Milei Deepens Judicial Ties, Seeks Understanding of Legal World

President Javier Milei's recent long-haul flights to and from Tel Aviv have served a dual purpose: not only did they facilitate a closer working relationship with his Justice Minister, Juan Bautista Mahiques, but they also marked a significant turning point in Milei's engagement with Argentina's judicial landscape.

Until recently, Milei and Mahiques had no prior acquaintance. Their initial meeting upon Mahiques's swearing-in on March 5 was followed by extensive conversations during the flights, where Milei reportedly dominated the discussions, focusing primarily on economic matters. However, the President has now begun to actively seek understanding of the judicial system, inquiring about key personnel and the progress of the new Penal Code project, which includes sensitive topics like abortion and femicide.

This burgeoning interest in the judiciary is particularly noteworthy given Milei's previous lack of focus on this area. Sources within the government suggest that Milei recognizes the judiciary's impact on both economic and political management. The administration views Mahiques's nearly two-month tenure as successful, highlighting the swift appointment of 102 judicial nominees to the Senate—a stark contrast to the previous administration's pace. The influence of Milei's sister, Karina Milei, as a coordinator of teams and a driver of change, is also a significant factor in the judicial appointments and shifts within the Ministry of Justice.