SPECIAL REPORT

The Argentinian Congress: political outlook in an election year

Buenos Aires, May 2013

BARCELONA BOGOTÁ LIMA LISBOA MADRID MÉXICO PANAMÁ QUITO RIO J SÃO PAULO SANTIAGO STO DOMINGO THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

1. INTRODUCTION 1. INTRODUCTION 2. WHAT HAPPENED IN 2012? 3. 2013 OUTLOOK On 1st March 2013, the president of , Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, opened a new regular sessions’ period in the Argentinian 4. JUSTICE REFORM AND ITS Congress. POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES 5. 2013 LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS In her message, broadcasted on national radio and television, the 6. CONCLUSIONS head of state summarized the main economic indicators of Argentina AUTHORS and how they had developed over the last 10 years of Kirchner’s LLORENTE & CUENCA administration, a timeframe she called “a won decade”.

National deputies and senators, in Legislative Assembly, attended the Presidential speech after having taken part in 23 sessions in each House, which strongly contrasts with the fi gure registered in 2011, when approximately a dozen sessions were held.

The central point of her speech was the announcement of the outlines of what she called “the democratization of justice”. The modifi cation of the Judicial Council, the creation of three new Courts of Cassation and the regulation of the use of precautionary measures in lawsuits against the state were, among others, the initiatives that the president promised to send to Congress for discussion. Therefore, the judicial system reform became the main political issue in the 2013 public agenda and had a noteworthy impact on all areas of Argentinian society.

The presidential speech took place in the context of an election year, which will entail the modifi cation of the composition of both Houses and in which represented political parties will play different roles. On one hand, the government will seek a parliamentary majority that allows them, if necessary, to discuss a constitutional reform which shall enable a further mandate. On the other hand, the opposition will try to achieve as many seats as possible in order to implement their agenda and act as a counterweight to the decisions taken by the executive authority, thus becoming a viable alternative for the 2015 elections.

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2. WHAT HAPPENED IN 2012? Ivana Bianchi (Alianza Compromiso Federal) the The National Congress has draft resolutions list. witnessed a year of intense activity. Since the legislative Senate: changes of 2009, both the House of Representatives and the • 23 sessions were held (unlike Senate managed to overcome the 13 recorded in 2011). the low number of sessions held in 2011, marked by the elections • Half of the senators “During the 130th period in which Cristina Fernández de attended every session or of legislative sessions, both Kirchner was re-elected with just missed one. Houses of Congress over 54% of the votes casted. passed and enacted several • Senator Aníbal Fernández House of Representatives: (FpV) was the member who bills, resolutions and talked the most in 2012, with declarations” • 23 sessions were held (in 85.876 words, followed by contrast with the fi gure of Gerardo Morales (UCR), with 2011; 7). These can be divided 76.195 words. into special (11), urgency (7), informative (1), preparatory (2) • 1045 projects were and extraordinary sessions (2). passed, 118 were draft laws; 58 communication- • The government organized related; 118 resolutions and a record number of special 751 declarations. sessions compared to urgency sessions, in many cases because » Senator Roberto Basualdo the time lapses between its (Bloque Producción y issuing and handling in the Trabajo) lead the ranking Houses could not be met. of presented bills, while Mario Colazo (UCR) topped • While 80 deputies did not the list of draft resolutions make any statements during and declarations. these sessions, only 14 did not make any speeches in 2012. During the 130th period of legislative Therefore, a mere 5% of the sessions, both Houses of Congress members never appeared on passed and enacted several bills, the list of speakers. resolutions and declarations.

• 229 bills were passed. The highlights of the 2012 legislative year were: » Deputy Héctor Recalde (FpV) was the leading • Reform of the Charter of member in relation the Central Bank: it was to presented bill granted further powers in initiatives, while Liliana relation to credit regulation Faldul (Partido Federal and enhanced control for Fueguino) topped the list Superintendence of Financial of draft declarations and and Exchange Institutions.

