Raúl Jalil: 'Mining can replace public employment in Catamarca'

Jalil highlighted the positive impact that mining is having in Catamarca and compared it to Chile's experience.  "The neighboring country exports about 60 billion dollars in mining," he noted. In that sense, he emphasized that  if the country is allowed to export at least 40 billion, "people will go where they pay more salary, which is mining," moving away from dependence on public employment.

Currently, according to the leader himself, public employment in Catamarca represents 64%, a percentage he considers unsustainable. "Reducing state employment is a cultural process that needs to change," he expressed, reiterating that legal security and lifting the restrictions are required to boost a "mining boom."

Additionally,  he indicated that the province has active mining projects worth more than a billion dollars, and could present initiatives reaching 6 billion. He even mentioned that three companies from India are already investing in Catamarcan soil.

Dialogue with Milei and political stance

The Catamarcan governor also  spoke about his relationship with President Javier Milei, highlighting that he keeps a policy of dialogue, which has caused criticism from Peronism. 

However, he insisted: "I have the responsibility to manage, and managing means talking to the government." For Jalil, institutional dialogue should not be interrupted: "If we don't do it, I don't know what the outcome is."

Additionally, he supported the current presidential administration:  "If Milei does well, we all do well," he said.

Investments, infrastructure, and tourism

Jalil also referred to the development of infrastructure in Catamarca. He highlighted the role of the private sector in investment and noted that the province is among the top five investing in public works. Even so, he acknowledged that "there is still a lack," attributing historical delays to the "economic fluctuations of the country."

Regarding tourism, he stated that the province is experiencing a boom that accompanies the growth of other economic activities.

Constitutional reform and political cycle

Finally, the leader was asked about the Constitutional Reform he is promoting in Catamarca. He assured that the proposal will include between six and seven points, among them: elections every four years, an end to indefinite re-elections, and improvements in the organization of the Judicial Power.

Jalil also announced that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming elections. "I await the arrival of other generations. Third terms are complex, and politics takes a lot of time," he reflected.