On Sunday, Argentina’s Congress erupted into a heated exchange as President Javier Milei inaugurated this year’s legislative sessions. In a setting reminiscent of a sporting event rather than a dignified speech, Argentina’s forthright leader criticized opposition hecklers, labeling them as “criminals” responsible for the country’s turmoil. Milei, greeted with enthusiastic applause from supporters and members of his party as he arrived at the Legislative Assembly, aimed to portray his administration as a monumental force, asserting it had achieved “the greatest transformation in history. Two years ago, we found ourselves ensnared in a perpetual present that undermined our faith and that of our children, whereas today we recognize a path ahead. Not only have we ceased to perceive ourselves as failures, we also recognize our potential to restore Argentina to greatness,” he asserted. His party, La Libertad Avanza, possesses “the strength to begin a new chapter in Argentine history thanks to the will of the Argentine people, who expressed it at the ballot box,” Milei stated. Amidst the exchanges of barbs, Milei underscored recent legislative achievements, such as the ratification of his Labour Modernisation Law, the free-trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, and the introduction of a new Juvenile Penal Code. However, he provided scant information regarding forthcoming policy initiatives. In a general statement, he indicated that each government ministry “has prepared 10 packages of structural reforms,” further noting that “every month we will present a package of bills to be considered by this Congress.” He emphasized “This will constitute the calendar year of reforms – nine months of reforms that will redesign the institutional architecture of the new Argentina.” The leader of La Libertad Avanza stated his intention to advocate for reforms to the Civil Code and Commercial Code in order to “construct a robust legal framework that allows for the primary development of Argentines.” Milei also highlighted a “reform of the tax system,” asserting that “we need lower taxes and greater economic openness,” in addition to new trade agreements.
The address was conspicuously lacking in foreign policy details; however, Milei remarked that a “new world order” is emerging and asserted that Argentina’s choices today will shape “the future of our country.” He advocated for “the creation of the century of the Americas” and commended US President Donald Trump, a key geopolitical ally. “We must establish the century of the Americas.” The President stated “Make America Great Again.” There was no reference to the earlier release of Nahuel Agustín Gallo, the Argentine border guard who had been detained in Venezuela since December 2024. Milei did, however, discuss international trade and domestic industry. Just a week following the shutdown of tyre manufacturer Fate, the President delivered a pointed critique of “privileged businessmen,” asserting that they had thrived on state subsidies. “The subsidised national industry indicates that they are complicit in looting,” Milei stated, further asserting that he had “no reservations” about “designating a cohort of local businessmen as thieves due to their commercial practices.” He contended “The fact that it is legal does not make it lawful, and when a legal framework violates natural law, life and property, we are faced with an illegitimate legal framework.” He inquired “Privileged businessmen cannot acquire privileges that corrupt politicians like you do not offer for sale. The greatest responsibility lies with politicians; however, the inquiry remains straightforward: is there a desire to persist with a model that perpetuates impoverishment, benefiting solely corrupt politicians and businessmen allied with those in authority?” Milei asserted that “for this government, the answer is no” and further stated that “the subsidised national industry makes it clear” that numerous businessmen “are complicit in the plundering of Argentines.”
Since taking over from former president Alberto Fernández’s Peronist administration in December 2023, Milei has managed to significantly reduce inflation and restore fiscal discipline. Annual inflation decreased from 211.4 percent in 2023 to 31.5 percent in 2025, while Argentina has achieved a fiscal surplus for two consecutive years, marking the first occurrence since 2008. However, the adjustment has incurred substantial costs: a decline in consumption, trade liberalization, and the shutdown of over 21,000 businesses within a span of two years. According to trade union sources, an estimated 300,000 jobs have been lost. The atmosphere was charged with tension during the entirety of the speech. Instead of a period of national cohesion, Argentina’s political fractures were prominently exposed. Following an enthusiastic welcome from his supporters, the President faced persistent heckling from his adversaries. He provided a response on nearly every occasion. “I am the President, even if you don’t like it,” he asserted at one point. Milei derided his Peronist opponents for their conviction in “social justice,” labeling them as “criminals,” and pointed out that their leader, former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, was “imprisoned” due to corruption allegations. “Ignoramuses: social justice is theft.” This suggests a disparity in legal treatment, indicative of criminal behavior. “That’s why yours is in prison,” he stated at the outset of his address. “She will remain in prison for the ‘Cuadernos’ case, for the Iran Memorandum and the Vialidad case,” Milei stated, alluding to the legal proceedings involving Fernández de Kirchner. “She is a thief and they were the biggest thieves in history,” stated the President.
“You cannot applaud because your hands are slipping out of other people’s pockets.” “Maintain your operations, and I will pursue you once you are held accountable for your deceit,” he cautioned at one point. “They lack the ability to interpret or utilize numerical data,” he asserted subsequently. “I love to tame you and make you cry,” stated the 55-year-old head of state. In a display of solidarity, lawmakers and government officials from La Libertad Avanza frequently engaged in song to support their leader. Milei also highlighted several prominent individuals, commending their contributions, including Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Economy Minister Luis ‘Toto’ Caputo. Vice-President Victoria Villarruel, whose involvement in Milei’s administration was acknowledged by the government last week as nonexistent, presided over the proceedings. The strained rapport was evident – the official broadcast failed to capture their initial exchange.