The unions align with Kicillof and endorse his request for USD 3 billion in debt.
Axel Kicillof, governor of Buenos Aires Province
porEditorial Team
Argentina
Kicillof's government wants to approve $43 trillion in spending and more than USD 3 billion in new debt
The ultra-Kirchnerist government of Axel Kicillof secured a key endorsement this Friday from various unions for its new and significant debt request and the package of bills sent to the Legislature.
The Buenos Aires Minister of Economy, Pablo López, led the meeting with union representatives, in a gathering that made clear the union alignment with the provincial Executive's financial requests.
The meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Labor, Walter Correa, and the head of the Social Security Institute (IPS), Marina Moretti, focused on the provincial economic situation, the reopening of collective bargaining, and the status of the IPS.
Axel Kicillof, gobernador bonaerense.
In this context, López emphasized the "importance of approving the package of measures sent to the Legislature." That "package" includes the 2025 Budget, the Fiscal Law, and a new debt request.
The project contemplates expenses of $43 trillion and a debt request exceeding 3 billion dollars, a controversial figure that once again intensifies the debate in the Legislature, especially given the history of significant debt issuance during Kicillof's administration.
Despite that context, the unions not only supported the official proposal, but also announced their willingness to apply political pressure for the initiatives to move forward. According to the account of one of the union leaders present, "the Province needs financial tools to carry out its administration next year and close out 2025. It can't go another year without a Budget, Fiscal Law, and financing, understanding that it also has to cover the debts left by María Eugenia Vidal."
Axel Kicillof, gobernador bonaerense.
The statement reflects not only explicit support for the debt, but also the adoption of the officialist argument that seeks to shift responsibility to previous administrations, even though Kicillof has already been managing the province for six years.
In this context, the unions are even considering mobilizing to the Legislature on the day of the vote to demand the passage of the fiscal package, a stance that contrasts with the traditional union resistance to debt requests when governments are not aligned.
The meeting also took place amid the demand for the reopening of collective bargaining, requested by the Buenos Aires Judicial Association (AJB) and the Federation of State and Private Unions (FEGEPPBA). The unions argued that the elections delayed the call, which was originally scheduled for mid-October, and are now pressing to resume wage negotiations.