The national deputy Jorge “Coqui” Chica participated in the commemoration in La Rioja for the 50 years of the murder of Monsignor Enrique Angelelli and the Rioja martyrs. The presence of the San Juan legislator from Unión por la Patria acquired additional political significance because the event was led by Governor Ricardo Quintela, in the midst of tension over the limits between both provinces.
The Government of La Rioja organized the tribute and invited leaders from different sectors of national Peronism. Chica traveled in a personal capacity and also as a representative of Primero la Patria, the internal current led by Sergio Uñac within the San Juan Justicialism. During the activity he made contact with Máximo Kirchner and Eduardo “Wado” de Pedro, representatives of La Cámpora present at the call.
Other central names from PJ of San Juan did not attend. National senator Uñac, deputy Cristian Andino and former governor José Luis Gioja declined the invitation due to previous agenda commitments. The possibility of the former Rawson mayor Juan Carlos Gioja participating also circulated, but his presence ultimately did not materialize.
The difference between these absences and Chica's trip became relevant due to the territorial dispute promoted from La Rioja. Quintela maintains an open question about the border route with San Juan, a position that generated rejection from the San Juan political leadership. The tribute was not called to discuss this conflict, but it brought together actors who hold opposing positions on the provincial issue.
The Partido Justicialista de San Juan has already established a common institutional position with the government of Marcelo Orrego. Despite its political differences with the provincial administration, the PJ supported the defense of the historical limits through a statement and rejected any modification promoted from La Rioja. This definition places Chica's party within the San Juan consensus, although the deputy has accepted an invitation from the Rioja governor. The trip, therefore, is not equivalent to adhering to Quintela's border approach.
Participation did not resolve the conflict or produce a formal agreement on boundaries. It functioned as a contact channel within Peronism in a situation of strong territorial sensitivity. The next step will depend on how Quintela's approach continues and whether Chica uses the links opened in La Rioja to separate the partisan relationship from the claim that San Juan rejects in a transversal way.
