Senators elected for the 2025-2031 term were sworn in Friday to their seats before taking office on December 10. The ceremony was chaired by the Vice President Victoria Villarroel In the Senate Chamber and in one of the boxes was the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic. Karina MileyAnd the Chief of Staff, Manuel Adorni And the Minister of Interior Diego Santilliwho received a standing ovation Patricia BullrichWho leaves the Ministry of Security to land in the Senate.
In a show of force, the youngest member of the Miley family and her side arrived in Congress before the age of 11, without a formal invitation, and was seen in a box for the legislative change party. The relationship between Casa Rosada and Villarroel has been tense for months. Without dialogue, the Senate President acts like a bubble, oblivious to what is happening in the Libertarian administration.
On more than one occasion, President Javier Miley referred to her as a “traitor”, after he refused to greet her during the TEDUM on May 25 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires.
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The absence of Lorena Villaverde
The only absence will be that of the Rio Negro representative Lorena Villaverdeof La Libertad Avanza (LLA) which was appointed It was sent back to the Constitutional Affairs Committee To re-evaluate the objections to it.
The definition was made known on Thursday night, the day after it was expected Rough crossing Between the ruling party and the most important sectors of the opposition. Although the LLA was supposed to win the necessary votes to enable the swearing-in, Internal agreements modified the scenario.
After negotiations between the heads of the blocs, the matter was resolved Final opening of Villaverde postponed And send your document to the committee charged with studying the submitted objections.
Luis Guez defended Villaverde: “Unless it is a crime against humanity, after 23 years it is completely prohibited by law.”
The ruling party’s decision to accept further review of the case is consistent with this The practical profile that Patricia Bullrich begins to show In his role as leader of the Senate Libertarian Caucus.
Radical and regional senators, who were necessary to obtain the votes allowing Villaverde’s confirmation, expressed their reservations. This brake ended up tipping the balance. These same votes are what the LLA will need to move forward on projects that the Executive Branch will send for special sessions.
Among the initiatives that the government considers strategic are: Budget 2026 and the new labor reform law. The exact date for calling extraordinary meetings is still under discussion.
Budget 2026: The government failed to repeal the opposition provisions, but it gained time to negotiate with the governors
Lorena Villaverde case
Although the LLA hoped to secure approval for Villaverde to take office and the challenge promoted by Peronism would not flourish, The legislator’s file returns to the Constitutional Affairs Committee.
The senator-elect faces various charges. One of them refers to An alleged arrest in Miami in 2002, linked to the purchase of a kilogram of cocaine. Another accusation mentions alleged links with a businessman who was investigated for drug smuggling. Federico “Fred” Machado. Closeness is also attributed to him Claudio CicarelliMachado’s cousin and has been identified as the alleged front man for his business.
Who is Lorena Villaverde, the liberal MP convicted of drug trafficking?
With his section suspended, mass La Libertad Avanza will temporarily remain with 19 members. The outcome of the case will be decisive for the balance of power within the Senate. If the document is ultimately withdrawn, the seat will be filled Enzo Follonesecond on the libertarian list of Rio Negro.
The senator from Cordoba will not attend the session either. Alejandra Viejo. The representative announced her absence due to the health condition of her husband, the former governor of Cordoba and the elected national representative. Juan Chiaretti, who will undergo heart surgery. Vigo officially reported his absence to the Parliamentary Secretariat of the Senate and his colleagues in the bloc.
In the photos they sent from the presidency there is a scene in which Patricia Bullrich greets Carina Miley, Manuel Adorni and Diego Santelli from the center of the venue while Villarroel appears covered with her hair.
Which senators were sworn in this Friday?
Aside from Villaverde’s situation, in the session they swore an oath to the city of Buenos Aires Patricia Bullrich and Agustín Monteverde For La Libertad Avanza, while Mariano Ricalde He did it for Fuerza Patria.
For Chaco, after the agreement between the LLA and the regional UCR, they swore by the majority Juan Cruz Godoy and Silvana Schneiderthe current radical lieutenant governor who left that position. The former governor took office in the minority Jorge Capitanich.
For Newcken, they took an oath Nadia Marquez and Pablo Cervi La Libertad represents Avanza, and for La Neuquinidad he did it Giulietta Coroza
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From Entre Rios they assumed Joaquin Benegas Lynch and Romina Almeida By LLA, while Adam Bahal He did it for Fuerza Patria.
In Salta, María Emilia Orozco and Gonzalo Guzman It will represent libertarian space, and Flavia Royon He took over as Primero Los Salteños, allying himself with Governor Gustavo Saenz.
In Santiago del Estero, the governor took the constitutional oath Gerardo Zamora and Elia Montero By the Civil Front, while Jose Neder He did it for Fuerza Patria.
The Senate certified Kapetanić after a failed impeachment attempt
In Tierra del Fuego and the South Atlantic, liberals took their seats Augustin Couto and Belén Monte de Ocaalong with Candida Lopezwas re-elected by Kirchnerism.
They swear by Rio Negro only Martin Soria and Anna MarksBoth from Fuerza Patria while Determining who will represent the minority is still up in the air. He was elected last October 26.
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