Apocalypse prep or pure pragmatism: what is behind Peter Thiel’s move to Argentina?
Relocation coincides with proposed laws that opponents say would entrench power of US tech billionaires in country Dozens of protesters converged on Peter Thiel’s mansion in Buenos Aires this week after a congressional session raised questions about the billionaire’s presence in the country. In white masks, they held signs saying “Peter Thief” and “No to the Peter Thiel law” in front of the…
Recent developments in Argentina suggest that tech billionaire Peter Thiel may have a more pragmatic reason for moving to the country, beyond his famous "apocalypse prep" theory. Protesters have gathered outside his $12 million mansion in Buenos Aires, expressing their disapproval of his presence in the country. Critics argue that Thiel's move coincides with proposed laws that opponents claim would enable US tech billionaires to dominate the nation.
These laws include a "super RIGI" that offers foreign companies a low tax rate and a regulatory guarantee, and another would eliminate most restrictions on foreign land purchases. Thiel has not publicly endorsed these laws, but he has reportedly held closed-door meetings with Argentine President Javier Milei and his advisers, raising concerns about his influence.
The land law could potentially pave the way for Thiel's favored "startup cities" – semi-autonomous zones where libertarians could operate outside state control. This move to Argentina has also drawn attention to Palantir, the company co-founded by Thiel, which has been accused of having undisclosed contracts with the Argentinian state.
Some argue that Argentina is serving as a testing ground for Thiel's techno-libertarian ideals, as the country's new president continues to push for controversial reforms.
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