The infamous Toviggino insulted Sturzenegger after the increase in club contributions

Pablo Toviggino reignited the fuse against the National Government. The treasurer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and a key figure within Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia's circle replied with a barrage of explosive statements after an official announcement of a significant  increase in the contributions that clubs must make to social security.

The measure, enacted through Provision 16/2025, doubled the rate paid by sports institutions, raising it to 18.62%. Federico Sturzenegger, Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, defended the resolution by accusing the clubs of being "subsidized by retirees", which triggered Toviggino's fury.

On his social media, the official held nothing back: "You are the worst government in history! You destroy everything! You ruin industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, regional economies... everything! You lie again and again about the macroeconomy, and the reality is that you are mortgaging the country once again and condemning all decent Argentinians to poverty and destitution."

Toviggino also attacked Sturzenegger's past as a public official: "You really are PURE CASTE! What have you lived on for the past 25 years? Secretary of Economic Policy under De la Rúa in 2001, showing off with the Megaswap, and being jointly responsible for the bloody crisis. Then, president of Banco Ciudad, deputy, president of BCRA, and now CHAINSAW MINISTER. Just like in 2001!"

The criticism did not stop there. He directly accused him of politically camouflaging himself to maintain his position within the State: "Not only have you lived off the State for decades, but you also  camouflage yourself as best you can and change political banners to keep your salary at the end of the month. Now do you intend to argue with AFA? Let me inform you that you have just failed. You got lost in the woods, little wolf... with rubber teeth!."

In closing his statement, Toviggino defended the social role of Argentine football: "Argentine football is Argentina itself. It is an indispensable social and economic engine for the livelihood of millions of compatriots. Do not cry later when you are attacked: the only generators of violence are you, the ministers nicknamed barefoot Carmelites."

Tension between the Government and AFA had already been rising. Days earlier, Toviggino himself had attacked Guillermo Francos (Chief of Staff), calling him "little man with yellow teeth" and wishing him a "sad ending." That phrase was described as "mafia-like" by Patricia Bullrich, who sent him a formal letter demanding a retraction.

Meanwhile, the background of the dispute is economic. According to official figures,  the State collected only 57% of what was due in social security contributions between November 2023 and October 2024, which caused a deficit of nearly $20,000 million.