3 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

• Transfer of subways, pre- • Expropriation of former metro, Puerto Madero tram Ciccone Calcográfica: thus and 33 bus lines services to Argentine Mint controlled the City of Buenos Aires: the the South American Values Act-Agreement signed between Company, the only private “A rise in consumer National Government and Local enterprise allowed to issue prices of 10.8% and Government was approved. legal tender banknotes. a growth of 4.4% is • Electoral Code amendments: • Transfer of judicial deposits expected for the this initiative replaced the from the City to the National current year” National Identity Book for a Bank: it was agreed that the card in order to vote. funds generated from lawsuits in federal and national courts of • YPF: 51% of the shares owned the City of Buenos Aires shall no by the oil company Repsol longer be deposited in the City were expropriated, as the Bank but in the National Bank. Government sought to achieve fuel self-suffi ciency and the • 2013 Budget: the “law of recovery of leadership in the laws” was passed. A rise in energy sector. consumer prices of 10.8% and a growth of 4.4% is expected » According to the members for the current year, among of Congress consulted other economic parameters. by the website www. parlamentario.com, this • Reform of ART law: was the most important this measure amended action of the year. the Occupation Hazards regulation, allowing the injured worker to choose PASSED BILLS between an ART compensation, POLITICAL increased by 20%, or to pursue a claim for damages through • Transfer of subways, pre-metro, tram and 33 bus lines services to the City civil proceedings. of Buenos Aires • Electoral Code amendments • Young Vote: citizens over 16 • Expropriation and nationalization of YPF years will be eligible to vote • Expropriation of former Ciccone Calcográfi ca in the next elections. • “Per Saltum” Regulation • Agreement with Iran regarding the AMIA bombing • Gender Identity: the rights related to gender identity ECONOMIC recognition and to be • Reform of the Charter of the Central Bank identifi ed in accordance with • Transfer of judicial deposits from the City to the National Bank the internal feelings of each • 2013 Budget individual were addressed. • Capital Market reform • “Per Saltum” Regulation: SOCIAL the extraordinary petition for • Reform of ART law • Young Vote • Gender Identity

4 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

direct access to the Supreme outline the main points on which Court of Justice in case of the Government and opposition “Despite being an “serious institutional crisis” agendas will be centered on the election year, it was approved. Legislative Power: is likely that Congress’ • Capital Market reform: • Issues that might have legislative allowing the National an impact on the media: activity level of 2012 Commission of Values to matters that may eventually become the watchdog of defi ne the national public will not drop” public offering of securities. agenda, shaping the political and social debate: • Agreement with Iran regarding the AMIA bombing: • Potential Constitutional an Understanding Memorandum reform: it stems from between Argentina and Iran was statements made by passed in order to investigate senior offi cials, who began the bombing of the Jewish considering the possibility of center of 1994. amending the Constitution to ensure the possibility of a third term for the current President. 3. 2013 OUTLOOK • Amendments, updates and Despite being an election year, it unifi cation of the Civil is likely that Congress’ legislative and Commercial Codes: activity level of 2012 will not drop. the draft was announced It is possible, in principle, to by the President herself, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, along with the President of the Supreme Court, Ricardo Lorenzetti. The Congress formed a Bicameral Committee to study the reform over the past year. It carried out 15 public hearings throughout the country.

The designation of former Argentina Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as Pope opened a new debate regarding the unification of both Codes. LAWS PASSED IN 2012 DIVIDED BY SOURCE It is expected that the Government will meet with the head of the Argentinian Church to discuss and agree on many points of the Civil Code bill that bishops are

5 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

not keen on. The main • Income Act amendments: debate will revolve around: there are different bills pending in relation to the modifi cation » Divorce may be requested of income tax and it is possible by only one of the spouses, that the raise of the non- without justifi cation, and taxable minimum becomes one will not require three years of the agenda items in 2013. of marriage. Infi delity shall not be a cause for divorce. Other projects

» Spouses shall not be obliged • Institutional: “The objective is to share the same home. to give citizens access » Criminal Code reform: » Hetero- and homosexual the government’s proposal to information from couples shall have the could be discussed in all three branches of same rights to adoption Congress as long as the government” and fertilization. drafting committee continues developing it. » Surrogacy: having another woman bear a child for a » Management of decisions couple shall be lawful. of the Mixed Committee Controller of Accounts, » Fertilization: gestated based on the resolutions embryos can be implanted of the General Auditing after the man’s death. Offi ce of the Nation The Church has always (AGN): related to alleged held that human life exists irregularities that have since the fecundation and been detected in various rejects the destruction of public agencies. It embryos not implanted in is believed that the the womb. opposition will promote this measure. Although the debate will continue throughout 2013, » Access to public it is expected to become a information: although law before the legislative the project had been elections in October. provisionally adopted by the Senate in 2010, • Possible reopening of the it never reached the exchange of government Congress. The objective is securities of foreign debt: if to give citizens access to an agreement with government information from all three bonds holders is met, the branches of government. Congress shall derogate the “Bolt Act” that prevents to » Consumer Price Index: renegotiate debt payments. Even though there are

