Elías Sapag (August 5, 1911 – June 21, 1993) was an Argentine politician and businessman of Lebanese descent. He is primarily recognized as a co-founder of the Movimiento Popular Neuquino (MPN), a regional political party that has exerted significant influence over the politics of Neuquén Province since its inception in 1961.
Born in Mayrouba, Lebanon, Sapag emigrated to Argentina with his family at a young age, eventually settling in the town of Zapala in Neuquén. He became a prominent figure in the provincial business sector before transitioning into a career in public service.
Sapag served as a National Senator representing Neuquén on five separate occasions (1963–1966, 1973–1976, 1983–1989, and 1989–1993). His legislative career was marked by the periodic interruptions of democratic rule in Argentina caused by various military coups. He was known for advocating for provincial interests, particularly regarding energy royalties and infrastructure development.
He was a member of the influential Sapag family, a political dynasty in Neuquén. His brother, Felipe Sapag, served five terms as the Governor of Neuquén, and several of Elías's children and descendants, including Luz María Sapag and Jorge Sapag, have also held high-ranking political offices at both the provincial and national levels. Elías Sapag remained an active figure in the MPN until his death in 1993.
