Milei's Intelligence Budget: 100 Million Dollars Rejected by Congress

In a significant blow to Argentine President Javier Milei, Congress has rejected a decree allocating $100 million to the new intelligence agency, SIDE. The decision, supported by a broad coalition of lawmakers, showcases the increasing opposition to Milei's policies, particularly within his own party, La Libertad Avanza.

The opposition's rejection of the budget allocation stems from concerns about transparency and accountability, as well as the past abuses of the Argentine intelligence services. The $100 million was designated as "reserved expenses," meaning it could be used without detailed accounting. This lack of oversight fueled fears of potential misuse, particularly in light of Milei's aggressive stance against perceived political opponents.

The vote also reveals a growing rift between Milei and former President Mauricio Macri. Although Milei's party is currently allied with Macri's PRO, the former president's lawmakers voted against the decree, alongside the Peronist opposition, effectively denying Milei the quorum necessary to pass the measure. This move signals a potential shift in the political landscape, with Macri increasingly distancing himself from Milei's leadership.

The rejection of the intelligence budget is the latest in a series of setbacks for Milei. Earlier this week, one of his own party members was appointed to lead a congressional committee overseeing intelligence spending. This further indicates the growing internal pressure Milei is facing from within his own party.

Milei has responded to the situation by emphasizing the importance of strengthening the intelligence apparatus in the face of threats from drug cartels and terrorism. However, his reliance on opaque funding mechanisms and his history of controversial rhetoric have heightened concerns about potential misuse of power.

The upcoming Senate vote on the decree remains crucial. If the Senate also rejects the measure, it would be the first time since Argentina's return to democracy in 1983 that a presidential decree has been fully overturned. This potential historical event further highlights the political instability and uncertainty surrounding Milei's presidency.

In the face of growing opposition, Milei has already taken steps to mitigate the consequences of the rejected budget, utilizing a significant portion of the allocated funds in recent weeks. However, the ongoing political struggle over the intelligence budget serves as a powerful reminder of the deep divisions and challenges facing Argentina's new government.

The political landscape in Argentina continues to shift, with Milei's ability to implement his agenda increasingly challenged. The rejection of his intelligence budget is a strong indication of the growing resistance to his style of leadership and his controversial policies.