Kicillof and Ziliotto urge Milei to release funds for El Niño preparations

Axel Kicillof traveled to La Pampa with Governor Sergio Ziliotto to prepare for what they described as potentially intense effects from El Niño. Their meeting combined practical coordination with a political attack on President Javier Milei’s government.

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Faced with a climate phenomenon such as the one awaiting us, signing these agreements takes on even greater importance: this is not the beginning, but the institutional ratification of work we have already been carrying out.

The provinces agreed to cooperate on water management and joint infrastructure projects. They will also share hydrometric and rainfall records in real time and coordinate responses to extreme weather events. Separate agreements covered reciprocal assistance in health, tourism and social development.

Kicillof said the agreements formalized work that the provinces had already been developing. He argued that provincial contributions to the national government should return through infrastructure and public policies, criticizing the suspension of funds for projects intended to reduce climate risks.

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When the provinces contribute resources to the nation, we do so on the condition that they return through infrastructure and public policies.

Katopodis called on the national government to use 290 billion pesos from the Water Fund, which he said remained frozen. He said the money should finance infrastructure requested by the provinces.

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This meeting reaffirms a way of understanding federalism: the provinces cannot work in isolation; we have to coordinate efforts and build responses together.

Kicillof has cited forecasts of a potentially very strong El Niño, including a 90% probability of a very strong event and a 69% probability of a historic event. He previously announced an interministerial body to coordinate with municipalities, communicate planned works and actions, and press Milei over stalled public construction. He also accused the national government of lacking a meaningful role in responding to the expected threat.

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We continue demanding that the national government make responsible use of the 290 billion pesos in the Water Fund: those resources, which are currently frozen, should be invested in the works the provinces need.