President Javier Milei opened the 144th ordinary session of Congress with a nearly two-hour speech, announcing a package of 90 structural reforms to redesign Argentina's institutional architecture. He harshly criticized the Kirchnerist opposition, referencing cases like Nisman and former President Cristina Kirchner, while praising his administration's achievements such as zero deficit and deregulations. The event, marked by clashes and tensions, included plans to strengthen the economy and security.
On March 1, 2026, President Javier Milei delivered a speech in the Congress of the Nation to open the ordinary sessions, before a divided Legislative Assembly with applause from the official bloc and boos from the opposition. Milei highlighted that 'just two years ago Argentina was in a terminal crisis situation', comparing it to past crises and stating that his administration has stabilized the economy without expropriations.
Among the achievements mentioned, the president pointed to the elimination of a 5% GDP fiscal deficit in the first month, thanks to Luis 'Toto' Caputo, whom he called 'the best Minister of Economy in the world'. He also praised Federico Sturzenegger for over 14,500 deregulations and Patricia Bullrich for security advances, such as a 17% reduction in homicides and the elimination of pickets.
Milei announced that each ministry will prepare 10 monthly reform packages over nine months, totaling 90 projects. These include reforms to the Penal Code with harsher penalties, tax and electoral changes, the Civil and Commercial Code, Customs Code, legal framework for natural resources 'far from absurd environmental prejudices', judicial system with jury trials in Federal Justice, education, and Armed Forces.
The speech included strong clashes with the opposition. Milei accused Kirchnerism of signing an 'impunity pact with Iran' and demanded: 'Band of assassins and thieves, come explain to me what happened with Nisman!'. Referring to Cristina Kirchner, he said: 'She will remain in prison for the Cuadernos case, for Vialidad and the Memorandum'. He also taunted Myriam Bregman as 'Chilindrina troska' and Juan Grabois as 'oligarch dressed as a beggar'.
Milei defended private property as 'the cornerstone of the entire economy' and criticized 'accomplice' businessmen in plundering, citing the Fate closure and high tire prices. He highlighted international alliances, such as with Donald Trump and the Mercosur-EU agreement, stating: 'Let's make Argentina and America great again'.
The event showed internal tensions: a cold greeting between Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel, who used her phone during the speech. Milei closed by emphasizing: 'We have the most reformist Congress in history' and 'we will make Argentina great again'.
