Buenos Aires – A dispute over funding for social services has erupted between the city of Buenos Aires, led by Mayor Jorge Macri, and the Buenos Aires Province, governed by Axel Kicillof. Macri is demanding approximately 27 billion pesos (roughly $28.5 million USD as of November 26, 2025) from the province, arguing it’s legally obligated to cover the costs of assisting residents of Buenos Aires Province who are experiencing homelessness and are receiving care within the city limits. The escalating tension highlights a broader debate about responsibility for vulnerable populations and the financial strain on cities providing services to non-residents.
The core of the disagreement centers on the assertion that Buenos Aires Province has a legal responsibility to provide shelter and support for its residents, even when they seek assistance in the capital city. Macri publicly accused Kicillof of neglecting this obligation, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the province needs to “stop looking the other way and comply with the law.” This claim is rooted in existing legislation, though the interpretation and enforcement of those laws are now at the heart of the conflict. The issue of homelessness in Argentina, and specifically in the greater Buenos Aires area, has been steadily increasing in recent years, placing a significant burden on municipal resources.
Rising Numbers and Financial Strain
According to a recent census conducted by the City of Buenos Aires in November 2025, the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased by 27.83% since the previous count in November 2024, reaching a total of 5,176 individuals. The first census, conducted in 2017, recorded 1,602 people. The city operates 61 Centers for Social Inclusion (CIS) that provide 24/7 care and comprehensive support. However, city officials say a substantial portion of those utilizing these services – at least 2,327 people – are documented residents of Buenos Aires Province.
The financial implications are significant. The City of Buenos Aires estimates the monthly cost of providing comprehensive assistance to each individual at approximately $1.163.135 (Argentine pesos). Extrapolating this figure, the city claims it is bearing a total cost of $27.066.151.450 (roughly $28.7 million USD) annually for residents of the province. City officials argue these funds, derived from the efforts of Buenos Aires taxpayers, effectively subsidize social services that should be funded by the provincial government.
Dejá de mirar para otro lado y cumplí la ley: la Provincia tiene que dar alojamiento y asistencia a las personas en situación de calle de PBA. 🚨https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9
&mdash. Jorge Macri (@JorgeMacri) November 26, 2025
Provincial Response and Shifting Responsibilities
As of November 26, 2025, Governor Kicillof’s office has not directly responded to Macri’s public demand. However, officials within the Buenos Aires Province have previously maintained that the responsibility for social welfare is a shared one, and that the city of Buenos Aires has the capacity to manage these services effectively. The debate is further complicated by recent changes to national policy regarding homelessness. In June 2025, the national government of Javier Milei issued Decree 373/2025, which shifted the primary responsibility for managing and funding homelessness services from the national level to individual provinces.
The decree stipulates that the national government will now act as a “regulatory body,” providing oversight and potential financial assistance to provinces that demonstrate a need. This shift in responsibility has intensified the pressure on provincial governments, including Buenos Aires Province, to address the growing issue of homelessness within their jurisdictions. Gabriel Mraida, the Minister of Human Development and Habitat for the City of Buenos Aires, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Each province is responsible for the people in a situation of homelessness within its territory.” He further emphasized that Buenos Aires Province has a law in place to address homelessness but is not currently enforcing it.
A Complex Problem with No Easy Solutions
The situation is not simply a matter of funding. City officials report that the Centers for Social Inclusion are consistently reaching capacity, and a majority of those seeking shelter are, from Buenos Aires Province. “We’ve opened more than 10 centers, and they all fill up systematically. The majority are from Buenos Aires Province,” a representative from the Ministry of Human Development told La Nación. While the city intends to continue providing emergency assistance, officials insist that the provincial government must grab a more active role in addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing long-term solutions for its residents.
The debate also highlights the broader challenges of urban migration and the concentration of social services in major cities. People experiencing homelessness often migrate to urban centers in search of opportunities and access to resources, placing a strain on the infrastructure and budgets of those cities. Finding a sustainable solution will require collaboration between the city and the province, as well as a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues.
The next step in this unfolding dispute is expected to be a formal meeting between representatives from the City of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province to discuss the financial claims and explore potential solutions. The outcome of these discussions will likely set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future. Residents and advocates are closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
If you or someone you recognize is experiencing homelessness, resources are available. You can find information and assistance through local social service agencies or by contacting the national helpline at [Insert Argentine National Homeless Helpline Number if available – verified].
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