The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, warned on Saturday that the country could face a serious crisis if Congress does not approve the broad reform package proposed by his government. He painted a stark picture, describing the potential outcome as a disaster of biblical proportions that would impact every Argentine living. The message, delivered via the national radio and television network, underscored the urgency he sees in pushing forward a package that many observers consider sweeping and ambitious.
Officials say the reform bill would grant the Executive Branch extraordinary powers to address economic, financial, social, and security challenges through the end of 2025, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Proponents argue that these temporary powers are necessary to respond quickly to the fiscal and monetary pressures facing the nation. They emphasize that the measure is meant to stabilize the economy, protect vulnerable groups, and lay the groundwork for deeper reforms across multiple sectors, including trade, taxation, production, and governance. Critics, however, worry about the balance of power and the potential for overreach, stressing the need for strong legislative oversight to prevent abuse. (Citation: Official government briefing and national media coverage)
According to Milei, the law would equip the Executive with the necessary authority to act decisively in an emergency, aiming to avert a severe economic collapse and to push through reforms across economic policy, taxation, social programs, and public administration. Supporters describe the measure as a critical, time-limited tool designed to restore confidence and stabilize markets while pursuing wide-ranging modernization. (Citation: Parliamentary briefings and national broadcasts)
“Caste model”
The president, who assumed office on December 10, has framed the political debate as a choice between maintaining an established system and embracing fundamental reform. He suggested that lawmakers who reject the reform would preserve a century-old model that has, in his view, left the country poorer. Conversely, approving the package, he argued, would reflect a commitment to freedom and meaningful change. Milei has positioned himself as a controversial but decisive figure in Argentine politics, arguing that bold steps are necessary to alter the nation’s trajectory. (Citation: National parliamentary sessions and public statements)
The leader of the La Libertad Avanza party, which currently holds a minority in Congress, has asserted that the speed and scale of the proposed measures require broad backing. He has described the plan as essential to mitigating the effects of a storied legacy and moving beyond a model that he believes has driven many Argentines into poverty. The president argues that the current framework has contributed to economic pain and that comprehensive action is needed to change course for future generations. (Citation: Party statements and media interviews)
Argentina is grappling with what Milei calls a national emergency. He described an economy burdened by a persistent deficit, a monetary imbalance in the latest quarterly figures, price controls, and a Central Bank lacking reserves. Inflation has accelerated in recent weeks, and analysts warn that if these trends persist, annual inflation could rise sharply. The president warns that the current trajectory threatens a broader social crisis and emphasizes that the proposed reform package is an urgent response to protect households and businesses. (Citation: Economic briefings and central bank reports)
This is presented as a legacy that, in Milei’s words, has left many Argentines in poverty and created a fragile starting point for the years ahead. He predicts that the immediate future will be challenging for a wide range of citizens, but he also expresses confidence that the program, if implemented, could equip the government with the tools needed to prevent a larger social disaster of biblical proportions. The stance reflects a belief that without swift action and reform, the country could face a deeper, longer-lasting economic and social downturn. (Citation: Presidential speeches and economic analyses)