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different projects from for private businesses. the opposition expressing Both are currently concerns about infl ation, being discussed in the statistics from the National pertinent Legislative Institute of Statistics Committees. and Census (INDEC) and requesting the creation of a • Agricultural: new consumer price index, it is expected that none of » Seed law: amendments them will be handled in to the Seed and 2013, as FpV will keep the Phytogenic Creations majority, at least, until the Acts have been proposed. legislative elections. On one hand, there is a project driven by the • Social: government which is currently being debated » In-Vitro fertilization: the in the National Seed bill regulating assisted Committee (CONASE). reproduction techniques On the other hand, the which also includes the opposition introduced treatment of infertility in two initiatives that are the Compulsory Medical currently on hold in Program was passed by the both Houses. House, but has not been approved by the Senate » Agrochemicals Act: yet (despite it expressing a although several initiatives favorable opinion). seeking to regulate the use of glyphosate in » Electronic Waste Law: this agricultural activities were initiative was introduced presented, they have not by the government to been addressed in any of create a system for the the two Houses yet. management of electrical and electronic equipment » Mate: a project that waste. It was approved modifi es the Law of the by the Senate and is Mate Institute was issued. currently being discussed It seeks to change the in Congress. voting system in the body and regulate the price » Corporate Social of the raw material and Responsibility: there the fi nished product. It are several bills was passed by Congress seeking to establish the and has been sent to the preparation of an annual Senate for debate. social report for state enterprises as well as » Biofuels: an initiative that the development of a regulates the development sustainability report and use of biofuels and

7 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

oleochemical derivatives. and prosecution of judges. It has been partially The project intends to give approved by the Congress the power to people to choose and sent to the Senate the members of the Council for discussion. by popular vote. Therefore, candidates will be included • Food: in the lists that the political parties will have to submit “Last March, the » Healthy Kiosks: several in August for the primary president of projects regarding healthy elections. In order to select kiosks were unifi ed and and suspend a judge and bring Argentina, Cristina received preliminary him to justice, half plus one Fernández de approval in the Congress. of the votes will be required. Kirchner, announced They are being discussed Thus, the political party that the projects in the Senate. wins the elections, even with just 35% of the votes, will related to the • Employment: obtain an automatic majority “democratization of 10 votes that will allow it of Justice” to the » Employee participation to take decisions regarding the in company profi ts: even future of judges. Legislative though it received media Assembly’” coverage last year, it might • Creation of Chambers of not be handled. Cassation in the fi elds of Civil and Commercial, » Amendments to the Law Social Security and Labor of Labor Contract: several and Contentious and projects were submitted Administrative Matters. These seeking to amend the courts will be above the Courts Law of Labor Contract of Appeals and will decrease the (payment of fringe benefi ts number of cases to be settled and the modifi cation of by the Supreme Court. the compensatory system, among others). • Regulation of precautionary measures: “precautionary measures have become a tool 4. JUSTICE REFORM AND ITS to destroy justice by paralyzing POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES the judicial administration”, stated the President. The Last March, the president of objective is to limit the use Argentina, Cristina Fernández de of these measures in judicial Kirchner, announced the projects processes against the State. related to the “democratization They may last for 6 months, of Justice” to the Legislative renewable for the same amount Assembly. These are: of time in specifi c cases. After the deadline, the judge will • Modifi cation of the Judicial have to deliver a judgment on Council: The objective is to merits. In case of appeal, the modify the representative body effect of the precautionary that regulates the selection measure will be suspended,

8 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

except when this jeopardizes selection of judges, as it the life, health, environment requires the votes of two thirds or vulnerable sectors. of the Council.

