Following the Lower House's rejection of a controversial chapter, Argentina's Senate Budget Committee approved a majority dictamen for the 2026 Budget on December 19, omitting Chapter 11 on repealing university and disability funding laws. A special session is set for December 26, while labor reform moves to February.
La Libertad Avanza (LLA) and allies including PRO, UCR, and provincial forces secured a majority dictamen in the Senate's Budget and Treasury Committee for the 2026 Budget bill, unchanged from the Lower House version after Chapter 11—containing Article 75 to repeal Emergency Laws on Disability and University Financing—was rejected there on December 17.
This exclusion disrupted the Milei Government's plan for a comprehensive year-end reform package. Official sources noted to Perfil that the chapter's wording and timing may have been inadequate, with fiscal measures bundled too tightly affecting votes. Last-ditch Deputies efforts, like added transfers to Buenos Aires City and Judiciary funds, failed.
Senate bloc leader Patricia Bullrich hailed the dictamen: “It respects the three anchors of our plan,” stressing the 'golden rule' of fiscal surplus. It's Milei's first full expenditures and revenues law. Treasury Secretary Carlos Guberman outlined allocations: 45% social security/pensions/retirements; 16% social assistance; 11% public salaries; 9% debt interest (82% total), plus subsidies and universities.
Interior Minister Diego Santilli affirmed on TN: “The President set a path and it is happening.” Amid PRO tensions over an AGN appointment, he praised their support: “PRO accompanied us steadfastly, the 11 deputies despite the thunder.”
Vice President Victoria Villarruel scheduled a December 26 special session for the Budget and Inocencia Fiscal Law, both with dictamens. Officialism considers floor amendments or separate bills for Chapter 11 goals, though Senate dynamics pose challenges. Labor reform dictamen is approved but delayed to February 10 amid requested changes, vote shortages, and CGT protests.
The Government views the setback as a lesson, with analyst Pablo Salinas cautioning against entering sessions without votes. Efforts focus on alliance-building to prevent veto of the incomplete Budget.
