Javier Milei’s Omnibus Bill Proposes New Legislative Powers
Argentina’s President Javier Milei is actively pursuing his agenda to modernize the Argentine state. He has recently submitted a comprehensive bill to Congress, titled the “Law of Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines,” which aims to reform various aspects of the state. The bill covers a wide range of topics including personal taxes, import laws, justice administration, education, and more.
One notable provision in the bill is the declaration of a national emergency in multiple sectors, such as finance, economy, pensions, and security, until December 2025. This would grant Milei the power to legislate through executive orders, bypassing the Congress where his party holds a minority. However, experts are skeptical about the approval of this provision as it would effectively delegate Congress’ functions to the executive power.
Furthermore, the bill proposes the privatization of state-owned companies, with 41 companies already identified as potential candidates for sale. In addition, the bill introduces a new asset regulation proposal that allows individuals to declare ownership of cryptocurrencies and other similar assets, subject to a tax of up to 15% on the excess amount above $100,000.
The bill will undergo discussions in special congressional sessions, with each point being treated separately. Some provisions may be approved, while others could be repealed. However, the CGT, the largest workers’ group in Argentina, has already announced a nationwide strike on January 24 to oppose Milei’s bill.
Last week, President Milei also issued an emergency executive order, which is currently facing legal challenges in national courts.
Hot Take: Milei’s Bold Move Sparks Controversy
President Javier Milei’s ambitious omnibus bill has stirred up significant controversy in Argentina. With its comprehensive range of proposed reforms, including granting legislative powers through executive orders and privatizing state-owned companies, the bill has both supporters and detractors. While the bill signifies Milei’s determination to modernize the Argentine state, it faces challenges given its potential impact on Congress’ functions and the skepticism of experts. The provision for a tax on declared assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, is also a point of contention. As the bill undergoes discussions in Congress, the nation waits to see how it will shape a new era in Argentine governance.