Overview
- Lorena Villaverde of La Libertad Avanza posted and then deleted a video calling the hail “beautiful” and “amazing,” later apologizing and saying she meant astonishment, not delight in the damage.
- The Monday storm hit orchards in Cipolletti, Allen and General Roca, with more than 2,000 hectares damaged and some producers reporting 80–90% losses.
- Provincial and national teams are inspecting affected farms, and officials urged growers to submit sworn damage declarations to formalize assessments.
- Senator-elect Martín Soria introduced a bill to declare a Fruit Emergency to mobilize relief in line with growers’ requests.
- The controversy adds to pressure on Villaverde as federal justice reviews a complaint about alleged campaign-financing irregularities reported to involve figures linked to José Luis Espert.