The Javier Milei government sent to the Chamber of Deputies the “Law of Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines,” commonly known as the “Omnibus Law,” a package containing over 600 articles with a strong privatization and deregulatory bias. Global media reflected the president’s progress in turning Argentina “into the most liberal country in Latin America.”
The text justifies the proposed changes in the context of an unprecedented economic, financial, fiscal, social, provisional, security, defense, energetic, sanitary, and social crisis affecting all aspects of Argentine society. The government aims to bring about this profound change without parliamentary or social discussion.
Many citizens and various sectors expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed executive power modifications. Sector leaders conveyed their strong discontent on the social media platform X “The DNU (Decree of Necessity and Urgency) and the omnibus law that the president intends to enact are viewed as a business plan”.
One of the sensitive points in the proposed measures is the reduction of funds for music, cinema, and popular libraries. The reforms include the closure of the National Theater Institute (INT) and the National Fund for the Arts (FNA), along with the defunding of INCA and the National Commission of Popular Libraries (CONABIP).
The historical significance of the omnibus law, previously employed by presidents like Menem in 1989, Macri in 2015, and Alberto in 2019, is underscored as Milei introduces these reforms shortly after taking office, marking one of the most radical moves since the democracy recovery in ’83.
The main points of the proposed law include declaring a public emergency in various areas until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of a two-year extension. It delegates legislative powers to the Executive in the declared emergency areas, ratifies the DNU on economic deregulation, seeks authorization to privatize 41 public companies, suspends the pension formula, introduces penalties for organizers of protests, consolidates the national public procurement system, and more.
The proposed changes also extend to education, justice, and foreign affairs. Critics argue that the measures expose people to vulnerabilities in fundamental aspects of life. Supporters, like Infrastructure Minister Guillermo Ferraro, claim it will attract significant investments in the first year after the law’s approval.
The legislative debate continues, with some opposition blocks requesting a postponement of discussions.