• Democratizing the access The opponents of this to the judicial system. project consider that these “Everybody who meets the measures will be harmful to qualifi cations and requirements the composition of the body and has passed the exams will for the sake of the governing be eligible. In case there are party and this will lead to the too many people fulfi lling politicization of the judicial these conditions, a public system, as judges will need draw will be held”, said the strong links to political parties head of state. so that their names are present “The initiatives that on the electoral lists. public opinion » Access to information of the cases that are Following the reforms suggested has deemed most being addressed in the by the Center for Legal and Social controversial Supreme Court (CSJN): Studies (CELS) and the group were the ones related implementation of a “Legitimate Justice” (Justicia to the modifi cation of registration system of Legítima), the government agreed cases and publication of to implement some modifi cations the Judicial Council the judgments. on the original project on and the regulation of precautionary measures in order precautionary » Internet access to to provide more protection the affi davits of all to vulnerable sectors whose measures” the members of the constitutional guarantees might be branches of government in jeopardy. (Legislative, Executive and Judicial). As happened with resolution 125 that sparked the confl ict between The initiatives that public opinion government and agricultural sector has deemed most controversial and, likewise, as occurred with the were the ones related to the Law on Audiovisual Communication modifi cation of the Judicial Services that led to the confrontation Council and the regulation of between public authorities and the precautionary measures. media, the importance of the reform strongly divided society, as people The arguments supporting the defended one of two clearly reform the of the Judicial divergent political positions. Council imply that the body cannot perform its duties and is On one hand, the opposition currently virtually paralyzed: a and several NGOs promoted the fi ve-member opposition group, idea that these judicial reforms headed by Unión Cívica Radical proposed by the Government were (UCR), can prevent the Council part of a “strategy of from taking important decisions to hold on to power with such as the prosecution and impunity, violating the National

9 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

Constitution”. Therefore, they three Chambers of Cassation and the launched a campaign to identify regulation of the use of precautionary 12 members of opposition political measures. The same is expected parties that usually support for the project that promotes initiatives of government to democratic access to Judicial Power, discourage them from doing so. which will be debated in the House of Additionally, they took part in an Representatives, where Kirchnerism important public protest organized holds the majority. through the social networks, the so called “18-A”. It is likely that before the start of the election schedule which will lead During the almost 19 hours that to the elections in October, several the handling of these projects judge and lawyers associations, required, several tense situations as well as certain NGOs will make took place in the House of unconstitutionality appeals to Representatives. Elisa Carrió, prevent the implementation of member of Coalición Cívica (CC), the aforementioned measures. “The legislative claimed that there was a “pact for Therefore, the center of the elections to be held the money“between the president political stage will gravitate around in October 2013 will and the Head of the Supreme the Supreme Court, which will Court, Ricardo Lorenzetti, in order have the last word on this issue. be the main political to help pass the judicial reform. It is yet to be seen how the Court event of the year” will act on an unknown scenario On the other hand, the reform was for this judicial body: whether to deemed suspicious when two key allow reforms that affect its own votes were not registered. For a structure. moment, the opposition thought it had achieved its objective of halting the initiative, as a special 5. 2013 LEGISLATIVE majority was required in order ELECTIONS to pass the project. However, a member of government and an ally The legislative elections to be of FpV pointed out that they had held in October 2013 will be the voted in favor of the amendments main political event of the year. yet their votes had not been This election is quite important as recorded. The opposition claimed its results will greatly defi ne the that the voting was a fraud and Argentinian political scenario for withdrew from Congress. This 2015. On one hand, the Senate situation left Kirchnerism alone renews the elected third of 2007, voting the rest of the articles. when President Cristina Fernández Even so, the government de Kirchner won for the fi rst managed to get the preliminary time. On the other, the House of approval for the project which Representatives will renew half was sent to Senate, where it was of the elected members of 2009, fi nally approved. when FpV was defeated.

Thus, it now forms part of the list of Since it is not a presidential projects previously approved by the election, from a political point of Congress along with the creation with view, the realities of local districts

