Argentina - February 2025

On 25 February, President Javier Milei appointed two Supreme Court Justices by presidential decree, bypassing Congress in a move criticized as a severe threat to judicial independence. The announcement came days before the end of the congressional recess and resulted in a one-year appointment of Milei's nominees—who had failed to secure congressional approval throughout 2024. One of the nominees was particularly controversial due to alleged involvement in corruption and ethical violations. Argentinean law allows presidents to fill vacancies that require congressional approval during recesses, but experts argue this mechanism is intended for extraordinary circumstances and has not been used to appoint Supreme Court justices. In 2016, former President Mauricio Macri attempted a similar move but was forced to backtrack following widespread criticism. Critics argue that Milei’s appointments by decree constitute an overreach of executive power and undermine democratic checks and balances.

Sources: AP News, El Pais, Swiss Info, Human Rights Watch, Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales