The reform that eliminates immunity for state authorities, legislators, magistrates, and union leaders was approved
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With 63.61% of the votes, the citizens of Chubut Province took a historic step toward equality before the law this Sunday and approved the constitutional reform that eliminates immunity for state authorities, legislators, magistrates, and union leaders. The result reflects strong popular support for the measure that seeks to eliminate legal privileges for various public offices.
The binding plebiscite was held in parallel with the legislative elections to fill two seats in the provincial Chamber of Deputies. Although Torres's ruling party suffered an electoral setback, with the victory of libertarian Maira Frías, the governor's focus was on the approval of the “Yes” in the popular consultation.
According to the governor, “the people of Chubut decided on a turning point and, regardless of ideology, the result is that we don't want more privileges; the elimination of immunity was a resounding response from the people.”
Chubut eliminó los fueros a autoridades estatales y sindicales mediante un referéndum
In numbers, the affirmative option received 183,832 votes, while the “No” gathered 105,169 ballots. Voter turnout exceeded 280,000 across the province, with greater support in the departments of the Lower Chubut River Valley and the Coastal Zone, including key cities such as Rawson, Trelew, and Comodoro Rivadavia.
The reform eliminates Articles 247 and 248 of the provincial Constitution, which granted judicial and arrest immunity to various public officials. With the approved amendment, no official, legislator, magistrate, or union leader will enjoy special immunity from arrest, search, or criminal prosecution, although the “opinion immunity” intended to protect the freedom of expression of elected representatives is maintained.
During the period leading up to the referendum, the proposal encountered resistance mainly among provincial magistrates, who argued that immunity did not constitute personal privileges but rather functional guarantees to preserve the independence of the branches of government and protect against political pressure.
Los resultados de la votación.
The president of the Association of Magistrates and Judicial Officials of Chubut, Claudio Petris, led the opposition and even filed precautionary measures in an attempt to block the reform. However, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation ultimately authorized the popular consultation, confirming that it complied with the regulations in force in the province.
Once the final count is declared by the Provincial Electoral Tribunal, the constitutional reform will automatically enter into force, making Chubut the first Argentine province to comprehensively eliminate special immunity for its authorities and union leaders.
