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Santa Cruz Government and Mayors Advance Towards Historic Fiscal Pact

11/07/2026 03:40 - Politica

A Step Towards Unity: Dialogue for the Pension System

On July 10, 2026, in the Salón Gregores of the Casa de Gobierno in Santa Cruz—a vast province in Argentine Patagonia—the provincial government and local mayors demonstrated political maturity by sitting down to discuss the future of the pension system. The meeting, led by Ministers Ezequiel Verbes (Economy, Finance, and Infrastructure) and Belén Elmiger (Government), aimed to bring reassurance and clarity following the recent ruling by the Superior Court of Justice (TSJ).

Understanding the Provincial Pension System

In Argentina, some provinces, like Santa Cruz, have their own pension systems known as Caja de Previsión Social, rather than relying exclusively on the national system (ANSES). Article 22 of the Provincial Pension Law establishes guidelines for the contributions that municipalities must make to sustain this fund. The TSJ's ruling, issued on July 7, 2026, favored the provincial government and revoked a precautionary measure that had prevented the collection of certain contributions, prompting the need for this dialogue to apply the law without harming local communes.

Words from Minister Verbes

The Minister of Economy highlighted the working atmosphere and emphasized that dialogue is the priority to reach sustainable agreements. His message was strong and reassuring for the workers:

«This issue has absolutely nothing to do with the salaries that people collect in their bank accounts. It is important to bring peace of mind and set aside interpretations that only generate uncertainty».

Verbes emphasized the need to manage responsibly, seeking a balance between the needs of each locality and the obligation to sustain a pension system that belongs to all the citizens of Santa Cruz.

The Fiscal Pact Proposal

The mayor of Puerto San Julián, Daniel Gardonio, supported the dialogue promoted by the Province and proposed moving towards a fiscal pact. His vision aims for a shared commitment with clear rules for the future:

  • New workers: Commit to paying 100% of the pension contributions for each new employee joining the municipal administration.
  • Accumulated debts: Address them gradually and carefully, acknowledging that for many municipalities it is unfeasible to pay them under current conditions.

«Ordering is necessary, but it must happen step by step, supporting everyone», Gardonio stated, projecting a horizon of predictability and order.

Meeting Participants

The meeting had a wide representation of the Santa Cruz territory, demonstrating federalism in action:

Mayors present:
  • Juan Manuel Borquez (Puerto Santa Cruz)
  • Juan Martínez (Puerto Deseado)
  • Pablo Carrizo (Caleta Olivia)
  • Daniel Gardonio (Puerto San Julián)
  • Analía Farías (Comandante Luis Piedra Buena)
  • Matías Treppo (Perito Moreno)
  • Pablo Anabalón (Pico Truncado)
  • Carina Bossio (Gobernador Gregores) - via Zoom
Development Commissioners (Leaders of small rural communities):
  • Nayla Fernández (Tres Lagos)
  • Ana María Urricelqui (Jaramillo and Fitz Roy)
  • Tomás Cabral (Koluel Kayke)
  • Gabriel Galarza (Cañadón Seco)

Sources consulted: Santa Cruz News Portal and Tiempo Sur.

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Alfredo S. Quiroga