Massa delays the definitions in the Energy area and the versions on the future of Darío Martínez are growing

The reformulation of energy policy -with greater removal of tariff concessions– indicated that Sergio Massa intends to move forward in the Energy Secretariat. But the new Minister of Economy has not confirmed whether Darío Martínez will continue to lead that unit and the new policies for the area that the leader of the Renewal Front has in mind.

Massa’s announcements differed the tariff policy implemented by the current management of the Ministry of Energy. There they had agreed on a segmentation (removal of subsidies to high-income sectors) and nothing more.

They do not like the idea of ​​subsidizing a freeze on consumption and charging the surplus more, as Massa proposes: they assume, for example, that households that do not have a connection to the natural gas grid use more electricity. Those customers will have to pay more than now.

The agreement between vice president Cristina Kirchner and Massa to open his way to the Executive remains blocked. According to transcended in that momentCristina would have indicated that she wanted to the continuity of Federico Basualdo, Undersecretary for Electricity, and his Bishop in the Secretariat for Energy. Federico Bernal, controller of Enargas, is another protege of the vice president.

But that mantle of Christinist protection does not reach Darío Martínez. Neuquén is a strategic ally of Kirchnerism, but in La Cámpora and the Instituto Patria they don’t feel 100% own.

The delay in his ratification would indicate that Massa may be closer to finding a replacement for him. The energy managers who deal with Massa say so the vice president will not question a departure from Martínez.

The name of who could replace Martínez is unknown. The idea of a Patagonian womanBut so far no names have been released.

The other possible relief is more controversial. This is Federico Basualdo, Undersecretary for Electricity. He is the Vice President’s referent in terms of rates. When Guzmán wanted to oust him, he met with resistance from Kirchnerism.

There are several transcendences on its continuity. The official would be willing to accompany a rate hike -who refused at the time of Guzmán- if that’s what Cristina orders. He is a supporter of the Deputy and will abide by his guidelines.

The officials who have dealt with Massa in recent days say that he too is opposed to Basualdo. Daniel Vila and José Luis Manzano, the owners of Edenor e very close to the new Minister of EconomyThey want Basualdo out of the Energy Secretariat. Massa listens to them and even points out that, with Martínez’s farewell, Basualdo could also leave.

Martínez would also have been discredited because he promised that there will be no more increases in the medium and low sectors during this year. But the Massa had the task of emphasizing that there will be, when they exceed certain basic consumption.

During the press conference in which he announced the removal of further subsidies, Massa he was asked twice about the continuity of energy officials. In both of them she refused to answer directly. She said he wanted to talk to the people in those positions first.

The sectors of Kirchnerism have made it known that both Martínez and Basualdo will continue in their duties. But outside of that space, hardly anyone gives the Secretary of Energy any chance of continuity.

With Basualdo it’s different. Massa knows he is one of the officials with whom Cristina has a solid bond. Of a dozen consulted in the last two days, half said he will continue and the other that he could enter the starting “combo” with Martínez.

NEITHER