Milei Increases University Funds and Boosts Intelligence Agency Budget by Decree

Argentina's President Javier Milei has significantly altered the 2026 budget through a decree, injecting over 4 trillion pesos into various government programs. The move notably increases funding for national universities and bolsters the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) with an additional 49.261 billion pesos. This decision, signed by Milei and his ministers, aims to ensure the continuity of essential public services and address salary needs across numerous sectors.

The budget revision prioritizes the Ministry of Human Capital, led by Sandra Pettovello, with substantial funds allocated to higher education, food policies, and social security. The National Social Security Administration (Anses) also receives a significant boost of 286.580 billion pesos to cover deficits in provincial pension funds. The Secretariat of Labor, Employment, and Social Security is likewise receiving additional funds for social monotribute program benefits.

However, the decree also enacts substantial cuts to two state-owned companies: Energía Argentina S.A. (ENARSA) faces a reduction of 238.395 billion pesos in current spending transfers, and Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. will see a 65 million peso cut in capital expenditure transfers. This comes after a past scandal involving unjustified corporate card expenses at Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A.

This decree marks a reversal from a previous budget adjustment in May, which had imposed a nearly 2.5 trillion peso cut, heavily impacting education and universities. Following that austerity measure, the Milei administration engaged in negotiations with university rectors and unions, who were demanding salary and operational fund increases. An agreement was reached on June 10, including a 24% salary raise and additional funds for scholarships and hospitals. The current decree appears to solidify this agreement, despite ongoing legal challenges related to the earlier congressional budget law.