Capitanich: "Non c'è mai stato un governo così sciocco come quello di Milei e dei suoi adlatri, tra i quali c'è Zdero"

Jorge Capitanich, senatorial representative and former governor of Chaco, has launched sharp criticism against President Javier Milei and his close allies, including Leandro Zdero, regarding a government initiative that seeks to modify restrictions on foreign acquisition of rural land. In an interview with Perfil, Capitanich described the administration as one of the most disloyal to national interests he has encountered, accusing it of aligning too closely with external powers while neglecting provincial concerns. The proposed legislative change aims to loosen the current rules governing how foreigners can acquire land in Argentina. These regulations, established under Law 26.737 since 2011, include four key limitations: foreign ownership cannot exceed 15% of the country’s total surface area, no single nationality can hold more than 30% of that share, no more than 1,000 hectares can be sold in the core zone, and strategic areas near borders must remain protected. Capitanich argued these measures were essential to prevent sensitive regions from falling into the hands of illicit groups or foreign entities with potentially harmful agendas. He emphasized that the reform reflects a geopolitical strategy tied to access to minerals, energy, water and large territories, which he linked to U.S. influence. While acknowledging international agreements, he stressed that Argentina should not automatically align itself with foreign powers. “We cannot have an automatic alignment,” he stated, suggesting that such decisions require careful consideration rather than blind adherence. Capitanich’s critique extended beyond federal policy to the management of the province of Corrientes, where Zdero serves as governor. He criticized the economic model implemented during Zdero's tenure, claiming it led to the closure of businesses, job losses, and a significant decline in public services. According to him, over 1,000 small enterprises have gone bankrupt, approximately 8,000 formal private jobs have been lost, and around 30,000 direct and indirect employment positions have been affected. His assessment also included concerns over the deterioration of public health infrastructure, reduced teacher salaries, transportation crises, and rising provincial debt. Capitanich noted that promises of medical supplies, medications, and personnel did not materialize, leading to lower vaccination rates, the absence of a Plan Remediar, and insufficient resources to meet social demands. The decline in coverage of social programs has increased pressure on public hospitals, he added. In addition to economic and administrative issues, Capitanich raised questions about the handling of the disappearance of Axel González, though the specifics of this case were not elaborated upon in the available reports. His remarks reflect broader concerns about governance and accountability within the province. Meanwhile, other developments highlight contrasting narratives. For example, India recently announced plans to import Corrientes yerba mate and reduce tariffs, indicating growing interest in Argentine agricultural products despite political tensions. This underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies and international trade dynamics.