Remunicipalisation and resistance to privatisation of local water services: lessons from Argentina

Abstract

Changes in the provision of public services have been a topic of discussion in recent decades, encompassing both privatization and, more recently, its reversal —as well as the influence of spatial inequalities and the role of different levels of government. This article analyzes the conditions that have enabled the remunicipalization or resistance to privatization of essential public services by local governments in Argentina. Drawing on recent literature and a comparative analysis of three case studies, we identify several factors that have influenced the maintenance of public control over services by Argentine local governments.