Milei Signals Shift,Opens Dialog with Governors – But Exclusion of Peronist Leaders Sparks Criticism
BUENOS AIRES – In a surprising move signaling a potential shift in strategy,Argentine President Javier Milei hosted a meeting with provincial governors and vice-governors at the Casa Rosada on Thursday,seeking support for his economic agenda,including his first proposed budget law. However, the overture to dialogue was immediately shadowed by criticism over the exclusion of key Peronist governors, representing a notable portion of the country’s population.
The meeting, lasting over two hours, included governors and vice-governors aligned with the right and those considered open to negotiation. Many attendees had previously signed the “May Pact” – a series of government-promoted commitments revived by Milei - in July 2024. Milei, accompanied by his cabinet, sister and Presidential Secretary Karina Milei, and advisor Santiago Caputo, adopted a markedly more conciliatory tone than previously displayed, offering a pleasant demeanor even to those he had previously snubbed.
The primary goal of the dialogue, according to sources, is to secure passage of the 2026 budget. Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has governed through extensions of the previous administration’s budget and decrees, implementing austerity measures dubbed “the chainsaw” to curb public spending. A accomplished budget approval would pave the way for “second-generation reforms” targeting the tax and labor systems, as well as a proposed overhaul of the Penal code.
While most provincial leaders present expressed willingness to collaborate with the national government, they also voiced concerns.Governors requested the fulfillment of national obligations regarding resource distribution, a review of tax allocation, and the resumption of stalled road projects.
Notably absent were governors from provinces with significant populations, including Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof, representing nearly 40% of Argentina‘s citizens. Governors from Formosa, La Rioja, and Tierra del fuego also declined the invitation.
Kicillof sharply criticized the exclusion, telling radio 10 that Milei was “making a mistake” by omitting key leaders and that the excluded provinces represent “almost half of the country.” He further suggested the meeting was a performative gesture, stating, ”The Government is building the photo that Trump asked for.”
Milei had previously warned against repeating “Marxist catechism and the recipes that sank Argentina,” suggesting a firm stance against ideological opposition. The move to engage in dialogue, despite this rhetoric, represents a potential turning point in his administration, particularly as he seeks greater parliamentary support following upcoming legislative elections in December.
