Lawyers' association alarmed by government's veto of judge's promotion

The Colegio de Abogados of the City of Buenos Aires has voiced "extreme concern" over the national executive branch's request to withdraw a promotion file for Judge María Verónica Michelli from the Senate. Michelli was slated for a position on the Federal Criminal Oral Court 3 of La Plata.

The file, initially sent to the Senate by the Ministry of Justice, was reportedly blocked by the government upon realizing Michelli is the sister-in-law of Hugo Alconada Mon, a journalist for LA NACION who has investigated and published on corruption cases linked to the current administration. The Colegio de Abogados noted that the file had already received a favorable opinion from the relevant Senate commission, having passed all required selection stages based on merit, independence, and professional background.

Legal entities and opposition figures have condemned the government's decision. Será Justicia, an organization focused on the justice system, stated that the measure constitutes "a direct attack on freedom of the press and expression." The organization strongly disapproved of the executive branch's conduct, highlighting that the file had secured nine signatures, sufficient for a favorable committee report, yet the ruling party refuses to allow its treatment.

The government's objection centers on Michelli's familial connection to Alconada Mon, who has investigated cases such as "Cuadernos" and the finances of Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni. Senator Juan Carlos Pagotto, president of the Agreements Commission, is reportedly a key proponent of this stance, maintaining direct communication with the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei. The Minister of Justice, Juan Bautista Mahiques, also signed the note requesting the rejection of Michelli's candidacy.