In a day marked by intense negotiations and a new setback for Kirchnerism, the ruling party of Javier Milei achieved a essential step on Monday for the approval of the Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) 179/25, which will allow the Government to access a new loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Bicameral Legislative Procedure Commission, after a tough debate, managed to unlock the voting of authorities and issue the favorable opinion that will allow the decree to be addressed in the Chamber of Deputies this Tuesday at 10 in the morning.
The session in the Bicameral began with a struggle over the leadership of the body. La Libertad Avanza (LLA) insisted that Senator Juan Carlos Pagotto continue in the presidency, but the opposition, led by Unión por la Patria (UxP), blocked the initiative, arguing that this year the presidency should fall to Deputies.
In a tight vote (8 to 8), the deadlock was solved with a strategic move by the ruling party: Senator Francisco Paoltroni, who initially supported the opposition candidacy of Nicolás Massot, proposed Oscar Zago (LLA) as an alternative. With the support of PRO and UCR, Zago prevailed, securing the presidency for the ruling party.
The dispute continued over the vice presidency, where Anabel Fernández Sagasti (UxP) was defeated by the radical Víctor Zimmerman, a key ally of the Government. Thus, the Bicameral remained under control of the ruling party and its allies, unlocking the possibility of advancing with the opinion.
Among the signatories in favor were Juan Carlos Pagotto (LLA), Víctor Zimmerman (UCR), Luis Juez (PRO), Carlos Espínola (Provincias Unidas), Lisandro Almirón (LLA), Diego Santilli (PRO), Francisco Monti (UCR), Oscar Zago (LLA), and Francisco Paoltroni. The opposition, meanwhile, signed a rejection opinion, while Nicolás Massot chose not to adhere to either.
The core of the discussion revolved around the details of the agreement with the IMF. The opposition, led by Anabel Fernández Sagasti, attempted to discredit the DNU by arguing that the Government "authorizes new indebtedness without going through Congress."
However, the Secretary of Finance, Pablo Quirno, clarified that the decree complies with current regulations and responds to the urgency of ensuring economic stability.
