Neuquén Proposes Bill to Sell Fiscal Lands Only to Argentines

Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa has introduced a bill to the provincial legislature that would exclusively permit Argentine citizens and legal entities to purchase fiscal lands within the province. This strategic move comes just before the Senate debates modifications to the national rural land regime.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Provincial Law 263, mandating that the allocation of fiscal lands be strictly tied to productive, livestock, or tourism projects. The provincial executive branch asserts that the goal is to strengthen control over strategic resources and provide legal security without transferring land titles to foreign entities. "Neuquén's lands can only be sold to Argentines," Governor Figueroa stated, emphasizing the intended protection of the province's resources.

This provincial initiative stands in contrast to a national bill in the Senate that aims to relax current limits on foreign land ownership. Figueroa has urged Senator Julieta Corroza to advocate for a quantifiable limit on foreign land sales nationwide. Despite potential tensions, the national bill's committee stage acknowledged that provinces retain the authority to define their own land regulations. Neuquén plans to leverage this autonomy to keep regional development in local hands.

Beyond restricting foreign ownership, Neuquén's land policy also focuses on regularizing land for families and small producers. The "Neuquén Habita" program has already granted deeds to 1,500 families, with plans to reach 3,500 next year. This policy aims to bolster local communities while preserving provincial control over valuable land assets.