CAVALLO: We’ll see the reactivation of the Argentine economy in less than six months. [By that point] it will become clear that three years of recession are at an end, and we’ll begin a period of sustained growth. The economy in the second half [of 2001] will grow by at least 5 percent over 2000’s second semester.

Perhaps they didn’t understand because they are confused and think we have a dollarized economy. We have used the dollar to back up our currency, which is convertible. But [in] the future, that convertibility should also include the euro [to] give our economy and monetary system more flexibility and stability.

I have been summoned by Judge [Jorge] Urso and by many other judges and have testified both as a witness and as a defendant… I have been acquitted on all counts or the charges against me have been dismissed.

That’s not for me to say. I belong to a government of national unity headed by [President Fernando] de la Rua, and my entry into the government has expanded [its] base of support. Since I joined the cabinet, we’ve obtained Congress’s approval of important measures, such as the law of competitiveness, that have transformed the de la Rua administration into the most powerful government since the restoration of democracy in 1983. This has been achieved not only through economic skills but also through political skills.

The skills of a president and his ministers can only be measured in relation to the circumstances and problems they must resolve. I believe that President de la Rua and those of us who make up his government have demonstrated an ability to put together a government that is suitable to the circumstances of Argentina.

Though I failed to win either election, I did put together a political structure and acquire a parliamentary delegation that are allowing me to serve the Argentine people as Economy minister. Perhaps the majority of Argentine politicians–and above all, those who have been successful–are better electoral strategists than I am. But I want to be one of the political leaders who is ready to govern.

Yes, I admire [Winston] Churchill a great deal because he was a man of courage and determination and knew how to lead his country in difficult moments and raise the morale and spirits of his people and take brave decisions.

I want to serve my country and my people, and at this moment I have an enormous responsibility… My concern isn’t my political career, it is the well-being of the Argentine people.