Argentina lower house approves bill curbing presidential decrees

By Eliana Raszewski

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentina's lower house on Wednesday approved a bill to curb the use of presidential emergency decrees, a challenge to the executive powers of President Javier Milei whose party holds a minority in both legislative chambers.

Milei retains the power to veto the legislation.

Lawmakers passed the measure by 140 votes in favor and 80 against, with 17 abstentions. The bill was already cleared by the Senate, but newly voted on modifications to the articles mean it will now return to the upper house.

Local media reported that the modification was over the length of time lawmakers would have to evaluate the decrees, which was initially set at 90 days.

The ruling party has said this bill would be destabilizing and create legal uncertainty, but critics say the president's use of executive decrees is excessive and causes institutional damage.

The change would allow the opposition to block decrees with a simple majority in either chamber, forcing the administration to seek broader consensus for its agenda.

Meanwhile, Argentina is set to hold midterm elections on October 26, seen as a crucial test for Milei as he enters the second half of his presidency with limited legislative support.

If his party fails to garner sufficient votes in these elections, Milei's reform agenda will face an uphill battle.

(Reporting by Eliana Raszewski and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Sarah Morland, Aurora Ellis and Lincoln Feast.)