Argentina's Lower House Approves Bill Curbing Milei's Decree Powers

Legislative Blow to Presidential Authority

Argentina's lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies, delivered a significant legislative blow to President Javier Milei on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, by approving a bill that severely restricts his ability to govern by emergency decree. The measure passed with 140 votes in favor, 80 against, and 17 abstentions, reflecting growing concern among lawmakers regarding the president's extensive use of executive powers since taking office.

The newly approved legislation, which had previously passed the Senate but underwent modifications in the lower chamber, now returns to the upper house for final approval. If enacted, the bill would fundamentally alter the process for overturning presidential decrees. Previously, a majority of both houses of parliament was required to reject a presidential order. The new law would permit either legislative chamber to block presidential decrees with a simple majority vote.

Context of Milei's Decrees and Reform Agenda

Since assuming office in December 2023, President Milei, whose La Libertad Avanza party holds a minority in both legislative chambers, has issued more than 70 decrees to advance his radical austerity and deregulation agenda. A prominent example is his 'mega-decree,' officially known as Decree 70/2023, 'Bases for the reconstruction of the Argentine economy,' signed on December 20, 2023. This extensive decree comprised 366 articles aimed at deregulating the economy, repealing numerous laws, and limiting worker benefits.

The use of these Decrees of Necessity and Urgency (DNUs), an exceptional constitutional mechanism, has drawn criticism from constitutional experts who question their application in non-emergency situations. The Senate had previously rejected Milei's mega-decree in March 2024, and Congress has also overturned some of his spending vetoes.

Implications and Upcoming Midterm Elections

This legislative action represents a significant setback for President Milei's executive authority and his ambitious reform plans. It will likely compel his administration to engage in more extensive negotiations with opposition parties to advance its policy agenda. While the president retains the power to veto the bill, the congressional vote underscores the increasing assertiveness of Argentina's legislature.

The move comes just weeks before crucial midterm elections scheduled for October 26, 2025, where half of the Chamber of Deputies and one-third of the Senate seats will be contested. These elections are seen as a pivotal moment for Milei's presidency, as his party's ability to secure more seats will determine the momentum of his reformist platform. Milei has openly criticized Congress, referring to it as a 'nest of rats' and its members as a 'political caste.'