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Funes Mayor Requests 17-Day Leave to Attend World Cup

The formal license follows municipal rules for extended foreign travel and has drawn local criticism because it comes during ongoing personal and infrastructure disputes.

Overview

  • Rolvider “Roly” Santacroce filed a 17-day license with the Concejo Deliberante to attend Argentina’s group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup, a personal tradition he has maintained for six previous tournaments.
  • The Concejo reported approval of the request and Carlos Olmedo, president of the legislative body, will take charge of the municipality during Santacroce’s absence.
  • Santacroce defended the trip as a needed short break, saying he works a lot and had not taken vacations, and noted he will travel with long-time friends including one based in the United States.
  • Opposition figures and local critics questioned the timing and tone of his remarks, citing the strained municipal finances and public frustration over governance priorities.
  • The license renewed attention on recent local controversies—an earlier complaint by the mayor’s wife and a dispute over unauthorized road works on the Rosario–Córdoba service road—which critics say intensify concerns about leaving the office for an extended period.