10 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

will play a bigger role than his opponent will try to emulate his national issues. Thus, it is possible successful performance of 2011, for the FpV to fi nd diffi culties in in which he obtained the second order to achieve victory in the place. Furthermore, most important districts, such as is divided and experiencing the City of Buenos Aires and the severe internal disputes. Former provinces of Santa Fe, Mendoza provincial legislator María Eugenia and Cordoba. Bielsa and some mayors reject a new designation of national In the City of Buenos Aires, PRO deputy Agustín Rossi. Therefore, faces a key challenge for its future. during the last weeks, looking If it obtains a signifi cant amount for a candidate who could unify of votes, it is likely that some of Peronism and prevent a possible the elected candidates will run to defeat has become a reality. The become the successor of Mayor chosen member is no other than , current head of Alexander Ramos, current Secretary the City Government, who ends his of Transportation, who has a very term in two years. If the expected good relationship with President results are not achieved, it is Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. possible that the presidential “During the last aspirations of Macri will have to In Cordoba, Peronist Governor José weeks, looking be postponed indefi nitely, which Manuel De la Sota will promote would force his political party to the designation of Juan Schiaretti for a candidate who form an alliance with other groups as leading candidate, a former could unify Peronism in order to fi ght for the elections provincial leader, while UCR will try and prevent a possible against Kirchnerism in 2015. The to encourage the appointment of advantage for FpV is that it only Senator Oscar Aguad. FpV has not defeat has become a needs to renew a single deputy, elected a candidate yet, although reality” although this cannot be applied to Carolina Scotto, current Head of the Senate, where it would lose an the National University of Cordoba own senator and an ally, key during and Adolfo Acastello, Mayor of Villa the last two years of government. María, are being considered. On the side of Frente Amplio Progresista, if they manage to There is a great division in the two form an alliance with Proyecto Sur, main parties of Mendoza. UCR, led UCR and the Civic Coalition, it will by Alberto Cornejo, will have Julio be possible for them to fi ght with Cobos as its candidate, a former PRO for the fi rst place. However, Vice-. This the lack of management makes it situation has entailed a strong diffi cult to form a joint strategy. internal debate by , former Governor Candidate, and In Santa Fe, it is likely that the Víctor Fayad, Mayor of Mendoza. political contest will come down Such is the magnitude of the to a battle between the ruling problem that Iglesias and Fayad party’s candidate, former Governor would be willing to run with their Hermes Binner and the member of own lists, independent of UCR and PRO, Miguel del Sel. Although the would skip the primary elections former is leading most opinion polls, of August if Cobos is fi nally

11 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

elected. Meanwhile, FpV is paying roll, as it is yet to be defi ned attention to the polls that refl ect whether Peronism will run united the popularity of the Head of the or divided in several lists. People Bank of the Nation, Juan Carlos like , Governor of the Fábrega, although his support acts province and , Mayor in the province have not been of Tigre, are gaining relevance successful. Provincial Peronism in the political arena. It has not is also experiencing a strong been yet defi ned how both will confrontation between Governor infl uence these elections, as their Francisco Pérez and his deputy decisions will not only depend Carlos Ciurca. Pérez promotes on the confi guration of Congress, a reform of the Constitution but essentially, on the electoral that would allow him to run for outlook for 2015. On the side of reelection in 2015, but his deputy the opposition, FAP (Hermes Binner opposes this measure. This move by and ) is trying to the Governor complicates drafting form an alliance with UCR, which a single list for the legislative would allow them to return to the elections for this year. political forefront.

The main question will be the It is important to point out that province of Buenos Aires, which these districts account for two accounts for 38% of the electoral thirds of the electoral roll and obtaining victories in them poses as the main challenge that the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – NUMBER OF SEATS TO BE REPLA- government will have to face in CED DIVIDED BY PROVINCE order to continue with its political project beyond 2015. Therefore, opposition will have to create political alliances if they intend on obtaining good results. It is likely that the opposition political parties will repeat the coalitions formed in 2009 to fend off the projects of government: the fi rst union would be Frente Amplio Progresista (FAP), Unión Cívica Radical (UCR) and Coalición Cívica (CC); the second, a center-right wing fusion, which would unite dissident Peronism and PRO.

House of Representatives

The House has 257 members. 127 seats will be renewed in 2013.

12 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

Senate 6. CONCLUSIONS

The Senate has 72 members. In According to the Legislative 2013, 24 seats, i.e., 3 senators of Directory Foundation, most laws each of the following districts, passed in 2012 were projects will be renewed: promoted by the Government or Members of Congress from • City of Buenos Aires Frente para la Victoria with the support of the Executive. • Chaco “You feel useless”, declared • Entre Ríos Senator Jaime Linares (Generación para un Encuentro • Neuquén Nacional, GEN), as he analyzed the role played by the opposition • Rio Negro in Congress. While projects driven by Kirchnerism advance • Salta rapidly, the same cannot be said for the initiatives carried out • Santiago del Estero by the opposition, as these are paralyzed when the pertinent • Tierra del Fuego Legislative Commissions have to study and discuss them.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – NUMBER OF SEATS TO BE RENEWED DIVIDED BY GROUPS Thus, in 2012, Frente para la Victoria did not encounter any problems in order to fi nd the support needed to pass the bills they proposed, based on its parliamentary majority or by alleging national and public needs. The expropriation of YPF, amending the Charter of the Central Bank of Argentina, the transfer of the subway service to the City of Buenos Aires and the reform of the Electoral Code, among others, were

