Governors Pullaro and Quintela were at the UNR debating the challenges of federalism and governance in today's Argentina.

Within the framework of the Political Science Congress, organized by the Argentine Society of Political Analysis (SAAP), held at the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations of the UNR (National University of Rio de Janeiro), a panel focused on dialogue between political leaders from different political parties, with the aim of reflecting on governability and the relationships between different spaces to find agreements that lead to federal growth. The meeting, which drew a packed SUM (Union of Unified University of Rio de Janeiro), brought one of the most sensitive issues of the current political landscape to the forefront of debate.

The Governor of the Province of Santa Fe, Maximiliano Pullaro, and the Governor of the Province of La Rioja, Ricardo Quintela, participated in the event. It was coordinated by political scientists and researchers Mario Riorda and Yanina Welp. University officials and national legislators were also present.

“Together with Yanina, we designed this symposium within the framework of the SAAP, with a focus on political communication, to discuss polarization and its effects, especially on the construction of governance and consensus. That's why we believe it's essential to ensure a federal perspective, which in this case was represented by both governors. I deeply appreciate their presence: we are aware of their agendas, but from the very beginning, their willingness was absolute, and we celebrate that response,” Riorda commented. 

“Political polarization has been a central theme for Political Science since its inception; it is even the foundation of the party system,” explained Yanina Welp, one of the symposium organizers. She explained that the symposium included six panels, three of which were academic in nature, “although it also included the participation of people from the world of consulting, survey production, and data analysis.” She explained that this approach sought to generate a crossover between academic research and practical experiences working with public opinion.

"We discussed what polarization is, how it's classified, how it's measured, and what we're really measuring when we talk about polarization," he stated. He also emphasized that one of the meeting's focuses was to analyze both its positive consequences, such as the articulation of preferences or the organization of the public agenda, and its negative effects. "When polarization blocks agreements and hinders consensus, it can have a very serious impact on peaceful coexistence and the social fabric," he warned.

Governor Pullaro reaffirmed that the Province of Santa Fe has historically always defended federalism; we represent federalism in the Argentine Republic. "We are, of course, supportive of this discussion and debate about resources, because we want the growth of the Argentine Republic and we understand that, due to the different characteristics of the people or the land, some provinces have greater opportunities than others, and we understand federalism in this way."

He also explained that the infamous rift "virtually prevents us from speaking at the national level, because one person thinks one thing and another, and there's no middle ground, not even to be able to sit down and talk." Contrary to that, he emphasized that "this doesn't happen in Santa Fe. A clear example is that after 63 years, we managed to pass a law that allows us to reform the provincial constitution."

To conclude his remarks, he emphasized the importance of building true federalism, addressing the challenges facing the state, and promoting spaces for respectful dialogue. "This difficult time also teaches us a lesson: we have to begin building federalism, engaging in dialogue, but also addressing the state's problems," he stated. In this regard, he maintained that one of the main challenges is demonstrating that the state can be efficient and effective while still providing essential services.

He also praised the panel as a space that "embellishes and strengthens" by allowing for a respectful debate of ideas. "We must understand the mistakes we made that led to what is happening in Argentina," he said, and called for seizing the historic opportunity to move forward, "with more federalism and, above all, with more respect, leaving behind the rift that has done us so much harm."

The governor of La Rioja, Ricardo Quintela, raised the need to rethink a model in which "a strong state and a strong market" coexist, but with a state role that guarantees the protection and support of citizens. He also emphasized that the defense of federalism responds to a long history of postponements. "We often feel like we've been discarded," he noted, questioning a centralist vision that "circumscribes everything to the federal capital." In this sense, he criticized the fact that the economic debate is reduced to fluctuations in the dollar, the euro, or stocks. "No one talks about Argentina's real economy or the deterioration of our companies because no one talks about the closure and bankruptcy of small and medium-sized businesses. No one talks about the countryside. No one talks about the wealth we have, the hydrocarbons. No one talks about the Andes, where we have mineral resources. Nor is importance given to the strong university system we have, from which great professionals are produced."

Finally, Quintela affirmed the role of the State in promoting education and university training, noting that "the generation of intellectual capital takes place here, in our universities," and that it is there that young people are trained "so that they can give back to the country what the country gave them by enabling their education." Along these lines, he maintained that his vision of a strong State implies one that "stimulates, assists, and incentivizes young people to study," especially through scholarship and incentive policies. "It is essential that there be a State that supports those who lack the resources, but do have the desire and vocation to build a different future," he affirmed, emphasizing that this is the model of country they defend: one that guarantees real opportunities for the most vulnerable sectors.

After the two governors' interventions, a space was opened for questions from the audience, where both Pullaro and Quintela answered various questions and discussed various topics. 

Journalist: Gonzalo J. García / Photographer: Camila Casero.