Far from reality, Jorge Macri is spending $35 billion to renovate a theater

The head of the Buenos Aires Government, Jorge Macri, announced an expensive restoration project for the General San Martín Cultural Center, with an investment of $35 billion.

In a context where the national government is pushing for a structural adjustment to reduce public spending, the City leader distances himself and prioritizes projects that move away from austerity policies.

Million-dollar investment in culture while ABL rises

While Buenos Aires residents face increases in ABL and other taxes, Macri allocates a million-dollar sum to the remodeling of a cultural center. The project, which will extend until 2027, will be financed with the City's own funds, instead of allocating those resources to improve essential services such as health, security, or neighborhood infrastructure.

The Buenos Aires Infrastructure Minister,  Pablo Bereciartúa, justified the decision by stating that the funds come from "a serious and neat administration". However, the announcement did not sit well with sectors that demand a more efficient use of resources, aligned with the national government's strategy to reduce the size of the State.

Is Macri distancing himself from Milei's chainsaw?

The contrast with Javier Milei's government is evident. While the president cuts public spending to reduce the deficit,  Macri maintains and expands state investments in culture, defending that "it's not an expense, but an investment."

This stance distances him from La Libertad Avanza, which recently brought a symbolic chainsaw to the Buenos Aires Government headquarters, reaffirming its commitment to reducing public spending. In this context of political tensions, the lack of alignment between both administrations seems to deepen.

What does the "cultural megaproject" include?

The remodeling of the General San Martín Cultural Center includes:

• Structural restoration of the building.
• Renovation of iconic halls such as A and B, Alberdi, and Enrique Muiño.
• Incorporation of a restaurant on the terrace.
• Modernization of classrooms and conference rooms.
• Conditioning of facilities for the Manuel de Falla Conservatory.

While the project aims to revitalize the cultural center, its high cost generates criticism in a context of adjustment and sacrifices for taxpayers.