Campaign comments The City and the Senate 15-11-2025 05:05 While the government’s overall midterm triumph represented a huge shift from gloomy pre-electoral expectations, this city’s results did not show that much change from last May’s local voting. by Michael Soltys
POLITICS & CONGRESS Milei aims to speed up reform drive after election victory 30-10-2025 13:59 President Javier Milei is preparing to forge ahead with a second wave of reforms, targeting the labour market, taxation system and pensions. But first, he will have to open dialogue with leaders in what he says will be the “most reformist Congress” in history.
NEW CONGRESS Milei triples libertarian caucus in Senate, winning 6 of 8 races 28-10-2025 16:32 La Libertad Avanza caucus will grow from seven to 20 senators; Peronism will lose clout but remain as first minority come December.
ELECTION 2025: ANALYSIS Voters hand Milei belated birthday present, post-mortem for Peronism overdue 27-10-2025 00:21 Peronism’s renovation is well overdue. It seems Argentines would much rather carry on along Milei’s path of uncertainty and sacrifice than go back to reach the future. by James Grainger
ELECTION 2025: ANALYSIS Electoral blank cheque – is the worst version of Milei yet to come? 26-10-2025 23:45 It was a victory that neither the polls nor the government itself predicted expected, but it carries a danger: with it. Will the President radicalise further after receiving this vote of confidence? by Franco Lindner
ELECTIONS 2025 Make or break for Milei as nation votes in key midterm election 26-10-2025 00:01 Argentines will vote to renew half the 257-member Chamber of Deputies and a third of 72 senators; Peronism has around half of its seats up for renewal, while the ruling party’s alliance with PRO risks around 30%.
CAMPAIGN COMMENTS 151 shades of grey 25-10-2025 05:58 Voters are being asked to select not the next president but 127 deputies and 24 senators for which 217 lists are contending in the 23 provinces and this City with a total 1,648 candidates. The multiplicity of combinations arising from these numbers points to an infinity of results, each one of which would make the parliamentary negotiations lying ahead slightly different with no chance of any overall majority – 151 shades of grey. by Michael Soltys
POLITICS & CONGRESS Congress votes to restrict Milei's ability to govern by decree 09-10-2025 09:24 Lawmakers deal another blow to Milei, approving a law that will limit the use of presidential decrees and make them easier to overturn.
POLITICS & CONGRESS Double setback for Milei as Congress overturns two vetoes 02-10-2025 19:56 Another blow for Milei as Senate overturns two presidential vetoes, upholding laws that increase funding for state universities and paediatric hospitals.
CAMPAIGN COMMENTS The future Senate – Victoria’s secret? 04-08-2025 18:15 In more than one province there is potential for polarisation and the traditional two-party system to be replaced by two competitive non-Peronist options leaving Kirchnerism out in the cold along the lines of the 2013 City race. by Michael Soltys
Editorial Fiscal surplus versus political deficit 12-07-2025 06:02 The “forces of heaven” might be on the ascendancy in recent times but what politics needs is more agnostics with a pragmatic rather than dogmatic approach.
POLITICS & CONGRESS Milei vows veto as Senate defies pension cuts 10-07-2025 23:27 Senate approves bill that would significantly increase government spending on pensions and social security, prompting angry reaction from President Javier Milei.
POLITICS Villarruel taps ex-officer who ordered destruction of dictatorship records 28-05-2025 16:59 Vice-President Victoria Villarruel appoints former military Juan Manuel Gestoso Presas to Senate as deputy director of Audit Control.
POLITICS & CONGRESS 'Ficha Limpia' fallout: Recriminations fly, Milei points at Macri 12-05-2025 22:57 Misiones minister deepens confusion around ‘Ficha Limpia’ vote; Milei denounces "agreement" between PRO and Peronism; Macri slams “serious hallucination” with video of Silvia Lospennato defending bill.
EDITORIAL Clean slates – for greenbacks only 10-05-2025 07:25 At least two of this week’s main news items may be considered further setbacks in the fight against corruption. Every suspicion of a meticulously manipulated Senate result instead of free votes of conscience, while those complying with the conditions of last year’s tax whitewash might ask themselves why they went to all that trouble – a black week for removing the stain of corruption with no guarantee against more to come.
POLITICS & CONGRESS Senate votes down bill barring former leader Fernández de Kirchner 08-05-2025 08:11 Known locally as "ficha limpia," the bill would have effectively barred Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and others convicted of corruption charges from running for or being appointed to national office.
