March 14th, 2025
1. Retirees protest the national government
On Wednesday the 12th, hundreds of retirees demonstrated at the National Congress against Javier Milei’s government, demanding an increase in their pensions (currently, 60% of retirees receive an amount equivalent to US$340) and the restoration of free access to some medications. The march also included the participation of fans from different football clubs who supported the protest. There was a confrontation between police forces and protesters, causing several scenes of violence outside the Argentine Congress. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse protesters who were throwing stones. In total, at least 20 people were injured and more than 100 arrests were made, according to local authorities’ reports. The government has accused them of being “barra bravas,” that is, the most violent members of Argentine football fan groups. Among the most seriously injured is photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who was hit by a tear gas cartridge and is hospitalized with a reserved prognosis. Also, a police officer received a bullet wound to his left arm.
La Nación: Una protesta contra el ajuste a los jubilados derivó en violencia y caos en la zona del Congreso
2. President Milei signs the decree of necessity and urgency to seal the new agreement with the IMF
President Javier Milei signed the decree of necessity and urgency 179/2025 (DNU) to seal an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) without the need for Congressional approval. Published in the Official Gazette, the DNU seeks to secure urgent parliamentary backing for the IMF disbursements, with the purpose of addressing the shortage of dollars, reducing inflation and eliminating the exchange rate cap. The funds will be destined to the payment of debts with the Central Bank and the IMF. The government defended the decision to use a DNU, arguing that Congress must only approve the public credit operation and not the terms of the agreement. After its publication, the executive branch communicated Decree 179/2025 to both chambers. Consequently, the Bicameral Commission has a term of 10 working days to submit it to the Congress, which will expire on March 25.
3. After the storm, the national government announces a solidarity fund for Bahía Blanca
Javier Milei announced the creation of a special fund of 200 billion pesos due to the storm in Bahía Blanca. This money will be used to “assist the victims directly, proportionally and without intermediaries.” The announcement came hours after Milei’s visit to the southern city of the province of Buenos Aires, where Ministers Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri have been working since Saturday. The new fund will be administered by the Federal Emergency Agency, which depends on the Ministry of National Security. He also assured that the Executive Power will continue “contributing with all its tools and assisting the neighbors who have suffered irrecoverable material and human losses.” On the other hand, he pointed out that the fund made available by Milei quadruples the resources allocated by Governor Kicillof.
Clarín: Javier Milei creará un fondo de 200 mil millones de pesos por el temporal de Bahía Blanca
4. Sessions and altercations in the National Congress
The Argentine National Congress has been the scene of intense activities and conflicts during March 12th and 13th. On March 12th, the Chamber of Deputies held an extraordinary session marked by physical confrontations and water throwing between members of the far-right party La Libertad Avanza, led by Javier Milei. The focus of tension was the Peronist bloc’s proposal to create a commission to investigate the $LIBRA case, linked to Milei. The strong opposition from La Libertad Avanza led to interruptions and, finally, the suspension of the session. Meanwhile, on March 13th, the Senate’s Agreements Commission met to appoint authorities and consider file PE 36/24, which proposes Dr. Manuel José García Mansilla as Justice of the National Supreme Court. Additionally, they analyzed the Necessity and Urgency Decree No. 179/25, which approves public credit operations with the IMF.
La Nación: Escándalo en el Congreso | Piñas e insultos entre diputados oficialistas y libertarios disidentes
5. Argentina is affected by the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports imposed by Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports. This measure has generated concern in the Argentine industry, whose exports of these metals to the US market reach approximately US$600 million per year. Previously, during Trump’s first term, Argentina had obtained exemptions to these tariffs, allowing the export of certain volumes without additional tariffs. However, the recent decision eliminates those benefits, directly impacting Argentine exports. So far, the Argentine government has not issued an official response, however, affected companies, such as Aluar, have expressed their concern and requested the government to use its “excellent relationship” with the U.S. administration to restore previous trade conditions. In response to the U.S. tariffs, other affected regions, such as the European Union, China and Canada, have announced retaliatory measures through tariffs on imports of U.S. products.
Página 12: Anunciaron represalias contra los aranceles impuestos por Trump al acero y al aluminio