The governors from across the country will take center stage in the political arena this week when they meet on Tuesday to elect the next director of the Federal Investment Council (CFI), a tug-of-war full of nuances between the provincial leaders of Peronists and Juntos por el Cambio (JxC), whose outcome is still open. In the previous days, theThe underground movements between the leaders of the various teams intensified with the aim of reaching the conclave with the numbers closed.
Founded in 1959, the CFI is a public-private organization that celebrated its 65th anniversary last Friday, August 30. Currently, 22 provinces coexist within it, with the exception of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and San Luis, whose return is on the way. Its objective is to work jointly with the different administrations on research, training, financing and infrastructure projects, prioritising a federal perspective.
Ignacio Lamothe aspires to be reelected to the CFI
Today its owner is the Peronist Ignacio Lamothewho took office in 2020, following the death of Jose Ciacera. Close to Eduardo “Wado” De Pedro, Lamothe trained alongside the renowned Justicialist operator Juan Carlos “Chueco” Mazzon and held various public offices in his career. He came to command the building located at San Martín 871 after an agreement with the provinces during the government of Alberto Fernandez. Since then, he has tried to carry out a process of modernization and a well-oiled dialogue with leaders of all stripes.
In fact, days ago, the leader scored an important medal when he presented the Federal Logistics Strategy, an ambitious program that includes more than 1,100 works throughout Argentina, including airports, roads, railways and border crossings, among other items. This launch took place in a double session in which governors from various areas spoke: Axel Kicillof, Rogelio Frigerio, Ignacio Torres, Carlos Sadir, Claudio Poggi, Leandro Zdero and Gerardo Zamora, per case.
During their speeches, the leaders praised the work of the organization and raised complaints to Nation due to the lack of federalism, the cut in transport subsidies, the paralysis of public works and the maintenance of roads.
In the last week, in addition, the head of the CFI visited San Juan and added a photo with the local governor, Marcelo Orrego (JxC). Previously, he received in his office the president of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands, Gustavo Melella (UP), with whom he signed agreements to promote sustainable tourism and the production of goods and services. And although his term will end in October, the current head of the Assembly, Gildo Insfrancalled elections for next Tuesday, bringing forward the timing.
Although the fact surprised everyone, the truth is that they trust the man from Formosa’s play. “Nobody calls an assembly if they don’t have the votes,” They pointed out in the Justicialist ranks, where they appeal to add the support of all the celestial governors. “Full support. They have always given us collaboration for the development of a multitude of projects in different areas: tourism, production, etc.”, a chief from the Norte Grande confided to this medium regarding the continuity of Lamothe.
The topic was even a topic of conversation at the summit that UP provincial leaders hosted last Wednesday at the Casa de Pampa. Sergio Ziliotto, Axel Kicillof, Gustavo Melella, Ricardo Quintela and Gerardo Zamorawhile Insfrán participated via Zoom. He was seen leaving the building on Suipacha Street Nicolas CevelaDirector of Coordination of the Federal Investment Council.
Marcelo Orrego Ignacio Lamothe.jpg
“The CFI is not a loot,” a provincial leader raised during the meeting, in a message addressed to his JxC peers, who are seeking to nominate a consensus candidate against the clock. They also praised the good harmony with the current leadership, in the midst of the harsh cuts to the coffers that it is promoting. Javier Milei.
The elections will be held at the headquarters of the organization, a regular meeting place for the leaders, who must attend in person to cast their vote. Therein lies another aspect of the game: how many and who will travel. To be elected, candidates need two-thirds of the votes of those present. If they do not obtain this in two rounds, the decision will be made by simple majority.
Together for Change: feverish negotiations for a unity candidate
However, and beyond the optimism that prevails in the leadership of the Council, the configuration that the country exhibited in 2020 is very different from the current one. At that time, JxC governed three provinces and CABA. Now, he administers eight provinces and CABA, to the detriment of a Peronism that suffered a severe setback in 2023.
Emboldened by their territorial advance, the yellow bosses flirt with the idea of promoting their own figure. With that in mind, they will host a Zoom meeting this Saturday to promote a consensus candidate. It won’t be easy. Time is running out and the chosen candidate will have to use his political skills in a matter of days. For example, he will have to win the support of the provincial governments, which will be third parties in the bidding, being key players.
Inside the lottery, the name of Sebastian Garcia de Luca. Former right-hand man of Patricia Bullrich, working underground to gather support and would have the approval of Mauricio Macri and Rogelio Frigerio from Entre Ríos. Also listed are former Government Minister Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, Bruno Screncithe representative of Santa Cruz before the CFI, Felipe Alvarez –pushed by the Patagonians- and the consultant Gaston Douek. If they did not close ranks behind one another, the challengers would speak.
photo governors jxc.jpg
“A name itself doesn’t matter so much: What is really being evaluated is whether the 12 votes will be reached. If not, it will be a matter of having a name to negotiate with whoever has more votes and trying to fill spaces. Take advantage of this opportunity that JxC has eight governors,” said an office familiar with the negotiations. Some Cambiemitas, even, do not look with bad eyes on the continuity of Lamothe.
Peronism is calling for the majority of the North to support the continuation of the head of the organization. In 2021, the bloc requested assistance from the IFC to promote the ambitious Bioceanic Corridor project. This exchange was the genesis of the Federal Logistics Strategy. “It is an organization that works and provides answers, there is no reason to put it in a situation of tension or dispute,” mentioned a source consulted by this medium. “The governors have many open fronts, I don’t know why they should add another one,” he raised his voice.
The fish tank of provincial forces, which include, for example, Alberto Weretilneck (Black River), Hugo Passalacqua (Missions) and Gustavo Saenz (Salta), among others, also attracts the PJ. In UP they realize that these supports are already sealed and that it would have been extremely bold to call elections without having secured them. At the moment, the coin is up in the air.
Source: Ambito
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