Senate Resumes Debate on Private Property Bill, Excluding Foreign Land Ownership

The Argentine Senate has reconvened to debate a bill on the inviolability of private property, notably omitting the contentious chapter that would have permitted the sale of land to foreign citizens and companies. This exclusion follows significant political and social pressure over the past two weeks.

However, the session's start is marked by a procedural discussion regarding remote participation and voting rights for two senators: Anabel Fernández Sagasti, who is 32 weeks pregnant and medically advised against long-distance travel, and Flavio Fama, who recently underwent knee surgery. Both have been authorized by decrees from Senate Vice President Victoria Villarruel, which require ratification by the full Senate.

Despite the removal of the foreign land ownership clause, the bill retains provisions likely to spark heated debate. One such area is Chapter II, which introduces summary eviction proceedings for cases of usurpation and non-payment of rent. This chapter allows property owners to request immediate restitution of their property from intruders or precarious holders at any stage of the legal process, provided they offer a guarantee.

In response to demands from the "dialoguist opposition," the bill mandates that courts must involve child protection agencies if minors or individuals with disabilities are present. It sets a deadline of up to 10 business days to secure alternative housing before an eviction can proceed. A similar 10-day notice period is stipulated for evictions due to non-payment of rent, with notifications permissible via electronic addresses established in contracts.

Furthermore, the bill revises the state's expropriation regime for private property. It introduces new requirements, mandating a restrictive interpretation of "public utility." The state must now specifically identify the intended purpose and demonstrate that the measure is suitable, necessary, and proportionate before it can appropriate private property.