NEW YORK — A recent visit to Argentina brought home the fact that, just four months after her inauguration, President Cristina Kirchner's government is unraveling.

The resignation of Martin Lousteau as minister of economy — probably due to a mismanaged dispute with farmers over new export tariffs and a policy disagreement with former President Nestor Kirchner — is serious cause for concern. Either the government changes its policy, particularly with regard to the agricultural sector, or it will confront new and more serious crises.

Corruption, although far from unknown in the country, is now rampant. Political pressure on the mass media has rendered them ineffective as a voice of opposition. Inefficiency is widespread.