Das Neves was born in Avellaneda, in the Greater Buenos Aires conurbation, to Portuguese parents, and grew up in Santa Fe.

He enrolled in Law School, but left after completing 80% of his course load and moved to Chubut at the age of 20 to try out as a footballer for Huracán de Trelew, though without success.

He became active in the youth wing of the Peronist Justicialist Party, and by 1987 he had a key role in the administration of Trelew's municipality, under Néstor Perl.

From his election he actively campaigned against corruption in the customs operation of Buenos Aires and headed an investigating commission that led to prosecutions.

[5] Following a protracted recount process, as well a court-ordered re-vote held on May 29 in the six impugned precincts, Buzzi was officially elected Governor of Chubut.