In search of the lost order: the Neuquén security policy after the murder of Carlos Fuentealba (2008-2011)

Abstract

This article aims to account for the security policy developed by the Neuquén Party- State in the context after the murder of teacher Carlos Fuentealba during the repression of a protest by the Association of Education Workers of Neuquén (ATEN) in April, 2007. The central hypothesis of this paper is that the security policies developed during the first term of Jorge Sapag (2007-2011) are linked to the need of the Neuquén Popular Movement (MPN) to recompose the social order and maintain its hegemony as a "guarantor of social peace" in that framework of great social turbulence. From our point of view, this explains the fact that Sapag's security plan differs from that of his predecessor, Jorge Sobisch, by emphasizing respect for human rights and constitutional guarantees. The methodology used in this work is qualitative and is based on the analysis of in-depth interviews, official documents –government plans, laws, official bulletins, among others– and diaries of legislative sessions.