Leandro Santoro: Hostages of 50 Business Groups
Buenos Aires Legislator Candidate Santoro Unveils Book, Criticizes City’s ‘Maxikiosco‘
Table of Contents
- Buenos Aires Legislator Candidate Santoro Unveils Book, Criticizes City’s ‘Maxikiosco’
- Buenos Aires’ “Maxikiosco”: an Exploration of Leandro Santoro’s Criticisms
- What is the “Maxikiosco” and Why Did Leandro Santoro Write a Book About It?
- What Does the Term “Maxikiosco” Represent?
- What Issues Does Santoro Address in His Book?
- What are the Key Allegations regarding Garbage Collection?
- What Are the Key Accusations Against Emova?
- How Does Real Estate Fit into the “Maxikiosco” Narrative?
- What is the State of public Health According to Santoro?
- What is the Objective of Santoro’s Campaign?
- What Solutions Does Santoro Propose?
- Where Did the Book Launch Take place and Who Attended?
- What Was the Tribute at the Book Launch?
- In Summary: Key Concerns Addressed by Leandro Santoro
- What Does Santoro Hope to Achieve in the “Coming Months?”
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Legislator candidate Leandro Santoro presented his book, “Maxikiosco,” at the Armenian club in the Palermo neighborhood less than three weeks after city elections. The book, the result of six months of research, scrutinizes private businesses allegedly benefiting from Buenos Aires’ public resources.
Santoro, a candidate for the Buenos Aires legislature, stated that the campaign’s primary goal is to expose what he calls the “Maxikiosco,” arguing that the city is controlled by a small number of powerful business groups. “We are hostages of 50 business groups that are the true owners of the city,” Santoro said. He added,”The most important thing is to close it if we want a more human city.”
Tribute to Missing Police Officer
the book launch commenced with a tribute to Arshak Karhanyan,a young police officer of Armenian descent who disappeared Feb. 24, 2019. Karhanyan worked in the cybercrime unit of the City Police. Santoro criticized the circumstances surrounding Karhanyan’s disappearance, stating, “Arshak’s mother has had to go to the police station where her son worked and tell him not to work there.” He likened the situation to a “Kafka story,” referencing the oppressive bureaucracy frequently enough depicted in the author’s works.
Among those in attendance were Buenos Aires politician Mariano Recalde, deputies Paula Penacca and Eduardo Valdés, and Juan Manuel Olmos, a key campaign strategist and fellow candidate for legislator.
Exposing the ‘Candies’ of the ‘Maxikiosco’
From a stage decorated to represent the various “candies” of Buenos Aires’ “maxikiosco” – including hospitals, broken sidewalks, cranes, and luxury towers – Santoro detailed what he described as the businesses that wield true power in the city. He credited Jorge Azis with creating the “maxikiosco” metaphor to illustrate the business framework that he alleges is distributed as a form of loot.
Garbage Collection
Santoro began with the issue of garbage collection, calling it “the most critically important contract.” He claimed that six companies involved in garbage collection, many of which also provide other public services, are overwhelming the city due to reduced collection frequency. According to Santoro, Buenos Aires spends four times more per square kilometer on garbage collection than Madrid.
Subway System
The subway system was another area of concern. Santoro criticized Emova, a company linked to the Roggio group, for allegedly inflating rates. He claimed that Emova inflates resources to charge users more. “Macri’s friends whent from being friends with the State’s suppliers,” he said.
Real Estate
Turning to real estate, which he called “the mecca of the PRO,” santoro stated that the Buenos Aires government has detached 336 public hectares, equivalent to more than 60 river Plate soccer fields. He cited the sale of the Building of the Plata to the IRSA group and expressed concern that retirees are becoming owners. Santoro argued that the tenant process is worsening as construction is increasingly used for speculation, forcing residents out of the city due to the high cost of living.
Public Health
public health also faced scrutiny. “Outside is a public hospital, but inside it is full of companies,” Santoro said. He alleged that equipment, shifts, cleaning, security, and food services are all outsourced to private companies, many of whom are connected to those in power, with minimal state oversight. “Even the most unusual is privatized,” he claimed.
Public Works
Santoro also criticized public works projects, particularly road construction, alleging that a single private company controls the rest of those who execute the work. Regarding crane and hauling services, he noted that the city has been divided into only two zones for 20 years, awarded to companies that paid what he described as “ridiculous canons.”
Santoro emphasized that the election is for legislators, not the head of government, and that the challenge is to “reconcile the State with people.” He stated that people are not angry with the public sector itself, but with the intermediaries who conduct business with it. He advocated for more participatory democracy, social control, and transparency.
