Former President Mauricio Macri expressed harsh criticisms towards presidential advisor Santiago Caputo after the bidding process for dredging and buoying the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway was declared null. Macri pointed out that the ruling party failed to carry out a competitive process and promised to respond to Caputo in the coming days.
The conflict originated on January 12 when the government declared the bidding null after determining that only one company had submitted an offer. Macri denied accusations of pressures to favor a specific company, pointing to irregularities in the current management.
Macri directly blamed Santiago Caputo for what he described as a shadow commission that would have distorted the bidding process. In response, Caputo questioned the former president's statements through social media.
The former president also criticized the president's relationship with his inner circle, expressing discomfort over what he considered a slight against PRO in negotiations for a potential electoral alliance with La Libertad Avanza. Macri expressed doubts about the alliance in this context and highlighted the importance of transparency in the process surrounding the Waterway.
The conflict surrounding the Waterway, vital for the Argentine economy, has triggered mutual accusations among different political and business actors. The Executive Director of Ports and Navigable Ways denounced alleged sabotage of the bidding process, while various personalities have been pointed out for possible irregularities.
These political tensions have affected Argentina's reputation and raised significant concerns regarding transparency and competition in the bidding process of the Waterway. In this context of disputes and allegations, the situation continues to escalate in intensity, adding new chapters to a conflict that seems far from resolution.
