Following legislative elections, Argentina's officialism warned the opposition it will veto the 2026 Budget if it fails to ensure fiscal balance. Chamber of Deputies President Martín Menem stressed the need for rationality to avoid political chaos. The government aims to delay the debate until new legislators take office on December 10.
The debate on Argentina's 2026 Budget progressed in Congress with Security Minister Patricia Bullrich's appearance before the Budget and Treasury Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, chaired by officialist Bertie Benegas Lynch. Bullrich presented the project, but the opposition requested Economy Minister Luis Caputo's presence and raised concerns over post-election political timelines from October 26, where La Libertad Avanza secured victory with over 40% of national votes.
Chamber of Deputies President Martín Menem told Radio Mitre: 'Let's hope rationality prevails.' He warned that officialism will veto any budget version failing to maintain the financial surplus needed to cover current expenses and debt interest. The government prefers delaying the report until December, after new legislators assume office on December 10, to include their input in a 'totally different' country context from 2021.
The opposition pushes alternatives before the changeover and criticizes the haste, noting the plenary urged the committee to report without sufficient time. Casa Rosada sources confirmed President Javier Milei will call extraordinary sessions this week to address the 2026 Budget, alongside labor and tax reforms. On October 31, Milei will meet 15 governors at the Casa Rosada, joined by Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, Caputo, and Interior Minister Lisandro Catalán, to negotiate consensus and support from allied blocs like PRO and UCR.
Menem acknowledged internal differences with presidential advisor Santiago Caputo, calling them 'different viewpoints,' but reaffirmed La Libertad Avanza's hold on the Chamber presidency. Patricia Bullrich, set to lead Senate negotiations, emphasized avoiding setbacks and building majorities for tax, labor, pension, and Penal Code reforms.
