Presidential Agenda in the 'Red Land'
On Friday, September 4, 2026, President Javier Milei arrived in Puerto Iguazú, located in the province of Misiones (famous for its red soil and the breathtaking Iguazú Falls). The primary objective of the visit was to deliver the closing speech at the 47th Annual Convention of the Argentine Institute of Finance Executives (IAEF), held at the Loi Suites hotel.
Milei was accompanied by his economic inner circle, including Luis Caputo, Federico Sturzenegger, and Pablo Quirno, and was welcomed by the governor of Misiones, Hugo Passalacqua.
🎯 Strategic Vision: Eyeing 2027
Beyond the economic discussions, sources indicate the President used the trip to solidify La Libertad Avanza (LLA)—his libertarian party—as a powerful force for the 2027 elections, holding strategic meetings with local leaders Adrián Núñez and Diego Hartfield.
The 'Tractorazo': A Cry for Help from the Fields
While the official events unfolded, National Route 12 became the stage for a peaceful but powerful mobilization. Local producers, harvesters (known as tareferos), and farmers, backed by organizations such as ATE Misiones, CTA, and the Movimiento Evita, marched with tractors and trucks from Comandante Andresito and San Vicente.
What is Yerba Mate? For foreigners, Yerba Mate is more than a plant; it is a cultural icon of the Southern Cone. It is a caffeine-rich herbal tea consumed from a gourd with a metal straw (bombilla), and Misiones is the heart of its production in Argentina.
The Core of the Conflict
The tension stems from the market deregulation driven by Decree (DNU) 70/2023. This law stripped the National Yerba Mate Institute (INYM) of its power to set reference prices, leaving farmers at the mercy of supply and demand.
Government Responses & Hope
The National Government's stance remains firm. Minister of Deregulation Federico Sturzenegger reportedly rejected the idea of returning to minimum price controls. He suggests that the path to prosperity lies in opening international markets and boosting exports.
🌿 Provincial Action
In a hopeful move to protect small farmers, Governor Hugo Passalacqua is pushing a "Yerba Mate Emergency" bill through the provincial legislature. This would establish a minimum support price specifically for farms smaller than 50 hectares.
Main Demands from the Sector:
- ✅ Restore powers to the INYM.
- ✅ Establish mandatory minimum prices.
- ✅ Implement traceability systems.
- ✅ Access to real credit lines for farmers.
- ✅ Open a formal dialogue table with the state.
Source: Infobae