COURTS García-Mansilla resigns from Supreme Court after Senate rejection 07-04-2025 12:40 Four days after the upper house voted against his nomination by large majority, Manuel García-Mansilla, the Supreme Court justice imposed by President Milei by decree, resigns his bench on the nation's highest court.
IMF DEBT PROGRAMME Milei issues decree to take new IMF deal through Congress 11-03-2025 09:55 President issues decree seeking green light from Congress to move forward with rejigged IMF agreement; Repayments would be pushed out over 10 years with a grace period of four and a half years.
EDITORIAL Towards a supremo’s court 01-03-2025 06:27 Both the presidential Supreme Court nominees, Ariel Lijo and Manuel García-Mansilla, present problems. These are rather simpler in the latter case.
POLITICS & COURTS Government sets March target for Supreme Court appointments 13-02-2025 13:41 Casa Rosada is seeking consensus for nominees Ariel Lijo and Manuel García-Mansilla and its bid to appoint them to the nation’s highest court. But should support be lacking, it may resort to using decrees. by Juan Pablo Kavanagh
Congress & Politics Lower house backs ‘Ficha Limpia’ anti-corruption bill 13-02-2025 01:43 Lower house votes 144 in favour, 98 against, with two abstentions; Opposition claims bill targets Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who would be blocked from running for office if Senate backs it.
POLITICS Milei vs Villarruel: Latest episode in ongoing feud 17-12-2024 13:29 In Victoria Villarruel’s camp, there is surprise at the Executive's attitude. A failed attempt at reconciliation as the Casa Rosada’s satellites launch a full-frontal assault on their own ally. by Giselle Leclercq
Congress & Politics Entre Ríos lawmaker accused of money-laundering expelled from Senate 13-12-2024 13:29 Entre Ríos Senator Edgardo Kueider expelled from upper house while detained in Paraguay on suspicion of money-laundering; He and other detainee found with more than US$200,000 in cash as he attempted to cross border.
BEYOND THE HEADLINES No quorum, no forum 07-12-2024 05:30 Congress becomes its own worst enemy when deputies and senators refuse to do the work for which the tax-payer remunerates them. by Michael Soltys
POLITICS & CONGRESS Budget clash, extra sessions, Speaker Menem – Milei’s first year in Congress 04-12-2024 17:39 Despite being firmly in the minority, Milei has managed to amend over 100 laws since taking office and advance his programme of fiscal austerity. Nevertheless, tensions with allies and opposition persist, centred on the 2025 Budget, anti-graft laws and electoral reform. by Facundo Maceira
POLITICS & CONGRESS Double blow for Milei: Senate passes university bill, blocks SIDE cash 13-09-2024 11:04 Milei’s cash for spy services blocked as both chambers of Congress block presidential decree for first time since 1994; Senate approves law providing salary increases and boosting budget for universities facing funding “emergency.”
POLITICS La Libertad Avanza senators oust Paoltroni from upper house caucus 29-08-2024 16:11 Formosa Senator Francisco Paoltroni forms his own single-member caucus in the Senate after angering allies with criticism of government policy.
POLITICS, CONGRESS & COURTS Ariel Lijo defends Supreme Court candidacy before Senate 22-08-2024 19:22 Federal Judge Ariel Lijo, whose nomination for the nation’s highest tribunal has been questioned by politicians across the spectrum, pushes back against criticism in eight-hour hearing.
POLITICS & JUDICIARY Key week for Ariel Lijo, Milei’s nomination for Supreme Court bench 19-08-2024 15:40 Federal Judge Ariel Lijo has presented a document to the Senate attempting to answer more than 400 questions sent by citizens; Supreme Court nominee will now defend his work as magistrate in a key Senate committee hearing.
Congress & Politics Congress set for final showdown on Milei's sweeping reform package 27-06-2024 12:01 Session scheduled to begin at midday and signs indicate the Milei government will secure its first legislative victory since taking office more than six months ago.
CONGRESS & POLITICS Senate approves RIGI, privatisations, delegation of powers 13-06-2024 19:43 Key articles, including most controversial, ended up being approved in the Senate. Capital whitewash and the moratorium for tax arrears passed unanimously but government unable to gain support for restoration of income tax or reform of levies on personal assets.
