19/06/2026 15:29 - Politica
Paisaje desértico con formaciones rocosas típicas del Valle de la Luna (Ischigualasto) en San Juan, Argentina.
In a decisive response to a legislative push from neighboring La Rioja province, Marcelo Orrego, Governor of San Juan, stood firm this Thursday defending his province's territorial sovereignty. Through an official statement, the governor was categorical: "Our jurisdiction is not up for debate", closing ranks in defense of provincial boundaries that have been in place for over five decades.
The political tension arises after La Rioja's Governor Ricardo Quintela sent a bill to the local legislature. The initiative seeks to reject the boundary agreement of 1968 and National Law N° 18.004, which establishes the border between both provinces.
San Juan and La Rioja are neighboring provinces located in western Argentina, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This region is known for its stunning desert landscapes, rich mineral deposits, and important paleontological sites. The dispute involves territories near the provincial border, approximately 1,200 km from Buenos Aires.
Orrego argued that the current boundaries have been in force for 57 years and were ratified by Argentina's National Congress in 2014. He emphasized that no province has the authority to unilaterally modify territorial boundaries through its own legislation.
"The Constitution is clear, and La Rioja's own bill admits that this matter must go to Congress and the Courts. With all due respect for La Rioja, but with the law in hand, firmly and without speculation," Orrego stated.
The governor called on all political parties in San Juan to maintain a united position, defending provincial heritage "with the law in hand".
The heart of this conflict is not merely territorial—it's economic and symbolic. La Rioja's claim targets areas of immense value, including:
Ischigualasto Park attracts tourists from around the world and generates significant revenue for San Juan. Its scientific importance makes it irreplaceable for paleontological research.
The definition of boundaries is crucial for determining jurisdiction over natural resources and the corresponding mining royalties (payments that mining companies make to provincial governments). These royalties represent millions of dollars in potential revenue.
Orrego was emphatic in his conclusion: "We will not allow our territory, resources, future, and symbols like Ischigualasto to be questioned".
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Boundary agreement signed between San Juan and La Rioja |
| 1969 | National Law N° 18.004 officially establishes the border |
| 2014 | Argentina's National Congress ratifies the boundary agreement |
| Present | La Rioja sends bill to reject the 1968 agreement |
Argentina is a federal country composed of 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires. Each province has its own constitution, government, and jurisdiction over natural resources within its territory. Boundary disputes between provinces must be resolved by the National Congress according to the Argentine Constitution.
Sources: Diario de Cuyo and Tiempo de San Juan.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
