1 of 1 Javier Milei waves during an event in Buenos Aires on December 12, 2023 Photo: JUAN MABROMATA / AFP Javier Milei waves during an event in Buenos Aires on December 12, 2023 Photo: JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
The Argentine government convened Parliament for extraordinary sessions on Friday (22) to debate the “decree” announced by the new President Javier Milei. This Saturday (23), the Federal Court approved a class action lawsuit brought by civil organizations to declare the text unconstitutional.
Among other things, the decree deregulates satellite internet service and private medicine, makes the labor market more flexible and repeals a number of national laws. The measures also include the transformation of several stateowned companies into jointstock companies, which will facilitate the privatization process of these institutions.
After a week of several protests against the reforms, the President called Parliament into extraordinary sessions between December 26 and January 31. Congress can confirm or reject the text in its entirety without having the opportunity to discuss the details of its content.
Milei also included proposals for reimbursement of payroll taxes, changes to electoral law and state reforms on the agenda for the extraordinary meetings.
This Saturday (23), the Federal Court approved a class action lawsuit brought by civil organizations to declare the text unconstitutional.
The organizations and unions called for a demonstration in court next Wednesday (27). The aim is to submit a request to the court to challenge the decree and an action to suspend all its effects.
The Federal Ministry of Public Power must respond to the challenges in a case that could potentially reach Argentina's Supreme Court.
Argentina is experiencing one of the worst economic crises in its recent history. 40% of the population lives in poverty and inflation is over 140% annually. Milei said the cut in public spending will be equivalent to 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).