# UCR leadership changes in Chubut > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ucr-leadership-changes-in-chubut > Updated: 2026-08-29T20:06:18.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. In Chubut, Gerardo Merino, the mayor of Trelew, has been elected as the new president of the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR) following a convention in Esquel. While Merino has called for party unity to focus on external political opponents, the election has revealed significant internal fractures. In response to the election, Sergio Guajardo announced the formation of a new internal opposition group called ‘Radicalismo Federal’. Guajardo stated that the contest exposed deep-seated differences that may impact the party’s future stability. Provincial governor Ignacio Torres has signaled his support for Merino’s leadership. ## Claims - Sergio Guajardo announced the creation of a new opposition space within the UCR called Radicalismo Federal. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Gerardo Merino called for party unity and stated the enemy is outside the party rather than within. (single source) - Gerardo Merino was elected as the new president of the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR) in Chubut. (single source) - The internal election in Chubut exposed divisions that could impact the future functioning of the party. (single source) - Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres expressed a preference for Gerardo Merino. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-29: Gerardo Merino elected UCR president in Chubut amid internal rift Gerardo Merino has been elected president of the UCR in Chubut, but the victory is marked by internal tension as Sergio Guajardo announces a new opposition group, Radicalismo Federal. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gerardo-merino-elected-ucr-president-in-chubut-amid-internal-rift ### 2026-08-23: UCR Catamarca nears selection of new party leadership Genaro Contreras is the leading candidate to head the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR) in Catamarca for the 2026-2028 term as party factions finalize leadership agreements. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucr-catamarca-nears-selection-of-new-party-leadership --- Cite as: UCR leadership changes in Chubut. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ucr-leadership-changes-in-chubut