Libertarians Secure Victory as Bases Law Bill Passes Senate
Vice President Victoria Villarruel played a crucial role by breaking a tie and securing the passage of the Bases Law bill in Argentina’s Senate. The bill, aimed at helping the country overcome its economic challenges, required Villarruel’s deciding vote after a 36-36 split in the Senate. The vote took place during the early hours of Thursday.
The bill will now return to the Lower House for further approval, as amendments were made, particularly regarding the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI). This legislative achievement marks a significant milestone for President Javier Milei’s government, which has been in office for six months.
The government hailed the passing of the law as a step towards the “recovery of the freedom of Argentines.” President Milei’s administration had to compromise on certain aspects of the bill, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises like Aerolíneas Argentinas and Radio Nacional.
Villarruel’s decisive vote highlighted the importance of the Vice President’s role in breaking ties in the Senate, a rare occurrence in Argentine politics. This historic moment echoed a similar event from 2008 when then-Vice President Julio César Cobos cast a tie-breaking vote that led to the repealing of a key economic resolution. Villarruel’s vote symbolized a pivotal moment in Argentina’s political landscape.