A Strategic Pact for Patagonia
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Argentina's Chief of Staff, Diego Santilli, met with Rolando Figueroa, the governor of the southern province of Neuquén, at the presidential palace (Casa Rosada) in Buenos Aires. The meeting was part of the national government's push to build alliances with provincial leaders ahead of key legislative votes. The most significant outcome: the Cold Zone (Zona Fría) regime for Patagonia will not be modified, a relief for residents who benefit from reduced natural gas prices in the region.
Figueroa announced the news on his X account: "Minister Santilli confirmed that the cold zone regime for Patagonia will remain as it is now." This benefit, which lowers gas bills in the southern provinces, had been under threat due to a reform bill that already has partial approval in the lower house (Diputados).
Support for Government Reforms
In return, Figueroa guaranteed Neuquén's backing for two flagship initiatives of President Javier Milei's administration: the reform of the Central Bank's Organic Charter (BCRA) and the elimination of primary elections (PASO). Figueroa justified his stance by saying, "Inflation is an unfair tax that nobody voted for" and "protecting the currency is also protecting the country." He called the PASO "an unnecessary expense" and "an additional election that citizens have to endure."
With this commitment, Neuquén's legislators—Deputy Karina Maureira and Senator Julieta Corroza—are expected to vote in favor of both measures in Congress.
Debt Compensation: Federal Properties for Neuquén
In a separate meeting with Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Figueroa signed an agreement to extinguish reciprocal obligations between the national government and the province. The deal includes the transfer of Procrear housing program properties and other assets to Neuquén as partial compensation for debts owed by the central administration. Figueroa said the agreement will help "order accounts, clean up obligations, and advance the transfer of properties."
RIGI Approval for Vaca Muerta: US$ 6.4 Billion Investment
On the same day, Minister Caputo announced the approval of the Los Toldos II Este project by Tecpetrol under the RIGI (Large Investment Incentive Regime). This project, located in the Vaca Muerta shale formation, involves an investment of US$ 6.4 billion and is expected to create 3,100 direct jobs and 4,800 indirect jobs, according to official estimates. Figueroa used the occasion to push for improved road access to Vaca Muerta to reduce the impact of heavy truck traffic on nearby cities.
Highway Transfers and Connectivity
Another key topic was the transfer of national highways to provincial control. Figueroa requested that the nation hand over administration of strategic corridors such as Route 242 (Pino Hachado International Pass), Route 231 (Samoré International Pass), Route 40, Route 237, and the Seven Lakes Route. He argued that if a long-term concession is granted, the province's investments in maintenance and improvements should be recognized.
Additionally, a joint project with Río Negro province and the Federal Investment Council (CFI) is underway to improve road conditions toward Vaca Muerta, aiming to reduce the impact of heavy traffic on local communities.
Political Context
This meeting comes at a critical time for the national government, which is seeking support for its reforms. The BCRA reform is scheduled for debate in the lower house on August 26, 2026, while the PASO elimination bill remains stalled in the Senate. Figueroa, one of the most popular governors in the country, is a valuable ally for the administration.
Sources: Clarín | La Nación | Neuquén Informa | LM Neuquén | Río Negro