Almost six months after the vice-governor of Mendoza, Hebe Casado , signed the contract to transfer IMPSA to ARC Energy, wearing a red cap like the one worn by Donald Trump , the problems began: the State did not pay a single peso of the multi-million dollar public works contracts that the firm had and put the entire structure in danger, with strategic projects at risk .
According to reports, "the company was left operating with only part of its capitalization, and more than 600 workers began collecting their Christmas bonuses in four installments," reported Página|12.
Javier Milei's government owes more than $15 million in construction contracts with organizations such as the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Yacyretá (EBY) , and even the Ministry of Defense, headed by Luis Petri . "Of that money, he hasn't paid a single dollar since handing the company over to foreign capital," reported Página|12.
Among the halted projects are the maintenance of turbines at the Yacyretá hydroelectric plant, key to electricity generation; and the CAREM 25, a nuclear power reactor built entirely in Argentina and located in Lima, Buenos Aires province. Furthermore, Milei 's debt to IMPSA left the war tanks that Milei rode in, along with Victoria Villarruel , in the military parade on May 25, 2024, abandoned, as IMPSA holds the contract to refurbish the fleet of the Argentine Medium Tank (TAM).
According to reports, the State's payment schedule was completely missed.
"They tell us they don't have the budget to pay us and that they don't know when there might be money," those trying to straighten out a difficult negotiation told Página|12, which directly affects the job security of IMPSA's more than six hundred employees.
Cornejo implores Milei for IMPSA
After Página|12 revealed that "this multi-million-dollar debt results in a halt in activity and, above all, a negative impact on workers' wages," Governor Alfredo Cornejo initiated contacts with the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) to mediate a delicate matter.
Until now, the Radical Party's government had seemed indifferent to the issue. But after the article published by Página|12, it had no choice but to implore the national government to honor its debts, as the issue in Mendoza had become heated. And no wonder, since Milei 's first privatization was of a company that, during the previous administration, had been jointly repossessed by the national government and the province of Mendoza.
"He's doing his best, but it's difficult," admitted someone who closely follows the governor's negotiations.
Cornejo , a PRO radical very close to La Libertad Avanza, has regular contact with Milei , although "after the tensions between the Nation and the governors over pending transfers and works, there was some distancing," stated Página|12.
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