Governor says primaries are "unnecessary" and appears with national officials

Governor Rolando Figueroa of Neuquén has voiced his opposition to the necessity of primary elections, known as PASO, aligning with President Javier Milei's stance. However, Figueroa also stressed the importance of maintaining subsidies for the "cold zones" in Patagonia, demanding government guarantees.

Figueroa articulated these positions following the opening of Neuquén Day 2026 in Buenos Aires. This event, organized by the province, brought together national officials, legislators, business leaders, and diplomats to discuss the economic significance of the Vaca Muerta region for Neuquén.

"We are not against the PASO, but today we see them as unnecessary. It's an additional expense for citizens, and I don't think that's how things get resolved. It's electoral speculation to see how someone strengthens themselves or reaches a second round," Figueroa stated. While the Chief of Staff, Diego Santilli, was expected, he was replaced by Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports Daniel Scioli and Secretary of Finance Carlos Guberman.

Figueroa highlighted the strong dialogue with the national government, despite not sharing the same political affiliation. He emphasized the need to "order the state to redistribute." Regarding the legislative agenda, he focused on gas subsidies for Patagonia's cold zones, a benefit the government has pledged to maintain, though he noted it still requires further discussion.

"We need guarantees that they will not touch the Patagonia subsidy. They give us their word that it will not be touched, and we are building that guarantee," Figueroa said, referring to a bill that has passed the Chamber of Deputies. This bill would eliminate automatic subsidies for many regions added to the program in 2021, while preserving benefits based on geography for the originally designated cold zones. He also supported the claims of governors from the North regarding electricity cost reductions as compensation for gas subsidy cuts.