النص (en)

This is the most iconic bookstore in Buenos Aires. Once a theater and a cinema, it is now a symbol of this city's literary culture. But now the way books are sold here could soon change. For decades Argentina's government has protected the price of books from the full force of the market. The price of a book was the same whether you bought it online, on a neighborhood bookstore or in a major retail chain. But now the government of Javier Millet wants to change that and repeal a law arguing that competition should determine book prices. The government is seeking to repeal Argentina's fixed book price law, which has been in place since 2001. Under the current law, the publisher sets the price of a new book as part of an agreement. What the government is proposing now is for each retailer to set its own price. People like Liliana Martinez are concerned. It means that bigger chains will benefit because they can get big discounts while the others can't. This will mean that big chains will have better prices. Even smaller editorial houses would be affected. Since taking office Far Right President Javier Milley has implemented a sweeping agenda to deregulate Argentina economy eliminating controls across multiple sectors Now books are next Buenos Aires is often described as a city that has the highest density of bookstores in the world, but critics warn that repealing that law could threaten that identity, leaving independent bookstores unable to compete on price and forcing some out of business. Countries like France, Germany and Spain have long had fixed-price systems to protect small bookstores and encourage a diverse publishing market. Sebastian Vera opened this bookstore nine years ago. He says they're getting ready for what the change will bring, like creating reading clubs and personalized services. I think what they're doing is opening the way for Amazon and other companies. that are outside our industry, big retailers. And that won't reduce prices. What they'll do is eliminate the competition, and then they set the prices they want. Mile's Argentina is opening its economy to the forces of the market. Supporters say it will benefit consumers. Critics warn the impact will reshape the country's cultural life. Teresa Bo, Al Jazeera, Buenos Aires. Thank you.