Energy: The Province once again absorbs the impact of the removal of subsidies
We have made this decision because of the impact that this increase would mean for businesses that cannot sustain themselves due to the decrease in sales, increase in rents,” he stated in journalistic statements, and clarified that: “today for families, the priority is health, food and the education of their children.”
The Governor assured that La Rioja is the only province that took a measure of this magnitude to protect its citizens from the economic impact that the increase in energy rates would imply. “I hope that the people of La Rioja value this political decision that guarantees accessibility to an essential service such as energy.”
The national government ordered an increase in electricity and gas rates that will impact users throughout the country, based on an increase in wholesale prices and a reduction in the percentage of the subsidy that each group of users receives. The removal of subsidies from electricity and gas rates that began in June and will extend until November 30, until the new targeted subsidy scheme is implemented.
He said that the province does not have the necessary national funds and that, currently, budget forecasts are being made at the municipal and provincial levels. “What we are doing is budget forecasting, both the municipality and the province, trying to help all departments, including the capital, which was neglected for a long time. We try to distribute in the most interactive way possible the resources that the province has, which are very scarce for this type of work,” explained the governor.
Works on hold
Regarding public works, the governor expressed his hope that the Nation will consider La Rioja in its investment plans. “We are going to see if the Nation keeps our province in mind and if the national legislators who represent La Libertad Avanza can manage to ensure that the resources arrive for the works that they themselves have stopped,” he mentioned.
Quintela also reported on the agreement that was ready to be signed, but that it was “mysteriously postponed,” in his words. “We were about to sign the agreement on Monday and they called us to tell us that the signing had been postponed. I hope it can be activated at some point, since the road works and other projects are very advanced,” he explained.
“Nothing for the community”
Governor Ricardo Quintela strongly questioned the approval of the Bases Law in the Upper House. He considered that in the project “there is nothing for the community” and that the result was achieved because “strange political elements came to work.” “Some call it La Banelco, remembering when Chacho Álvarez resigned, since there were acts of corruption,” he launched.
In that sense, he criticized the appointment of Neuquén Senator Lucila Crexell as Argentine ambassador to UNESCO.
“Another of those who was going to vote against the number of secretaries is expanded and two directors are given. Another who was doubtful was given the presidency of Yacyretá, and so on,” Quintela pointed out. And he added: “I don’t know if the crime is involved, but it would have to be found out so that justice can act.” Quintela had alluded to “Banelco” to refer to what broke out in August 2000, and which led to the resignation of Vice President Carlos “Chacho” Álvarez, the discredit of the Upper House and the beginning of turbulence in the traumatic government of The alliance.
The “Banelco Law” was a labor reform law approved in Argentina in April 2000, during the presidency of Fernando de la Rúa. The law received this name due to accusations of corruption that were made about the De la Rúa government, who had paid bribes to senators to vote in favor of the law.
