BUENOS AIRES — Argentina’s Congress convened an emergency overnight session after President Javier Milei signed a sweeping decree granting himself authority to rule by decree for 12 months, bypassing the legislature on economic policy. The move, announced in a nationally televised address, immediately triggered street protests in the capital and prompted the political opposition to file articles of impeachment within hours.
The decree allows Milei to unilaterally restructure government agencies, privatize state enterprises and modify the national budget without congressional approval. At least 19 Cabinet ministers were appointed by emergency decree the same evening. Congress has 72 hours to respond under the country’s constitutional framework. Protests drew an estimated 80,000 people by midnight. Police deployed water cannons and tear gas after demonstrators attempted to breach barricades. At least 34 people were treated for injuries.
Diego Vargas is Media Hook’s Latin America Correspondent.
Written by Diego Vargas, Latin America Correspondent