MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine farmers insist on end to CFK “superpowers”

CRA, head Mario Llambias

Argentine farm leaders this week end urged the federal government to put an end to the so-called superpowers that allow the Cabinet Chief office to reallocate funds.

Argentina Rural Confederations, CRA, head Mario Llambías and Rural Society Vice-President Hugo Biolcati said in a communiqué that "the main battle to be held at Congress is to limit superpowers, that otherwise will choke federalism". They spoke during a ceremony to mark the 100 anniversary of Tucumán province Rural Society. A communiqué issued by CRA said that the organizations grouped at the Liaison Committee proposed to fight against superpowers. Speaking to an audience of over 500 farmers, Llambías said: "the battle will be long. The ruling couple is taking revenge and we must stick together". The administration of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, CFK, and the previous of her husband, Nestor Kirchner have ruled with special "super powers" alleging the emergency situation of the country's economy stemming from the 2001/02 crash and default. However the emergency reallocation of funds has allowed the Kirchner couple to cement their political grip over the country and ensure a comfortable majority in Congress. However since the showdown with protesting farmers over export taxes when the Congress with the decisive vote of the vice president turned down the Executive initiative, the fidelity of that mathematical majority is not clear and for the first time in several years the chances of other leaders in the ruling hegemonic Peronist party have emerged.