Government calls for competition for key court vacancy, seeks to complete crucial tribunal

The Argentine government has formally notified the Council of the Magistracy that Magistrate Martín Irurzun has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, signaling the initiation of a process to fill his vacancy in the Federal Chamber. The government does not intend to seek a new agreement for Irurzun to continue in his role, effectively marking his retirement.

Irurzun, who turned 75 on July 18, had filed a judicial claim seeking to continue beyond the legal age limit. However, the government's action to request a public competition for his position indicates a clear move towards renewing the composition of the strategic Federal Chamber in Buenos Aires. This tribunal holds significant power, determining whether corruption cases involving government officials and former officials proceed to trial or are indefinitely shelved.

“

I have the pleasure of addressing you in relation to the reference file, through which Dr. Martín Irurzun's presentation is processed, through which he requested a new appointment under the terms of article 99, item four, third paragraph, of the National Constitution to continue in the exercise of his position as member of the National Chamber of Appeals in Criminal and Correctional Federal Room II.

This development follows recent appointments within the Federal Chamber. Earlier this month, Judge Pablo Yadarola was appointed to replace Leopoldo Bruglia, who had been transferred to the chamber during the Mauricio Macri administration. Additionally, Pablo Bertuzzi's position was revalidated after he successfully competed for his own role.

The incoming replacement for Irurzun will allow the government to potentially place a third magistrate on this critical court. The chamber is currently handling sensitive cases, including the LIBRA$ case investigating President Javier Milei and his sister Karina Milei, the Andis case involving processed official Diego Spagnuolo, and a case concerning alleged illicit enrichment of Manuel Adorni. The current judges on the Federal Chamber are Mariano Llorens, Alberto Boico, Eduardo Farah, and Pablo Bertuzzi, with Pablo Yadarola awaiting his swearing-in.

“

Given that the magistrate reached the age of seventy-five (75) years last July 18 and that the National Executive Power has not submitted the proposal for his new appointment to the H. Senate of the Nation, I hereby inform you of this circumstance.