Javier Milei's government managed to open the session in the Chamber of Deputies to address the labor reform thanks to a key backing: the three legislators from Elijo Catamarca, aligned with Governor Raúl Jalil, took their seats and made it possible to reach the 129 deputies needed for a quorum. The session began at 2:15 p.m. with the bare minimum. Jalil's gesture proved decisive for the ruling party to move forward with one of the central bills in its economic agenda.
The support of the Catamarcan leader marked a turning point. In the Senate he had not cooperated. This time, his political decision facilitated the start of the debate.
Provincial allies and support for the labor change
In addition to Catamarca, the usual allied blocs such as PRO and UCR contributed. Spaces linked to governors such as Marcelo Orrego, Osvaldo Jaldo, Gustavo Sáenz, and Hugo Passalacqua also backed the initiative.
The ruling party managed to build a narrow but sufficient majority. The strategy combined agreements for the quorum, overall support, and negotiation article by article.
The late presence of José Garrido from Santa Cruz also added to the final number. Every seat was decisive.
Intense debate and opposition maneuvers
The session began with tensions. The president of the Chamber, Martín Menem, proposed voting on the parliamentary work plan by titles. Unión por la Patria rejected the mechanism and engaged in a heated confrontation on the floor.
There were reproaches, arguments, and an atmosphere of high political tension. Opposition legislators approached the dais and questioned the conduct of the session. Finally, the requested reconsideration was rejected by 136 votes to 106.
Despite the attempt to disrupt the debate, the ruling party managed to maintain parliamentary control.
Jalil, a key piece to advance Milei's agenda
Raúl Jalil's backing made it possible for the debate to even begin. In a fragmented Congress, every political decision carries weight.
The labor reform is one of the pillars of the transformation program promoted by Milei. Without a quorum, the bill would have been paralyzed.
The move by the Catamarcan governor showed pragmatism and openness to institutional dialogue. In a context of high polarization, his contribution proved decisive for the government to move forward with a structural reform aimed at energizing the labor market and attracting investment.
