Vice governors from ten provinces gathered in San Salvador de Jujuy on March 28 for the first meeting of the year of the Executive Board of the Parliament of Norte Grande. The officials set their agenda for 2026 and outlined strategies to manage ongoing reductions in federal funding, emphasizing efforts to operate with provincial resources.
The summit focused on several key issues, including public works projects funded by provincial budgets. Vice Governor Alberto Bernis said, “We work under Sadir’s guidelines: strengthen federalism when the Nation looks away.” Bernis also highlighted that Jujuy is supporting road construction, water infrastructure, and expansion at Cauchari using local funds.
Another major topic was lithium production as a negotiation tool. Regional leaders discussed leveraging both the Lithium Table and a regional mining bloc as part of their strategy for greater political autonomy.
Looking ahead, participants announced that a significant plenary session will take place in Tucumán on April 13 and 14. During this event, 130 legislators from NOA (Northwest Argentina) and NEA (Northeast Argentina) are expected to endorse a document described as a “manifesto” against centralism.
The group also plans to address other pressing topics such as revenue sharing agreements, public sector salaries, and regional responses to national policies like the Mercosur-European Union agreement. A strong statement regarding “Nunca Más” is scheduled for March 24.
As national authorities focus on cost-saving measures at the central level, vice governors from provinces including Santiago del Estero, Salta, and Catamarca have formed what they describe as a united front intended to protect regional development.
