Torres Lima and the new provincial populism: let them return the deficit

The provisional president of the Legislature of Córdoba, Facundo Torres Lima, targeted Javier Milei's administration. He wrongly accused the National Government of maintaining fiscal balance at the expense of the "sacrifice of the provinces." In his message on social media, he demanded that resources be returned and stated: "Enough with the lies."

His statements were made in the context of growing tension between Casa Rosada and provincial governments. "Where, then, is that false excuse that provinces are fiscally irresponsible?" he asked. More than twenty irresponsible mayors supported the claim in a meeting at Congress days ago.

Torres Lima went further and absurdly described the national administration's measures as "dictatorial." He also warned that municipalities are being harmed by the crisis. "The responsibilities that the National Government shirks fall on local governments," stated Kirchnerist mayor Daniel Passerini.

Torres Lima chose the shortcut of exaggeration and labeled as authoritarian measures that respect the Constitution and the separation of powers. That overacting was joined by mayor Daniel Passerini, who blamed the Nation for the impact of a crisis that has dragged on for decades. This unfounded criticism seeks to divert attention from having to review their own efficiency, instead of attributing responsibilities to others.

The "dictatorship" of fiscal order unsettles those who thrived on chaos

The financial surplus is an unprecedented achievement after years of deficit and disorder in public accounts. Inflation is disappearing, country risk has dropped by more than 1,500 points, and the dollar has stabilized. In addition, the Central Bank rebuilt reserves and Argentina regained access to credit.

In this context, Torres Lima's claim appears more as a defense of the old regime of privileges. Instead of putting their accounts in order, he demands that discretionary transfers and chronic imbalances be restored. The Government has announced that it will veto any regulation that compromises fiscal balance.

It is not political waste that is the reason for the surplus, but rather the political decision to end waste and disorder. Fiscal discipline also benefits the provinces by creating a stable economic environment. Torres Lima's Kirchnerist-tinged criticism seeks to reinstate a scheme that brought the country to the brink of collapse.