Key Takeaways
- President Javier Milei has called for extraordinary sessions of the Argentine Congress from December 10 to December 31, prioritizing the 2026 Budget and immediate legislative action on labor reform.
- The extensive legislative agenda includes high-stakes structural reforms, such as amending the tax code via the “Fiscal Innocence” bill, and potentially revising the “Glacier Law” to expand natural resource exploitation areas.
- The ruling La Libertad Avanza (LLA) coalition is optimistic about legislative success, leveraging its newfound strength as the largest minority bloc in the Chamber of Deputies (95 seats) and sustained negotiations with supportive provincial governors.
President Javier Milei is set to sign a decree calling for extraordinary sessions of the National Congress, signaling an aggressive push to implement his administration’s core policy objectives before the end of the year. The sessions, scheduled to run from December 10 through December 31, are seen as crucial for addressing key structural issues that the libertarian government views as essential for stabilizing the Argentine economy and reforming the justice system.
The Executive Branch’s urgency stems from the need to address fundamental governing documents, most notably the 2026 National Budget. Passing this bill is a top priority, especially given that the last full budget approved by Congress was for the 2023 fiscal year.
In addition to the budget, the initial December agenda will focus on securing legislative movement on labor reform, with government sources indicating hope for at least half-sanction by the end of the month. Accompanying this is the complex “Fiscal Innocence” (Presunción de inocencia fiscal) bill, which seeks to introduce major modifications to the general tax regime. According to official reports, the proposal aims to raise the legal threshold for fiscal fraud and reduce tax prescription periods, streamlining regulatory compliance.
The agenda is packed, and the government is already planning for a potential extension of extraordinary sessions into February to tackle remaining measures before the ordinary legislative period opens on March 1. Initiatives earmarked for potential discussion early next year include a comprehensive tax reform and a critical update to the Penal Code.
The Milei administration has been working tirelessly to secure the necessary parliamentary support. Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni and Interior Minister Diego Santilli have led intense rounds of negotiations with provincial governors who are supportive of the national government’s “Pact of May.” These meetings, which recently concluded, have reportedly yielded positive feedback, bolstering the government’s confidence in its legislative maneuvering.
This optimism is further fueled by the new arithmetic in the lower house. Following the recent legislative elections, La Libertad Avanza (LLA) achieved a significant political victory, becoming the largest minority in the Chamber of Deputies with 95 seats.
The proposed legislative package also touches on sensitive environmental and economic areas. Following suggestions from some provincial leaders, the Casa Rosada intends to introduce changes to the Glacier Law. The objective is reportedly to expand the areas authorized for exploitation, a move likely to generate significant debate and resistance from environmental groups.
Meanwhile, the overhaul of the Penal Code remains a core goal announced by the government earlier this month. The project is considered a priority for the Senate debate, where former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich is expected to take a leading role. Bullrich, a key ally of the President, is now one of the administration’s primary legislative assets, particularly in the Senate, marking a notable shift in focus away from Vice President Victoria Villarruel, whose relationship with the Casa Rosada is reported to be strained.
The aggressive timeline underscores Milei’s commitment to implementing deep structural changes rapidly. By forcing extraordinary sessions, the government is signaling that it will not wait for the ordinary calendar to begin tackling what it considers urgent matters of state, pushing its comprehensive political and economic program forward immediately.
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