The Deliberative Council of Concordia held its 22nd Ordinary Session under the presidency of Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza, in a legislative day marked by the approval of a historic ordinance: the creation of a free ticket for primary and secondary school students. The session was attended by students from Technical School No. 1 and, at the end, the Vice Mayor and the political blocs expressed their positions on the approved projects and the debates they generated.
Statements by Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza
The Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza described the approval of the free ticket as a "historic event" that will transform access to education. She highlighted that the ordinance, financed with provincial and municipal subsidies, benefits multiple sectors:
"I believe this gives a great boost to the entire educational system," stated the Vice Mayor, stressing that the measure eliminates economic barriers for students to attend classes.
A new category was also created, the “Boleto Concordia” for all residents of Concordia who verify their address in the city and do not receive another ticket benefit, which implies a 40% discount on the full fare.
Regarding the debate on a resolution from the PJ bloc that repudiated an alleged "restriction on freedom of the press," Reta de Urquiza described the initiative as "contradictory." She pointed out that "if there is a party that has been against freedom of the press, it has been the Justicialist Party" and mentioned historical episodes such as the closure of the newspaper La Prensa during Peronism, the conflicts with Clarín during Kirchnerism, and the situation of the press during Menemism. Despite the discrepancies, she highlighted that the ruling party approved a modified version of the project, which demonstrates a commitment to dialogue, she concluded.
Positions of the Political Blocs
Juntos por Entre Ríos Bloc (Ruling Party): Councilwoman Silvina Ovelar celebrated the bloc's positive vote for the free ticket. She described the measure as a "long-awaited achievement" that will ease the financial burden on families. She expressed her astonishment at the opposition's negative vote, noting that "the negative vote of the Justicialist Party catches my attention when they are defenders of social justice." Although she acknowledged that the implementation involved "some increases," she emphasized that the benefit of free access prevails over tariff adjustments.
Justicialist Party Bloc (Opposition): For her part, Councilwoman Carolina Amiano defended her bloc's negative vote, clarifying that they do not oppose free access itself, but rather how it is financed. Amiano argued that the measure is "masked" by an increase in the general fare that "nears 50%" and that falls unfairly on social fare users and those who do not have benefits.
Regarding the resolution on freedom of the press, Amiano regretted that the ruling party modified the original text, removing the mention of the "National Government." According to the councilwoman, this caused the resolution to "lose all meaning", since the main objective was "to express our repudiation of any measure or initiative of the National Government that implies censorship," in reference to the actions promoted by the Ministry of Security, she concluded.
Other Highlights of the Day
In addition to the approval of the new transport fare schedule, the Deliberative Council of Concordia dedicated part of its session to recognizing local institutions, entities, and personalities. The unanimity in the voting of these projects highlights the consensus around initiatives that promote culture, education, and health in the city.
Recognitions
Tributes
Recognition of Industry and Management in Concordia
Council member Pablo Bovino, from the Más para Entre Ríos bloc, took the floor to commemorate the Industry Day of last September 2. He underscored the importance for "all levels of government" to reflect on the need to create public policies that boost the sector. Bovino acknowledged that the industry is going through a complex moment and emphasized that, to generate development and employment, it is essential to drive this productive sector.
In the same vein, councilwoman Verónica del Boca took the opportunity to recognize the work of Luis Kolaric, head of the Industrial Park of Concordia. Del Boca praised the development plan, modernization, and the new regulations being implemented, which advance in harmony with the policies promoted by the Municipal Executive.
Secretary's Day
In a gesture of recognition, councilman Satalía Méndez greeted all the secretaries of the council members and the municipality on their day, which is commemorated today September 4. The councilman thanked them for the dedication and work they perform daily, highlighting their fundamental role in the proper functioning of the Council and the different areas of the municipal administration.
National Immigrant Day
On September 4, Argentina commemorates National Immigrant Day, a date that pays tribute to those who arrived in the country in search of a new home, began by noting councilman Mauricio Rey. This celebration was established in 1949 in memory of the 1812 decree of the First Triumvirate, which offered protection and opportunities to foreigners who wished to inhabit the territory. Immigration has been a fundamental pillar in Argentine history. The great migratory waves, especially at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, not only boosted economic growth, but also enriched the national culture with a diversity of customs, languages and traditions that are today an integral part of the country's identity, he concluded.
Statements by Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza
The Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza described the approval of the free ticket as a "historic event" that will transform access to education. She highlighted that the ordinance, financed with provincial and municipal subsidies, benefits multiple sectors:
- Student Ticket: Free for primary and secondary school students.
- Persons with Disabilities: Free access.
- University Students: Discount of 70%.
- Teachers: Discount of 50%
"I believe this gives a great boost to the entire educational system," stated the Vice Mayor, stressing that the measure eliminates economic barriers for students to attend classes.
A new category was also created, the “Boleto Concordia” for all residents of Concordia who verify their address in the city and do not receive another ticket benefit, which implies a 40% discount on the full fare.
Regarding the debate on a resolution from the PJ bloc that repudiated an alleged "restriction on freedom of the press," Reta de Urquiza described the initiative as "contradictory." She pointed out that "if there is a party that has been against freedom of the press, it has been the Justicialist Party" and mentioned historical episodes such as the closure of the newspaper La Prensa during Peronism, the conflicts with Clarín during Kirchnerism, and the situation of the press during Menemism. Despite the discrepancies, she highlighted that the ruling party approved a modified version of the project, which demonstrates a commitment to dialogue, she concluded.
