Argentina's Milei streamlines Supreme Court appointments, drops diversity criteria

Argentine President Javier Milei has enacted a decree altering the procedure for selecting Supreme Court justices, removing considerations for gender diversity, legal specialization, and regional background. The modification, signed by Milei and Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques, was published in the Official Bulletin and revises two decrees from former President Néstor Kirchner's administration.

Key changes include the elimination of the public observation, endorsement, and challenge phase that previously occurred at the Ministry of Justice before candidates' files were sent to the Senate for constitutional approval. While the public hearing process and Senate vote remain, candidates for the Supreme Court require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

The reform also removes the obligation to publish candidates' backgrounds in national and local newspapers. Information will now be disseminated through the Official Bulletin and the Ministry of Justice's website, with reduced timelines. The government stated these changes are intended to "expedite" the process, avoid administrative duplication, and align information dissemination with current digital media practices.

The Supreme Court currently operates with three of its five justices. Milei's previous attempts to fill vacancies by appointing Ariel Lijo and Manuel García Mansilla by decree were blocked by the Senate, which did not provide the necessary support. The elimination of diversity criteria marks a significant shift in the judicial appointment process under Milei's administration.

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