National deputy Oscar Herrera Ahuad said he will reject the government bill on private property and easier land acquisition. He argues that in Misiones it could accelerate forced sales by indebted small farmers and alter territorial control.
About 500,000 people, roughly 30% of the province, live in rural areas, while 15,000 yerba-mate growers face an income crisis. Treating land only as an asset could displace producing families.
Governor Hugo Passalacqua, mayors, the Church, women's groups and activist Rulo Bregagnolo share objections. They argue that land decisions must remain in Misiones rather than follow uniform national rules.
The debate is also federal and environmental: Misiones borders Paraguay and Brazil, sits over the Guaraní aquifer and contains Paraná forest. Concentration could affect water, food, biodiversity and border settlement.
Herrera Ahuad recalled granting property titles as governor, separating legal security for residents from liberalised transactions that might expel them. He wants that distinction in Congress.
The final bill and any safeguards for small producers, strategic resources and borders will be decisive. Without them, Herrera Ahuad will vote no and the federal dispute will continue.