Positions of the Political Blocs
Juntos por Entre Ríos Bloc (Ruling Party): Councilwoman Silvina Ovelar celebrated the bloc's positive vote for the free ticket. She described the measure as a "long-awaited achievement" that will ease the financial burden on families. She expressed her astonishment at the opposition's negative vote, noting that "the negative vote of the Justicialist Party catches my attention when they are defenders of social justice." Although she acknowledged that the implementation involved "some increases," she emphasized that the benefit of free access prevails over tariff adjustments.
Justicialist Party Bloc (Opposition): For her part, Councilwoman Carolina Amiano defended her bloc's negative vote, clarifying that they do not oppose free access itself, but rather how it is financed. Amiano argued that the measure is "masked" by an increase in the general fare that "nears 50%" and that falls unfairly on social fare users and those who do not have benefits.
Regarding the resolution on freedom of the press, Amiano regretted that the ruling party modified the original text, removing the mention of the "National Government." According to the councilwoman, this caused the resolution to "lose all meaning", since the main objective was "to express our repudiation of any measure or initiative of the National Government that implies censorship," in reference to the actions promoted by the Ministry of Security, she concluded.
Other Highlights of the Day
In addition to the approval of the new transport fare schedule, the Deliberative Council of Concordia dedicated part of its session to recognizing local institutions, entities, and personalities. The unanimity in the voting of these projects highlights the consensus around initiatives that promote culture, education, and health in the city.
Recognitions
- Alberto Müller Williman: The young author, a student at Colegio Capuchinos, was recognized for his first book, “Estado y Mercado”. In his statements, Müller Williman shared that the work is the result of a deep study of various economic theories, from John Maynard Keynes to Ludwig von Mises, and that he hopes it marks the beginning of his intellectual career. His presentation will take place on September 5th within the framework of the 1st Provincial Book Fair in the sector called Bibliopatio of the Concordia Convention Center.
- Palliative Care Foundation: The organization received a distinction for its essential work. Its representative announced an important milestone: the construction of the first hospice inpatient facility for adults in Mesopotamia. He also took the opportunity to call on the authorities to investigate the concerning increase in thyroid and breast cancer cases in young women.
- International Literacy Day (September 7): The event for the Permanent Education for Youth and Adults modality, presented by councilwoman Silvina Ovelar, was declared of interest.
- Provincial U-16 Rugby Team (September 6 and 7): The training camp for this team, presented by councilwoman Silvina Ovelar, was declared of municipal interest.
- Technical Expo No. 2 (September 4 and 5): The sixth edition of this educational and production exhibition, presented by councilman Mauricio Rey, received a declaration of municipal and educational interest.
- Palliative Care Foundation Event (September 6): The event seeking to raise funds for the construction of the hospice, an initiative by councilwoman Claudia Villalba.
- World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10): The event to be held at Plaza 25 de Mayo, presented by councilwoman Claudia Villalba, was declared of municipal, cultural, and educational interest.
- Archives Management Workshop (September 5 and 6): The training workshop on "Processes and Techniques for Archival Document Management" was declared of cultural interest at the proposal of councilwoman Silvina Ovelar.
- Book Presentation "State and Market" (September 5): The presentation of Müller Williman's book was declared of municipal, cultural, and educational interest, a project by council members Silvina Ovelar and Felipe Sastre.
- 100 Years of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (September 6): The celebrations for the parish's centenary, presented by councilwoman Silvina Ovelar, were declared of municipal interest.
Tributes
Recognition of Industry and Management in Concordia
Council member Pablo Bovino, from the Más para Entre Ríos bloc, took the floor to commemorate the Industry Day of last September 2. He underscored the importance for "all levels of government" to reflect on the need to create public policies that boost the sector. Bovino acknowledged that the industry is going through a complex moment and emphasized that, to generate development and employment, it is essential to drive this productive sector.
In the same vein, councilwoman Verónica del Boca took the opportunity to recognize the work of Luis Kolaric, head of the Industrial Park of Concordia. Del Boca praised the development plan, modernization, and the new regulations being implemented, which advance in harmony with the policies promoted by the Municipal Executive.
Secretary's Day
In a gesture of recognition, councilman Satalía Méndez greeted all the secretaries of the council members and the municipality on their day, which is commemorated today September 4. The councilman thanked them for the dedication and work they perform daily, highlighting their fundamental role in the proper functioning of the Council and the different areas of the municipal administration.
National Immigrant Day
On September 4, Argentina commemorates National Immigrant Day, a date that pays tribute to those who arrived in the country in search of a new home, began by noting councilman Mauricio Rey. This celebration was established in 1949 in memory of the 1812 decree of the First Triumvirate, which offered protection and opportunities to foreigners who wished to inhabit the territory. Immigration has been a fundamental pillar in Argentine history. The great migratory waves, especially at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, not only boosted economic growth, but also enriched the national culture with a diversity of customs, languages and traditions that are today an integral part of the country's identity, he concluded.
online session: