Argentina's President Milei Hails Senate Approval of 74 Judicial Appointments

The Argentine Senate approved 74 judicial appointments, a significant increase from the originally planned 50 slots. President Javier Milei celebrated the vote, calling it “the start of the reconstruction of justice” and a “true milestone” for the country.

Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques thanked Milei and the presidential secretary Karina Milei, emphasizing that the approvals end years of vacancies that left many qualified candidates waiting despite passing selection processes. The session was marked by political tension, with the governing coalition pushing to expand the agenda to 70 and then 74 nominations, prompting debate and a brief pause in proceedings.

One of the most closely watched cases was the nomination of María Verónica Michelli to the Federal Criminal Court in La Plata. After the government initially sought to withdraw her candidacy, the Senate voted 44‑18‑2 to approve her appointment, illustrating internal disagreements within the ruling bloc.