Sauce de Luna Councilors Defend 150% Allowance Increase Amidst Economic Strain – Breaking News
Sauce de Luna, Argentina – June 12, 2025 – A contentious decision by the Sauce de Luna Deliberative Council to significantly increase councilors’ allowances has ignited a firestorm of public debate and accusations of self-serving behavior. The move, initially reported by FEDERAL AL DÍA, has prompted a robust response from Councilor María José Etcheverry, who asserts the reporting contains inaccuracies and unfairly portrays the council’s actions. This is a developing story with significant implications for local governance and public trust.
The Controversy: A 150% Increase in Allowances
According to initial reports, the councilors unanimously approved a 150% increase in their allowances, raising them from $322,000 to $835,000. This decision came at a time when municipal workers recently received a modest 6% salary increase, and broader economic challenges are impacting residents. The FEDERAL AL DÍA report suggested the increase demonstrated a “disinterest of citizen representatives” and prioritized personal gain over the needs of the community.
Councilor Etcheverry’s Rebuttal: A Matter of Restoration, Not Excess
Councilor Etcheverry swiftly responded with a detailed “right of reply” published to the information portal, vehemently defending the council’s actions. She argues that the increase wasn’t initiated by the council itself, but rather proposed by the Municipal Executive Department as part of the institutional organization chart in 2024. The proposal, she explains, was stalled due to a lack of the required two-thirds support until recently.
Crucially, Etcheverry points out that the Executive branch has simultaneously increased its own salaries by 285% since inauguration, without similar scrutiny. She further clarifies that the allowance increase aims to restore the historical ratio of 20% of the municipal president’s remuneration for councilors – a level that had fallen to 9% – and is necessary to cover expenses such as advice, travel, materials, and training, as councilors do not receive representation expenses or additional compensation.
Beyond the Numbers: Autonomy, Control, and Allegations of Interference
The dispute extends beyond the financial figures. Etcheverry accuses the FEDERAL AL DÍA report of being “offensive, violent and unfair,” specifically citing the characterization of councilors as acting “for social networks.” She emphasizes the Deliberative Council’s productivity, stating it has sanctioned more ordinances in the last 40 years than any previous council, with 90% of those ordinances presented by the opposition and over 50% approved unanimously.
Furthermore, Etcheverry alleges a pattern of interference from the Executive branch, led by Mayor Alcides Alderete, violating the autonomy of powers established by the Organic Law of Municipalities. She claims the Executive is attempting an “institutional boycott” of the council, aiming to “LEAVE US WITHOUT RESOURCES…TO PREVENT US FROM INVESTIGATING THE MANY IRREGULARITIES THAT ARE COMMITTED.” She lists specific concerns including “THREATS, CLOSURE OF THE COUNCIL, GENDER VIOLENCE, IRREGULAR HIRING, NEPOTISM.”
The Bigger Picture: Local Governance and Public Trust in Argentina
This incident in Sauce de Luna reflects broader challenges facing local governance in Argentina. Economic instability and declining public trust in institutions are creating a volatile environment for local officials. The debate over allowances highlights the delicate balance between fair compensation for public service and responsible stewardship of public funds. The concept of a ‘diet’ or allowance for councilors is common in many countries, but transparency and justification are paramount, especially during times of economic hardship. Understanding the structure of local government in Argentina – the relationship between the Deliberative Council and the Executive branch – is key to understanding the nuances of this dispute.
The allegations of interference and attempts to stifle oversight raise serious concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. A functioning Deliberative Council, capable of independently scrutinizing executive actions, is vital for accountability and good governance. The situation in Sauce de Luna serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a free press and the right of reply for public officials to address potentially damaging accusations.
As the situation unfolds, the community of Sauce de Luna, and observers of Argentine local politics, will be watching closely to see how this dispute is resolved and what impact it will have on the future of local governance. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this breaking story and in-depth coverage of local government issues.
