The governor of Catamarca assured that the RIGI generated confidence to attract mining investments, supported the fiscal balance promoted by the national Government, and expressed his support for eliminating the PASO
In this context, he considered that the RIGI should become a permanent regime to provide greater legal security to investors.
"If a law is made to provide legal security, it must be maintained," he stated.
Although he reiterated his affiliation with Peronism, Jalil asserted that this does not prevent him from supporting those public policies he considers positive for the country.
The governor of Catamarca, Raúl Jalil, defended the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) as a key tool to boost Argentine mining, supported the fiscal balance promoted by President Javier Milei, and expressed his support for eliminating the Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries (PASO).
In statements to Cadena 3, the provincial leader stated that the new regime allowed for the acceleration of investment projects and provided greater predictability for companies considering entering the country, especially in the mining sector.
The governor asserted that the RIGI changed Argentina's competitiveness compared to other countries in the region.
"When a company had to decide whether to invest in Chile or another country, perhaps the RIGI gave them the confidence to do so in Catamarca or somewhere else in Argentina," he explained.
According to Jalil, international investors mainly value the legal security offered by the provinces. In this regard, he highlighted the potential of Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy, San Juan, Santa Cruz, and Mendoza as strategic destinations for new mining projects.
Additionally, he emphasized that the regime not only incorporates tax benefits and greater predictability for currency management but also accelerates investments that require long development periods.
"The exploration of a serious project can take up to ten years. Then you have to carry out the engineering and secure the necessary financing," he noted.
Jalil recalled that Catamarca is part of the so-called Lithium Region, along with Salta and Jujuy, and highlighted that the province has already completed four lithium carbonate production plants.
The governor stated that the macroeconomic stabilization achieved during Javier Milei's administration creates better conditions for realizing long-term investments.
"We have natural resources, and the stabilization of the macroeconomy allows these large investments to take root," he affirmed.
He also indicated that new developments related to Agua Rica and Bajo de la Alumbrera are progressing, projects that will allow for the recovery of copper production and export.
"We understand that there was an election, that we have a president, and that we must support some public policies. It doesn't mean we are in total agreement," he expressed.
On economic matters, he supported one of the main pillars of the national government.
"The provinces do not spend more than what comes in, and it is right that the Nation does the same," he affirmed while defending fiscal balance.
The governor also considered that a future reform of the Central Bank's Organic Charter could generate consensus among different political spaces and stated that Peronism should analyze the initiative when it is presented.
On the institutional front, the governor expressed his support for the definitive elimination of mandatory primary elections.
In his view, political parties must regain the responsibility of selecting their candidates.
"Political parties need to be strengthened. The tool to define candidates should be in the hands of the parties or fronts, as this also improves the training of leaders," he argued.
Finally, he recalled that Catamarca supported the suspension of national PASO and stated that any electoral reform must be debated with broad participation from the provinces to achieve stable rules that endure over time.
