MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner administration escalates dispute with Congress over bank reserves

It was Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo turn to take the stand

Argentine Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo assured on Friday that it's not the Senate's prerogative “to designate the Central Bank Governor,” and informed that their only task is to check whether the person appointed by the Executive “is suitable for the seat or not”.

Randazzo’s statement is a follow up of the strong attacks of President Cristina Kirchner on Congress, and the Senate’s reaction to reject the nomination of acting president of the central bank Mercedes Marco del Pont who transferred reserves to the Treasury to pay debts.

“I don't believe Marco del Pont's appointment will be rejected because senators have to pass judgment on her suitability, which is obvious since it's clear she is a very capable person,” he added.

However, Randazzo decided not to make any rushed predictions regarding what her attitude will be in case the Senate eventually rejects her appointment, as the Appointments Committee suggested it would last Wednesday.

Still, the lawmaker said he remained “confident” since “some senators reconsider that this opposition-made transitional union of interests only cares about boycotting the government, jeopardizing the future of all Argentines”.

Regarding Marcó del Pont's statements, in which she said she would abandon her post in case the Senate rejects her appointment, Randazzo said ”it would be a shame.“

Last Wednesday, the opposition-led Appointment Committee summoned Marcó del Pont ”only 30 minutes before she was due to appear, and without even listening to her they quickly dismissed her designation,“ Randazzo explained.

”I'm sure that the CB Law in no way states that during her appointment they can decide on who is designated governor,” he informed.

On Thursday Mrs Kirchner criticized the current congressional opposition which she described as “not a majority, but a circumstantial gathering, a blending of several sectors who are just trying to place obstacles in our decisions and attempt to dismiss officials.”

“I know it is my responsibility to service the debt, so I will seek ways to do it. I will not allow a judge to default it: another president has already defaulted it and caused severe damage to all the Argentines” Mrs Kirchner stressed recalling the 2001/02 default.

She even said she was “willing to be condemned by any judge, but not by the history,” when she strongly made clear that she is not to “leave the country with an unpaid debt.”

The cash strapped administration of Mrs Kirchner is desperate to tap 6.6 billion US dollars from central bank reserves to pay 2010 debts.