Bariloche prepares for municipal charter reform elections

The city of Bariloche is set to elect 15 convention members and 15 alternates on November 1 to update its municipal charter. The new text is expected to take effect in January 2027. Approximately 115,000 voters are eligible to participate across more than 300 polling stations.

One prominent group, Fuerza Bariloche led by Andrea Galaverna, has proposed 18 initiatives, including designating Cerro Catedral as a municipal public good, increasing local funding, and closing the city landfill. Other major competing lists include Yanina Sánchez’s 'Estamos Haciendo Bariloche' and Martín Govetto’s 'La Libertad Avanza'.

Controversy has emerged regarding Adrián Marcelo Grau, a candidate on the 'Estamos Haciendo Bariloche' list. The Permanent Assembly for Human Rights (APDH) filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office following social media posts in which Grau allegedly vindicated the military dictatorship and Jorge Rafael Videla. While the municipal government suggested the account may have been hacked, the APDH argued the statements exceed the bounds of freedom of expression by encouraging criminal acts. In response, the 'Participación Vecinal' list has requested Grau's removal from the ballot.