The Minister of Economy, Luis "Toto" Caputo, responded firmly after threats from the Kirchnerist governor of La Rioja, Ricardo Quintela, who had issued warnings about potential investigations if Peronism returns to power.
Through his account on the social network X, the national official rejected the accusations and harshly criticized the provincial administration.
“You already had your chance and you did it, governor, because that’s how you use the power of the State. You had to invent that my family had attacked the vice president,” Caputo explained.
The message from Toto Caputo.
“Instead of threatening like a neighborhood thug, you should focus on governing your province well, which, because of you, is a true disaster. For example, by not adhering to the RIGI, you are depriving the people of La Rioja of more jobs, resources, and better salaries,” concluded the minister.
The minister's response came after Quintela, in an interview with Infobae, targeted the official and threatened to pursue him in the future.
“We will investigate him too when we come to power. We will do what we have never done, which is to investigate what happened in this administration. That’s why investors need to be careful,” the provincial governor had stated.
Ricardo Quintela.
The exchange also included criticisms of the national government. Quintela had pointed out that the minister “does not know the country” and that “he does not understand the problems we have,” despite his successful economic plan lifting millions of Argentines out of poverty.
From Milei's administration, they highlighted policies aimed specifically at creating conditions for sustained growth, with tools like the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), which several provinces have already adhered to to promote the arrival of capital and job creation.
In that vein, Caputo focused on La Rioja's decision to not adhere to the regime, pointing out that this stance directly impacts local development opportunities. His message aimed to hold the provincial administration accountable for the lack of investments and the economic difficulties facing the district.
While the national government seeks to advance with reforms aimed at opening up and attracting investments, some ultra-Kirchnerist governors like Quintela maintain a critical stance towards these successful initiatives.