Milei Embraces Minister After Policy Setbacks

Argentine President Javier Milei and Minister of State Deregulation and Transformation Federico Sturzenegger shared a warm embrace during a ceremony commemorating General José de San Martín. The public display of support occurred after two key initiatives championed by Sturzenegger faced significant political and social opposition, leading to their withdrawal or suspension.

One of the stalled initiatives was a proposed reform to the land law, intended to ease restrictions on foreign ownership of rural land. The government was forced to remove this section from a broader private property bill in the Senate due to a lack of political backing and public pressure. Additionally, the administration rescinded Decree 716/2026, which aimed to deregulate the port pilotage service. This decree had triggered a paralyzing strike that severely impacted foreign trade and resulted in millions of dollars in daily losses.

In response to the port crisis, which affected approximately 150 cargo ships, the government abandoned its deregulation plan. Instead, it negotiated directly with the pilotage union, agreeing to a 20% reduction in pilotage fees to normalize port and waterway operations. A new working group, comprising officials from the Ministry of Security, the Argentine Naval Prefecture, and the National Ports and Navigation Agency, alongside representatives from the pilotage sector, has been established to foster consensus on future regulations.

Earlier in the event honoring the 176th anniversary of San Martín's passing, President Milei delivered a speech focusing on the ideals of freedom and the liberator's legacy. He reflected on San Martín's life, stating, "The true measure of a liberator is not when he takes up arms but when he lays them down. San Martín died ignored by the people he had liberated. Freedom is a natural right but also a conquest."

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The true measure of a liberator is not when he takes up arms but when he lays them down. San Martín died ignored by the people he had liberated. Freedom is a natural right but also a conquest.