Argentina's President Milei pushes controversial state shutdown plan

President Javier Milei said he is working on a mechanism to “shut down” parts of the Argentine state if public spending exceeds the approved budget. The proposal, modelled on the United States’ shutdown system, would trigger automatic suspensions of services such as salaries, pensions, health, education and justice when allocated funds are exhausted.

Milei defended the idea in a radio interview, dismissing criticism as “imbecility” and joking that Argentina would be left producing only dulce de leche and biromes. He linked the plan to broader reforms, including a change to the charter of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA). The concept has sparked controversy across the country, with opponents warning of severe social and economic consequences.