Dismantling of the National Emergency Directorate by Milei’s Government Sparks Criticism Amid Crisis in Bahía Blanca

Mar 10, 2025 Photo: EFE

March 10, 2025 Hour: 5:34 pm

This move has been interpreted as a weakening of the government’s capacity to respond to emergencies, leading to widespread discontent among citizens and social organizations.

The recent dismantling of the National Emergency Directorate by Javier Milei’s government has sparked controversy and criticism in the wake of the devastating storm that struck Bahía Blanca, leaving at least 16 dead and causing severe damage to the city’s infrastructure.

The decision to shut down this entity, whose primary function was to provide assistance in disaster situations, came just three days before the natural disaster, leaving the local population without crucial support during a critical time.

The Minister of Human Capital, Sandra Pettovello, justified the dismissal of 485 employees from the institution by arguing that there was an “overlap of areas,” in line with the state reduction policy promoted by the Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger.

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This move has been interpreted as a weakening of the government’s capacity to respond to emergencies, leading to widespread discontent among citizens and social organizations.

The National Emergency Directorate was responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts, including the provision of medical supplies, professionals, and trained personnel to offer psychological and social support to those affected. Its closure has exposed a lack of preparedness in the face of the emergency, prompting many to question the effectiveness of the government’s new approach.

Instead of activating emergency protocols through this directorate, the government has chosen to send the Ministers of Security and Defense, Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri, to manage the situation.

From now on, emergencies will be handled by the National System for Comprehensive Risk Management (Sinagir), an agency under the Ministry of Security. This shift has raised concerns about the capacity to respond effectively and the appropriateness of the approach to natural disasters.

The situation in Bahía Blanca remains critical, with a rising number of victims and significant material damage. The government’s decision to eliminate a key entity for emergency management has called into question its commitment to the safety and well-being of the population during times of crisis.