Argentina President Milei Promises to Quash Corruption, Then Shocks with Supreme Court Pick

By LG Staff

By LG Staff

June 24, 2024

Argentine President Javier Milei, who campaigned as a libertarian outsider vowing to dismantle corruption, faces significant backlash over his Supreme Court nominee, Ariel Lijo. Lijo, a 55-year-old judge, has been accused of conspiracy, money laundering, and numerous ethical violations, making his nomination highly controversial.

Human Rights Watch’s Juan Pappier criticized the move as a significant regression, undermining the judiciary and the anti-corruption fight. The backlash was immediate, with protests erupting outside the Supreme Court and widespread condemnation from legal watchdogs, business groups, and media outlets, who view this as a betrayal of Milei’s campaign promises.

Despite these criticisms, Milei remains confident that Lijo will be confirmed, citing Lijo’s extensive political connections. This prediction comes amid Milei’s broader struggles to pass legislation, with his recent radical economic overhaul narrowly passing the Senate after violent protests.

Lijo’s nomination has intensified concerns about judicial independence in Argentina. He has been accused of delaying sensitive corruption cases, including those involving former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. These delays have earned him a reputation for protecting powerful figures, with critics dubbing him the “court anesthesiologist.”

Political analysts note that Milei’s decision to nominate Lijo reflects a broader strategy to consolidate power amid Argentina’s economic crisis, with inflation nearing 300%. Milei argues that emergency measures, including labor market deregulation, are necessary to address the crisis, though these have faced legal challenges.

Prominent figures, including Libertarian economist Alberto Benegas Lynch and Vice President Victoria Villarruel, have expressed alarm over the nomination. The Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce has warned that it could damage Milei’s efforts to attract international investment.

Lijo’s controversial history includes a 2018 criminal case accusing him and his brother of conspiring to perform official favors for wealthy businessmen in exchange for money. Although this case was dropped in 2021 due to lack of evidence, Lijo’s record remains contentious. The magistrates council, Argentina’s top judicial watchdog, found Lijo caused “unjustified” delays in numerous cases and faced 32 formal denunciations over his 20-year career.

As the Senate confirmation hearing approaches, some senators have called for expedited investigations into the pending complaints against Lijo. However, the magistrates council has postponed these inquiries indefinitely, citing the inappropriate timing given Lijo’s Supreme Court candidacy.

The political implications of Lijo’s potential confirmation are significant, with former leaders like Kirchner and Mauricio Macri potentially influencing the outcome. Allegations of a pact between Milei and Kirchner have captivated the media, suggesting Kirchner might support Lijo’s nomination in exchange for legal leniency.

In the face of mounting criticism, Milei’s defense of Lijo has been tepid. When questioned about Lijo’s qualifications, Milei highlighted Lijo’s understanding of the justice system but offered little else to counter the attacks.

As Argentina watches the unfolding drama, the stakes are high for Milei’s administration. The president’s credibility and the integrity of the judicial system hang in the balance, with the outcome of Lijo’s nomination likely to have far-reaching consequences for Argentina’s political landscape.

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