25/06/2026 09:32 - Politica
On June 24, 2026, the first ordinary session of the year in the Buenos Aires Province Senate concluded in a scenario of confrontations that exposed the deep divisions within the provincial ruling party. After six months without legislative activity, the chamber became a stage for harsh cross-accusations between sectors that had until now coexisted under the same coalition.
Buenos Aires Province is Argentina's largest and most populous province, home to over 17 million people. The Buenos Aires Senate is distinct from the National Senate and legislates exclusively on provincial matters. Peronism is Argentina's dominant political movement, founded by Juan Perón in the 1940s. Currently, it faces an internal divide between Kirchnerism (followers of former Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner) and Axelismo (supporters of current Governor Axel Kicillof).
Sergio Berni, senator and former Security Minister of Argentina (2013-2015, 2019-2021), directly questioned Verónica Magario, the Vice-Governor who presides over the Senate. Berni criticized the absence of legislative activity and what he called "disorder" in the chamber's functioning.
In his intervention, Berni questioned:
Berni proposed returning to the Executive Branch the budget corresponding to the months without legislative activity and that the Ministry of Health intervene directly in the emergencies raised.
Mario Ishii, senator and former mayor of José C. Paz (a district in Greater Buenos Aires with significant social needs), denounced that his two emergency projects on food and health crises were not included for immediate treatment.
"The governor did not want it treated on the floor," Ishii accused directly, stating that sending the files to committee seeks to delay issues that "cannot wait."
Ishii showed photographs of the Buenos Aires conurbano to illustrate the social situation and launched direct criticism at provincial management: "I invited the governor to walk the Conurbano to see the overflowing hospitals and lack of supplies. He has not done so."
Tensions escalated when Magario cut Ishii's microphone after the regulatory five minutes expired. Berni reacted immediately: "I don't think it's correct to cut the microphone, we're not in a hurry, we haven't been functioning for six months."
The floor leader asked that Ishii be allowed to continue, but received no majority support. "We come beaten, still, it's a day to celebrate," Berni said ironically, alluding to the reopening of the press box that had been closed the previous year.
Berni also questioned that Peronism had not issued a strong rejection on the anniversary of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's conviction, which had occurred one year prior.
| Actor | Role | Political Faction | Main Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergio Berni | Senator, Floor Leader | Kirchnerism | 6-month paralysis, institutional disorder |
| Mario Ishii | Senator, former Mayor | Kirchnerism | Blocked projects, social crisis in conurbano |
| Verónica Magario | Vice-Governor, Senate President | Axelismo | Presided over the session, managed proceedings |
| Axel Kicillof | Provincial Governor | Axelismo | Accused of lack of response to social emergencies |
Kirchnerism: A center-left political movement within Peronism led by Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007) and later Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015, 2019-2023). It advocates for strong state intervention, social welfare programs, and human rights policies. Cristina Kirchner was convicted in December 2025 for corruption-related offenses.
Axelismo: The political faction supporting Governor Axel Kicillof, who served as National Minister of Economy (2013-2015) under Cristina Kirchner. Since becoming Governor in 2019, Kicillof has developed his own political identity, sometimes creating tensions with the traditional Kirchnerist base.
Fuerza Patria: The legislative bloc that unites Peronism in Buenos Aires Province, currently experiencing internal fractures between these two factions.
Sources: Letra P, La Política Online
Alfredo S. Quiroga
