The K bloc loses power: the departure of three legislators has been formalized and LLA is getting closer to becoming the largest minority
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The Chamber of Deputies woke up this Tuesday shaken by a reshuffle that rocked Peronism and left La Libertad Avanza on the verge of reaching the position of first minority. The Catamarcan deputies Fernanda Ávila, Sebastián Nóblega, and the recently elected Fernando Monguillot, aligned with Governor Raúl Jalil, confirmed their departure from the Unión por la Patria bloc and officialized the creation of a bloc named "Elijo Catamarca".
With this decision, the parliamentary map ended in a technical tie: both the ruling party and Peronism hold 94 seats, an unprecedented situation that reshapes the struggle for political control of the Lower House on the eve of the swearing-in of the elected deputies. Diego Santilli (Ministro del interior), Manuel Adorni (Jefe de Gabinete) y Raúl Jalil (gobernador de Catamarca)
The split did not take anyone by surprise. Jalil had been distancing himself from the Kirchnerist leadership for over a year, especially in response to the leadership style of the bloc headed by Germán Martínez and strongly influenced by La Cámpora. In several key votes, the Catamarcan legislators had already shown signs of autonomy and, on more than one occasion, supported positions of Javier Milei's government.
In the letter sent to the president of the Chamber, Martín Menem, the three deputies notified the formation of the new bloc and the appointment of Nóblega as its president. The move came as Peronism was trying to contain internal tensions that have been simmering for months and intensified after the confirmation that Kirchnerism would retain control of the bloc.
Meanwhile, Claudia Palladino, also elected for Catamarca but aligned with former governor Lucía Corpacci, decided to remain in Unión por la Patria, which left both groups tied, at least for now, as they fight to retain positions and gain allies.
Martin Menem presidiendo la cámara de diputados.
As an immediate consequence of the Catamarcan move, Kirchnerism loses firepower in the distribution of committees, an area in which it had so far benefited from its status as the first minority. Controlling that number not only determines vice presidencies, but also the ability to block or facilitate the progress of the structural reforms the country needs.
In parallel, Governor Jalil held meetings with his counterparts Gustavo Sáenz (Salta) and Osvaldo Jaldo (Tucumán) to evaluate a possible federal inter-bloc. Although it has not moved forward for now, the mere possibility adds pressure on Peronism, which has already lost the cohesion it once had even in times of defeat. 20 gobernadores reunidos con Javier Milei, en la ratificación del Pacto de Mayo.
La Libertad Avanza, meanwhile, remains watchful. The ruling party is still exploring the possibility of adding one more deputy to break the tie and secure the first minority, which is key to organizing the Chamber and consolidating the governability Milei has sought since taking office.
The outlook will be finally defined this Wednesday, when the new legislators are sworn in and the final distribution of authorities and committees is voted on. However, what has already become clear with the split of Peronism in Catamarca is that the definition will take place with a more weakened Kirchnerism than ever: lacking cohesion, losing influence, and with a declining leadership that can no longer command its own leaders.
