Developing a political agenda

Political parties are currently not in fashion. While they remain essential pillars of the democratic system, their role has been increasingly challenged by the emergence of political engagement through social media platforms. Particularly among the younger generation, they are often perceived as enigmatic entities, old structures for the rapid pace of contemporary decision-making processes.

However, in institutional analysis, trends cannot dictate everything, precisely because it involves considering the long term. This is why it is essential to reconsider their relevance. Let's be clear: without parties, we are doomed to a weak democratic system characterized by short-term thinking and impermanent ideas, those embraced with the same fervor with which they are abandoned.

In order for them to once again become a catalyst for society, it is necessary for political parties to understand the historical context without being tied to dogmas, and to help calibrate the fluctuations of a country where we swing from left to right without pause.

Argentina is experiencing times of economic liberalization (though liberalism might not accurately describe a process marked by significant intolerance). However, it is striking that the focus has not yet been placed on a central axis: economic competition. It can be said that an updated law is lacking, which is true, but there are several issues where progress could already be made. And it is here where political parties, led by their presidents, can play a fundamental role, setting a course.

Let's start with something as urgent as medications for retirees. Simply highlighting the long history of economic concentration and abuses by pharmaceutical companies, dating back to the times of President Illia, and more recent irregularities with vaccines during the pandemic, would suffice. It should be emphasized that it would be feasible to lower the prices paid by PAMI with action from the competition authority in conjunction with relevant state agencies. This was done in 2017, with a significant impact: given the current state of budget cuts, we are talking about medications with inflated prices, for which over 351 billion pesos are allocated.

Another case, which directly calls for legislation in Congress, is the subsidy regime in Tierra del Fuego. With 1.567 billion dollars per year, accounting for 0.22% of the total budget, it represents all state spending on science and technology and 40% of what was allocated to the Universal Child Allowance. It is clear that the regime cannot be abolished overnight, as thousands of jobs and the economy of a province are at stake. However, there is always a way forward: gradually transition from a regime that absurdly rewards the billing of beneficiary companies to one that encourages innovation and value-added activities. A reform to the old Law N° 19.460 could include a temporary scheme to only maintain the tax credit when value is added in the country, as well as equalization of internal taxes, review of profits, and tariffs.

Political parties must move away from the "nowhere" that is criticism for the sake of criticism, from the empty rhetoric on social media that only seeks personal prominence. They have a constitutional mission and must rise to the occasion, adding substance to an otherwise mediocre political agenda. They represent the past, but above all, they are the future.