SENATORS – NUMBER OF SEATS TO BE RENEWED DIVIDED BY GROUPS

13 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

the main laws approved by Congress same composition, in at least at the behest of Government. 18 districts”. This led to the Consequently, it is evident that the rejection of several opposition opposition faces major diffi culties legislators due to the harm that when trying to use the legislative these measures could entail agenda to put their projects to for provincial political forces. public debate and become a real As declared by the opposition power alternative. representative Graciela Carmaño, “there were only going In 2013, legislative elections to be district elections and the will be similar to the Open government implemented a Concurrent Compulsory Primary national election”. Elections (PASO). This process will be marked by a singularity: since However, Frente para la Victoria “It is important to there will be no “drag effect” as will need to obtain very good results understand occurs with presidential elections, to be able to proceed with the that the judicial it is likely that relationship between constitutional reform, an issue that Government and governors has not yet been formalized, but reform entails regarding the draft of electoral remains in the public debate. Even an electoral reform” lists will be more balanced. though it has been unanimously rejected by the opposition forces, With the possibility of securing a its approval would shatter the majority in both houses after the dreams of several political sectors elections, it can be expected that that hope to see their lust for the Government will continue power become a reality. sending several initiatives to the Legislative power in order Although mid-term elections can to be able to continue with defi ne the remaining years for its government plan. Similarly, the party in power, Argentinians “battles” against corporations will witnessed how Kirchnerism was able still be present; mainstream media, to overcome the bad results obtained especially newspaper Clarín, in 2009 and continue dominating Justice, agriculture or opposition the political agenda. In general, unionism are good examples. the “”, the “20N” stoppage by opposition unionism and the latest It is important to understand social demonstration, “”, against that the judicial reform entails the government had more political an electoral reform. Being than economic motivations. able to choose the members of the Judicial Council through a Nevertheless, government has general election is a modifi cation not modifi ed its agenda and the of PASO. It would no longer be a opposition has not been able to take mere election of representatives advantage of the aforementioned and senators in each district. discontent either. Cristina Kirchner The bill approved by the Senate continues dominating the public states that “parties and alliances agenda and the opposition still faces that promote a list of advisors diffi culties in order to implement must be registered, with the their projects.

14 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

The key to this legislative election concurrent compulsory elections will be to see what exactly will the will take place in August. Government come up with and what will do Peronism, which still has Therefore, political parties will have “Congress not stated whether it will support to specify and make public their the Government or the opposition, political alliances in June. With confi guration is and whose main fi gures are the the candidates already defi ned, not what will be at Governor of Buenos Aires, Daniel Congress confi guration is not what stake, but essentially, Scioli and the Mayor of Tigre, Sergio will be at stake, but essentially, Massa; both with a high degree of the chances of Kirchnerism to the chances of acceptance among the population. continue its political project as Kirchnerism to well as the possibilities of the continue its political The electoral schedule opposition of becoming a true project” establishes that the internal open alternative to government.

15 THE ARGENTINIAN CONGRESS: POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AN ELECTION YEAR

AUTHORS

Graciela Otegui. Director of Public Affairs in LLORENTE & CUENCA, has a Degree in Political Science in International Relations from the UCA. She worked for eight years as Advisor to the Offi ce of the President and four years in the US Senate. She was part of the team of Communication of the Presidency and was responsible for the areas of communication of foreign governments, provinces, municipalities and the private sector. [email protected]

Ezequiel Borra Martin. Senior Consultant in LLORENTE & CUENCA, Specialist of Public Affairs. He has a Bachelor of International Relations (UCA) and will become a lawyer in the near future. He worked as a consultant in the City of Buenos Aires Legislature in the Ministry of Environment and Public Space in the City of Buenos Aires as well as in private consulting companies. [email protected]

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