Argentina's Justice Minister Appoints Record Number of Judges, Plans Court Reductions

Argentina's Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques is accelerating judicial appointments, sending 178 nominations for new judges to the Senate in just four months. This pace sets a record for the past decade, aiming to fill three out of every ten federal judicial positions. Mahiques, speaking from his office adorned with a Javier Milei pen holder, insists the goal is to equip the justice system with the tools for speed, efficiency, and independence.

Beyond appointments, Mahiques' ministry is considering legislation to reduce the number of federal courts at the notorious Comodoro Py complex from 12 to 8. They also plan to shrink the Criminal Cassation Chamber and decrease the number of appellate judges in labor, criminal, and other national justice departments. This reform aims to streamline the judiciary, a key objective for the Milei administration.

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Nobody is coming to shield anyone.

Mahiques vehemently rejects criticism that these appointments are designed to create a judiciary loyal to the government. He asserts that the process prioritizes selecting the most competent candidates. He also highlighted that President Milei could become the leader who appointed the most magistrates in a single year since the Council of the Magistracy's inception.

In a separate matter, Mahiques firmly denied any involvement or knowledge of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) or its president, Claudio Tapia. He stated he has no connection to the AFA and that any progress in related cases since his tenure has been detrimental to the accused. Regarding the Supreme Court and the appointment of the Attorney General, Mahiques deferred to President Milei, while praising the current Supreme Court's functionality.

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I don't know Claudio Tapia, I have no involvement or relationship or anything at all with the AFA.