Mendoza Minister Natalio Mema criticizes Luis Petri over economic claims

Mendoza's Minister of Government, Natalio Mema, has publicly criticized national deputy and former Defense Minister Luis Petri following disagreements over the province's economic performance. The tension arose after Petri questioned Mendoza's standing in national export rankings, noting that while it is considered one of the country's largest economies, it ranks lower in export volume and per capita metrics.

Mema defended the provincial productive model, arguing that Petri's analysis lacks the context of local management experience. The minister emphasized the importance of developing Mendoza's natural resources, including mining and unconventional oil, and stated, “It is not necessary to attack Mendoza to win a like.”

The exchange highlights growing political friction within the ruling coalition as leaders begin to position themselves for the 2027 gubernatorial elections to succeed Alfredo Cornejo.