased in April when he moved his family to the country.
Last week, Argentina’s chamber of deputies held a six-hour debate on a set of regulatory changes proposed by Javier Milei’s government. Thiel, Milei, and an official linked to Argentina’s intelligence services were invited to answer questions, but none attended the meeting, according to Juan Marino, a member of the chamber of deputies and leader of the Piquetero party.
Marino described the proposed laws as a “technofascist legislative package” intended to entrench the power of US tech billionaires in Argentina. One of the laws, the “super RIGI,” would establish an investment regime offering foreign companies minimal tax rates and a 30-year guarantee against regulatory changes, specifically targeting AI datacentres. Another proposed law, which failed, aimed to remove most restrictions on foreigners buying land in Argentina. A final decree would require some civilian government departments to share personal data on Argentinian citizens with state intelligence services.
While there is no evidence Thiel has publicly advocated for these laws, Marino and others have noted the timing of their introduction. Thiel held closed-door meetings with President Milei and key presidential advisers in the months following his move to Buenos Aires.