Ever since Néstor Kirchner, Argentina’s populist president, assumed office in May 2003 he has maintained an uncomfortable relationship with Roberto Lavagna, his economy minister.

In fact, a personal friend of Mr Lavagna says the problems started even before Mr Kirchner got to power. “On a two-day trip the two took to Brazil early in 2003 Kirchner hardly spoke to him,” he says. “Lavagna could not believe it.”