Argentina Senate pliegos clash sees Vice President Villarruel confront Bullrich

A Senate session in Argentina to approve a batch of judicial appointments (pliegos) sparked a public dispute. The number of pliegos rose from an initially announced 50 to 53 and finally to 73‑74, prompting Vice President Victoria Villarruel to blame block leader Patricia Bullrich for “descontrol” and last‑minute changes, saying, “We are talking about judges, not candy in a kiosk.” Bullrich replied that the adjustments were necessary and defended her bloc’s handling of the agenda.

The controversy also involved the contested nomination of María Verónica Michelli, whose pliego was withdrawn by the government despite having the required backing in the Senate. President Javier Milei celebrated the approval of the 74 pliegos but faced internal dissent, with Bullrich and Villarruel appearing to coordinate an opposition that could undermine his control of the Senate. The government expressed alarm that an alliance between Bullrich and Villarruel might block executive projects. LLA deputy Lilia Lemoine further attacked Villarruel on social media, accusing her of “having a stone face” after the vice‑president’s criticism of Bullrich.