Political shifts and social unrest emerge in northern Argentina

In the Argentine province of Salta, former mayor Fernando Almeda has announced his candidacy for a fourth term as mayor of Cafayate in the 2027 elections. Almeda intends to run within the political front led by Governor Gustavo Sáenz. He highlighted the current municipal financing crisis caused by the national macroeconomic context and called for a ‘great social pact’ involving local businesses and residents to address economic challenges. Almeda also expressed opposition to mining projects in the Calchaquí Valley.

Simultaneously, in Catamarca, social pressures are mounting due to economic instability. The mayor of the capital, Gustavo Saadi, noted that family debt, usury, and difficulties accessing medication are primary concerns for residents. In the province, retirees held their 84th march to demand full medication coverage and protest cuts in benefits. Additionally, municipal workers in Valle Viejo are engaged in a salary dispute, with the SOEM union seeking a 30% increase.