CONGRESS & POLITICS Milei’s bill clears Senate, capping off week of wins 13-06-2024 19:01 Government eyes end of month lower house session for President’s flagship ‘Ley de Bases’ reform bill and accompanying fiscal package; Victory in upper house comes after chaotic scenes outside Congress.
MARKET REACTION Traders cheer on Argentina as Milei win underpins austerity push 13-06-2024 15:30 Investors welcome congressional approval of President Javier Milei’s 'omnibus' bill.
CONGRESS & POLITICS Milei gets partial win on reform bills after protests 13-06-2024 00:48 President Milei‘s signature reform package eked out preliminary approval in the Senate, but its most important fiscal measures face strong opposition in a piece-by-piece vote.
Congress & Politics Milei's 'Ley de Bases' bill clears Senate as VP casts decisive vote 12-06-2024 23:24 Senate gives general approval to President Milei's 'Ley de Bases' mega-reform bill after fresh round of amendments.
Congress & Politics Senate begins debate on Milei’s ‘Ley de Bases’ mega-reform bill 12-06-2024 12:15 Senators open debate on President Javier Milei's flagship 'Ley de Bases' reform bill as demonstrations begin outside Congress.
Congress & Politics Senate poses fresh challenge to Milei’s reform bills 05-06-2024 23:26 Opposition senators are pulling together the votes to reject bids to reintroduce income taxes, expand powers and privatise state-owned companies.
CONGRESS & POLITICS Argentina bonds climb as Milei deregulation plan moves forward 30-05-2024 14:02 Members of Senate general, budget and constitutional committees approve sending the so-called 'omnibus' bill to all senators.
Congress & Politics Milei’s sweeping deregulation plan passes first Senate hurdle 30-05-2024 09:53 Lawmakers reach consensus with 'Ley de Bases' bill moving to a Senate floor vote, which by law is at least a week away.
POLITICS & ECONOMY Posse predicts 139% inflation as he finally turns up in Congress 16-05-2024 00:53 Eight-hour debut for Cabinet chief in Congress as he forecasts 139.7% percent annual inflation, a dollar at 1,016 pesos by year-end and defends paralysis of public works projects.
CONGRESS & POLITICS Government gears up for ‘omnibus’ Senate showdown 08-05-2024 21:33 Make-or-break vote on sweeping reform bill likely to take place next week; Numbers look challenging for La Libertad Avanza, which will need support of allies to secure passage.
NO HAY PLATA? Rebellion in Senate: Pay increase passed by show of hands and without debate 18-04-2024 17:40 Milei lashes out via social networks after senators vote to approve pay increase; "2025 will see a historic hiding" for the caste, says President.
INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO Martín Lousteau: ‘I’m not afraid of leaders with an authoritarian streak’ 06-04-2024 06:09 Senator and UCR chair on why the mega DNU emergency decree was unconstitutional, President Milei’s economic plan and Radical renewal. by Jorge Fontevecchia
CONGRESS & POLITICS Senate set for debate as Milei's deregulation decree hangs in balance 13-03-2024 15:48 Vice-President Victoria Villarruel, in her role as head of Senate, accepts opposition's request for debate and calls special session for Thursday to address President Javier Milei's sweeping emergency deregulation decree.
Congress & Politics Congress resumes 'article by article' debate on omnibus law 06-02-2024 13:58 The lower house of Congress resumes detailed debate of Milei’s reform package on Tuesday, which Deputies have already approved "in general."
CAMPAIGN COMMENTS Going to the dogs? 16-12-2023 07:20 This final election 2023 column concludes a series running the length of the campaign – now it’s time to detail the resulting political architecture in the present tense. by Michael Soltys
ANALYSIS New Congress will condition Milei’s bid for reform 08-12-2023 00:37 Javier Milei's radical reforms are likely to be heavily conditioned by Congress, with the libertarian leader's caucus a minority in both houses.
POLITICS Milei’s team for Congress: Menem for lower house, Paoltroni in Senate 04-12-2023 18:00 Heads of lower and upper houses will be libertarians “following democratic tradition of last 40 years,” says president-elect’s office;
VICE-PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER Fernández de Kirchner, Villarruel hold ‘historic’ transition meeting 23-11-2023 00:48 “Cordial and respectful” meeting held in the outgoing vice-president’s office at Senate, with no photographs taken; Villarruel says she will be "working all summer through."