ARGENTINA: SAN LUIS GOVERNOR SAYS GOA LACKS MASTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 001393

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/09/2038
TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON AR
SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: SAN LUIS GOVERNOR SAYS GOA LACKS MASTER
PLAN

Classified By: Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d)


1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador Wayne met with San Luis
Governor and 2007 presidential candidate Rodriguez Saa on
October 1. A dissident Peronist and critic of the Cristina
Fernandez de Kirchner (CFK) administration, Rodriguez Saa
expressed his frustration at the current political situation,
alleging the lack of a "master plan" for domestic and foreign
policy and describing the GOA's foreign policy as the "worst
ever." The Ambassador asked why San Luis province, which is
among the provinces that receives the lowest proportion of
federal revenue-sharing, appears to enjoy a healthier economy
than other provinces. Rodriguez Saa cited generalized
corruption and a dearth of long-term financial planning as
contributing factors behind the poorer economic situation in
other provinces. The Governor did not discuss his
presidential aspirations and for now appears focused on his
province's priorities and launching his new political
coalition, "Another Country is Possible." He may calculate
that criticizing the administration could bolster his public
image while dissociating him from the Kirchners' lackluster
policies. The Ambassador advised Rodriguez Saa of his plans
to visit San Luis in late November. End Summary.


2. (SBU) Ambassador Wayne met with San Luis Governor and 2007
presidential candidate Alberto Rodriguez Saa on October 1.
The Governor's advisor, Alfredo Barzola, accompanied him.
Polcouns and Poloff (notetaker) also attended.

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Frustration with the Administration
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3. (SBU) Rodriguez Saa remarked that he maintains little
dialogue with the national government, adding that his
constituency is "annoyed" with the policies of President
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's (CFK) administration. He
alleged that the GOA lacks a "master plan" for domestic and
foreign policy. An outspoken critic of the CFK
administration's handling of the farm conflict, Rodriguez Saa
argued that the national government should adopt a "hands-off
policy" to enable farmers to capitalize on historically high
international commodity prices to invest in expanded
production. In his view, the rural sector's participation in
upcoming 2009 interim elections would be a positive
development.

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Looking to 2009
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4. (SBU) Rodriguez Saa predicted that the ruling Victory
Front (FpV) coalition will suffer a large electoral loss in
the 2009 mid-term legislative elections because of the CFK
administration's poor performance. In referring to his
recent efforts to form a new political coalition called
"Another Country is Possible," the Governor expressed
optimism that his party would perform well in the 2009
elections. (Note: In September 2008, Rodriguez Saa
announced his plans to run in the 2011 presidential elections
under his new coalition. Although very popular in San Luis
and neighboring provinces, he only received 7.71 percent of
the votes nationwide in the 2007 presidential race.)

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A Foreign Policy Low-Point
--------------


5. (SBU) The Governor described the administration's foreign
policy approach as the "worst ever." He remarked that
Argentina's ongoing conflict with Uruguay over a pulp mill
plant is "unforgivable" and described Argentina's
relationship with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as
"tragicomic" and an enormous mistake.

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Priorities for his Province
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6. (SBU) Rodriguez Saa enthusiastically described his goals
for his province to include expanding public access to
computers, tapping into alternative energy sources, and
investing in infrastructure and education. He said he hopes
to accomplish these priorities without taking on new
provincial debt. He expressed optimism about the province's
ability to develop and utilize alternative energy sources,
including solar and methane from waste recycling. The
Ambassador asked why San Luis province, which is among the
provinces that receives the lowest proportion of federal
revenue-sharing, appears to enjoy a healthier economy than
other provinces. Rodriguez Saa cited generalized corruption
and a dearth of long-term financial planning as contributing
factors behind the poorer economic situation in other
provinces.

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Bio Note
--------------


7. (SBU) Rodriguez Saa was reelected to his post in August
2007 with almost 85 percent of the votes. In a July 2008
poll published in the Argentine financial daily "El
Cronista," he ranked number five out of provincial governors
in terms of popularity among his constituents, receiving a 69
percent approval rating. From 2003 to 2007, Rodriguez Saa
served his first term as Governor. He was Chief of Staff in
the San Luis Cabinet from February to December 2001. From
1983 to 1994, he was a national Senator for San Luis
province. Born in 1949, Rodriguez Saa has a law degree from
the University of Buenos Aires. His brother, Adolfo,
preceded him in the gubernatorial seat and for one week in
2001 served as Argentina's interim President. The Governor
has three children.

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Comment
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8. (C) The Governor did not discuss his presidential
aspirations and for now appears focused on his province's
priorities and launching his new political coalition,
"Another Country is Possible." Rodriguez Saa may calculate
that criticizing the administration could bolster his public
image while dissociating him from the Kirchners' lackluster
policies. The Governor was warm and friendly, talking
energetically about his priorities, his unique house (which
incorporates recycled material),and his desire to expand
public access to computers. The meeting provided an
excellent opportunity to establish rapport prior to the
Ambassador's late November visit to San Luis.
WAYNE