Buenos Aires, Argentina – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, billionaire Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and one of the most influential figures in the global technology sector, has reportedly made the final decision to relocate his family to the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires.
This move is part of Thiel’s “Plan B” strategy, driven by existential fears of global catastrophes, as well as his disapproval of US tax policies.
Economic pressures and existential fears
According to The New York Times, the final straw for Thiel was California’s proposed wealth tax, which could have resulted in an astronomical tax bill.
Although his company, Thiel Capital, has relocated to Miami, Thiel has decided to sever all ties with the current American model. He is now heading to South America, which he sees as a haven from political instability.
Thiel’s concerns aren’t limited to the financial sphere; they extend to “catastrophic fears.” The billionaire worries about the potential for nuclear conflict in the Northern Hemisphere or an uncontrolled collapse of artificial intelligence systems.
In this context, South America seems to him an ideal place to remain far from global conflict lines.
An alliance with “Millie” and a passion for nationalities
In Argentina, Till found an “ideological ally” in President Javier Mele; both share a radically liberal vision that rejects regulation and calls for a smaller government. Reports indicate that consultations are underway regarding granting Till Argentine citizenship through an expedited process.
This approach is nothing new for Thiel, who has long been dubbed by his critics as a “nationality collector.” After acquiring New Zealand citizenship in 2011 through special exceptions and considering a Maltese passport, his settling into his luxurious Buenos Aires mansion and acquiring land in Uruguay appear to be the latest steps in his efforts to “protect” himself from the vicissitudes of the world. Thiel is not alone in this pessimistic outlook. His friend, businessman Martin Warsawski, has asserted that having a “Plan B for civilization” has become essential for the tech-rich, suggesting that Buenos Aires could be their destination in the event of major international conflicts.
