Argentina's Congress Calls SIDE Chief to Testify on Controversial Intelligence Decree

The bicameral commission for oversight of intelligence agencies, newly chaired by deputy Sebastián Pareja, voted to summon SIDE secretary Cristian Auguadra for a hearing in August. Lawmakers seek explanations about the National Intelligence Plan and the controversial DNU 941/2025, which rewrites the Intelligence Law and grants expanded powers to intelligence services, including the possibility of military involvement in law‑enforcement actions.

The commission, which previously rejected the intelligence plan, also raised questions about a recent seizure of espionage equipment, millions of dollars in cash and synthetic drugs during raids on the homes of former ARSAT president Facundo Leal, and the appointment of Miguel Gómez Goldin to the National Criminal Intelligence Directorate. Opposition parties and the PRO denounced the decree as an overreach, while the government defended it as necessary for security. The upcoming testimony aims to clarify who was monitored, what information was collected, and the legal basis of the decree's provisions.