The Government of Javier Milei highlighted the bill presented to reinforce the defense of Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime and insular areas.
The presidential spokesperson, Adrián Ravier, urged the Legislative Power to proceed “as quickly as possible” with the consideration of the initiative.
During a press conference at Casa Rosada, Ravier described the project as a “unprecedented legal advance” and stated that it aims to establish a permanent framework for the defense of the country's strategic interests.
The presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier
As he explained, the initiative “seeks to provide Argentina with a comprehensive, permanent, and coordinated regulatory framework for the defense of its sovereignty, the protection of vital and strategic interests of the Nation, and the strengthening of its institutional capacities against the threats of our time.”
The official also defined the proposal as a “milestone in the recovery process” of the territories and maritime areas claimed by Argentina. Among its objectives, he pointed out the aim to “punish those who exploit our natural resources illegitimately” and provide the “essential tools to protect against external threats.”
New restrictions on resource exploitation
One of the points highlighted by Ravier is related to the exploitation of natural resources. The project proposes to repeal Law 26.659 and replace it with a regime that “expands the scope of its application and increases criminal penalties.”
The presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier
The initiative also includes restrictions for those participating in activities related to the exploitation of natural resources. In particular, it establishes prohibitions on being a supplier, partner, shareholder, or direct participant of those who carry out such activities and creates a Registry of Offenders.
“The national state, provinces, municipalities, and individuals or legal entities are prohibited from contracting with the subjects registered in this registry,” Ravier emphasized.
Additionally, he noted that the project “incorporates new criminal figures and increases penalties for exploration and exploitation activities of hydrocarbons and other non-renewable natural resources.”
National defense
Ravier stated that the proposal also redefines national defense as a permanent function of the State, aimed at guaranteeing independence, territorial integrity, and the capacity for Argentine self-determination in the face of external threats and challenges.
In this context, he highlighted the incorporation of restrictions aimed at limiting foreign influence and responded to the criticisms generated by the initiative.
The presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier
The spokesperson rejected some “malicious interpretations and unfounded criticisms” and clarified that “the conduct invoked only occurs when there is interference in the decision-making process of the constituted authorities of the country through clandestine, deceptive, or coercive means.”
As he emphasized, this is a “matter of extreme gravity because it affects the country's capacity for self-determination and with it its sovereignty.”
The 2027 Budget and the integrated naval base
Finally, Ravier linked the initiative to the fiscal surplus of Milei's Government. He highlighted that during these nearly three years of management, the national administration “focused on achieving fiscal surplus,” something that allowed “to begin constructing the strategic logistical point for the protection of our natural resources and our sovereignty.”
“The 2027 Budget includes a specific allocation for the Argentine Navy aimed at the construction of the integrated naval base, and the only way to plan and execute works is with surplus budgets that ensure that the capital for construction is available,” he concluded.
