Argentina's Government Faces Judicial Scrutiny Amidst Opposition Vacuum

Argentina's President Javier Milei's administration, despite polling showing a majority of the public in opposition, faces no significant political challenge from a cohesive opposition. This power vacuum, however, does not translate to unchecked authority. Instead, the judiciary has emerged as a de facto opposition, scrutinizing the government for various reasons.

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The judiciary, for good and bad reasons, seems to occupy the annoying role of conventional opposition.

The administration's legitimacy is increasingly questioned due to a growing number of corruption allegations. What was initially perceived as a break from past corrupt practices is now seen as a continuation, especially as the government has shown little inclination to improve institutional quality. Key appointments, such as Judge Ariel Lijo to the Supreme Court and others to the Ministry of Justice, have been criticized as lacking a genuine commitment to institutional reform.

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The idea that the libertarians were coming to break a very unedifying continuity with previous experiences is becoming increasingly questionable.

This perception of disinterest in institutional integrity is not confined to local observers. It is also shaping the government's international image, as evidenced by a recent International Monetary Fund report. The IMF's "Argentina: 2026 Article IV Consultation" document, in a section on "Governance and Anti-Corruption," notes institutional limitations affecting economic progress. While praising deregulation for reducing opportunities for bribery, the report also expresses concern over "challenges" – the international community's euphemism for problems. Argentina's standing in Transparency International's corruption perception index, at 36th out of 100, underscores these issues.

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Governance and Anti-Corruption