Santoro pledged to establish investigating commissions to scrutinize these businesses and renegotiate contracts with private companies to ensure the city benefits its residents. “our function in the coming months is to open the eyes of people, show him what is inside the maxikiosco,” he said. “But the most important thing is to close it. if we want a more human city, we have to finish these businesses to invest in people.”
Campaign’s Final Stretch
Santoro’s campaign anticipates a strong finish. the campaign closure will be at the Law Faculty of the University of Buenos Aires,a symbolic gesture in defence of the public university.
Buenos Aires’ “Maxikiosco”: an Exploration of Leandro Santoro’s Criticisms
What is the “Maxikiosco” and Why Did Leandro Santoro Write a Book About It?
Leandro Santoro, a candidate for the Buenos Aires legislature, wrote a book titled “Maxikiosco” to scrutinize private businesses allegedly benefiting from Buenos Aires’ public resources. The term “Maxikiosco,” coined by Jorge Azis, serves as a metaphor for the city’s alleged business framework, where powerful business groups control various aspects of public services. Santoro believes that 50 business groups are the true owners of the city and that this framework needs to be dismantled for a more equitable society. The book launch occurred less than three weeks after city elections.
What Does the Term “Maxikiosco” Represent?
The “Maxikiosco” represents the network of private businesses that Leandro Santoro claims wield significant power in Buenos Aires. These businesses, according to Santoro, are deeply intertwined with the city’s public resources, potentially at the expense of its residents.
What Issues Does Santoro Address in His Book?
Santoro’s book addresses several key issues related to the “Maxikiosco,” including:
- Garbage Collection: Santoro criticized the contracts with six companies involved in garbage collection,highlighting reduced collection frequency.
- Subway System: He criticized Emova, a company linked to the Roggio group, for allegedly overcharging users.
- Real Estate: Santoro criticized the government selling public land and its impact on residents.
- Public health: Santoro criticized the outsourcing of public hospital services to private companies linked to those in power.
- Public Works: He criticized the control of road construction and crane/hauling services by a single company.
What are the Key Allegations regarding Garbage Collection?
Santoro claims that Buenos Aires spends four times more per square kilometer on garbage collection than Madrid. He suggests a potential issue with the contracts given to the six companies in garbage collection.
What Are the Key Accusations Against Emova?
Santoro criticizes Emova, a company connected to the roggio group, for inflating rates within the subway system and overcharging users. he suggests this is another example of how connected businesses are profiting from public services.
How Does Real Estate Fit into the “Maxikiosco” Narrative?
Santoro calls real estate “the mecca of the PRO.” He claims the Buenos Aires government has detached 336 public hectares. He cites the sale of the building of the Plata to the IRSA group. Santoro expresses concern about rising housing costs and the increasing use of construction for speculation, which is forcing residents to leave the city.
What is the State of public Health According to Santoro?
Santoro alleges that public hospitals are effectively run by private companies. He claims that equipment, shifts, cleaning, security, and food services are outsourced to private companies, many with connections to those in power, with minimal state oversight.
What is the Objective of Santoro’s Campaign?
Santoro’s campaign aims to expose the “Maxikiosco.” He wants to reveal which businesses control the city’s resources and influence. His ultimate goal is an examination of these businesses and the renegotiation of contracts.
What Solutions Does Santoro Propose?
Santoro advocates for:
* Establishing investigating commissions to scrutinize businesses.
* Renegotiating contracts with private companies.
* A more participatory democracy, social control, and transparency to ensure the city benefits its residents.
Where Did the Book Launch Take place and Who Attended?
The book was launched at the Armenian club in the Palermo neighborhood. Attendees included Buenos Aires politician Mariano Recalde, along with deputies Paula Penacca and Eduardo Valdés, and Juan Manuel Olmos, a key campaign strategist.
What Was the Tribute at the Book Launch?
The book launch commenced with a tribute to arshak Karhanyan,a young police officer of Armenian descent who disappeared. Santoro criticized the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. He referenced bureaucratic failings within the police department,calling it a ”Kafka story.”
In Summary: Key Concerns Addressed by Leandro Santoro
| Area of Concern | Allegations |
| :————— | :———————————————————————————————— |
| Garbage Collection | Six companies, reduced collection frequency, higher costs than Madrid. |
| Subway System | Emova (Roggio group) inflating rates. |
| Real Estate | Sale of public land, rising housing costs, and speculative construction. |
| Public Health | Outsourcing of hospital services to private companies tied to power, minimal state oversight. |
| Public Works | Single private company controlling road construction, issues with crane and hauling services contracts. |
What Does Santoro Hope to Achieve in the “Coming Months?”
Santoro stated, “Our function in the coming months is to open the eyes of people, show him what is inside the maxikiosco,” He wants citizens to understand the issues and support his goals.