Argentina’s Senate Rejects Supreme Court Nominees: A Major Blow to Javier Milei’s Government
Image of Argentina’s Senate from a voting board during a session in the Senate of the Nation this Thursday, in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Apr 3rd, 2025 Photo: EFE
April 3, 2025 Hour: 9:10 pm
Argentina’s Senate rejects Javier Milei’s Supreme Court nominees in a historic 51-20 vote, escalating tensions between the president and Congress. The government calls it a ‘political attack.’
Related:
Argentine Senate Deals Two Blows to Far-Right President Milei
Argentina’s Senate dealt a significant setback to President Javier Milei’s administration on Thursday by rejecting the nominations of Manuel José García Mansilla and Ariel Lijo to the Supreme Court. In a decisive vote, García Mansilla’s nomination was dismissed with 20 votes in favor and 51 against, while Lijo’s received 27 votes in favor, 43 against, and one abstention.
Failed Negotiations and Political Tensions
According to Tiempo Argentino, last-minute negotiations involved multiple opposition factions, including senators and governors who appeared unlikely allies. However, these efforts collapsed amid the political tensions that have defined Milei’s presidency. The rejection came while Milei was attending the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Despite the government’s attempts to delay the session and avoid a legislative defeat, the two candidates—appointed by presidential decree—failed to secure Senate approval.
Government’s Strong Reaction
In a sharply worded statement, Milei’s administration condemned the Senate’s decision, calling it “historically unprecedented.”
“For the first time in history, the Senate has rejected a president’s nominees purely for political reasons, not over qualifications,” the government declared. It accused the upper house of being a “refuge for the political elite” and acting against the interests of the Argentine people.
Broader Implications
The rejection marks a turning point in the strained relationship between Milei’s executive branch and the Senate, highlighting his struggles to advance his agenda amid rising polarization. The move also raises questions about the future of Argentina’s judiciary, now left with two vacant Supreme Court seats. and Milei’s ability to govern effectively without legislative support.
With this defeat, Milei faces mounting political challenges and must recalibrate his strategy to either propose new nominees who can gain Senate approval and double down on executive actions, risking further clashes with Congress.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Tiempo Argentino
