Argentine President Javier Milei unveiled a new draft bill on Thursday aimed at reforming over a century’s worth of criminal law in the country. This “zero tolerance” initiative seeks to impose tougher penalties on offenders as part of his vision of “making Argentina great again.”
The proposed changes require parliamentary approval and emphasize swift criminal proceedings, longer sentences for entire crimes, and establishing a system of charges in Argentine courts.
This proposal specifically targets various serious offenses, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism and its financing, crimes against humanity, sex trafficking, prostitution, child pornography, and other violations against personal integrity.
Additionally, the bill suggests lowering the legal age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 13, arguing that younger individuals are aware of their actions and that current laws facilitate recruitment by criminal organizations.
Milei made this announcement approximately 30 miles from Buenos Aires, together with Security Minister Patricia Bullrich outside the Ezeiza Prison. He emphasized that these reforms, if passed, would dismantle “a year of legal guarantees” that have hindered law enforcement efforts against crime.
Milei expressed that he views eradicating unrest as a clear directive from Argentine society, asserting that his administration has strived to address these challenges over the past year and a half.
He stated, “To achieve our goal of making Argentina great again, we must establish order, which requires a stance of zero tolerance. Those who violate the law need to face consequences.” During his address, he noted that stricter penalties were necessary so that law-abiding citizens could feel safe again.
Minister Bullrich pointed out that Argentina’s criminal legislation has undergone over a hundred years of amendments. To modernize this system, the government aims to craft a new legal framework that prioritizes victims over criminals. The existing criminal law was implemented back in November 1921 and has been modified 159 times since.
Bullrich identified three main components in the new draft: the removal of limitations on enforcement for heinous crimes, along with effective sentencing measures.
She elaborated on severe offenses such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized crime, abduction, and child pornography that are now met with harsher penalties. At present, major drug traffickers often escape with sentences of under six years due to expedited trials.
Common crimes like theft, pyramid schemes, and scams are also receiving increased attention, as they are now classified among more serious offenses, joined by issues like procedural fraud and harassment.
“These crimes create daily suffering, and it’s crucial they are categorized appropriately with severe penalties,” Bullrich explained.
Discussing the legal age of criminal accountability, she noted that traffickers often use younger individuals, sometimes as young as 14, in criminal activities and merely return home afterward. To combat this, the proposal suggests lowering the age of responsibility to 13.
The reshaped criminal code would also grant law enforcement and security officials enhanced legal protections for acting in self-defense and fulfilling their duties according to law, ensuring that citizens receive proper protection.
Milei reiterated the notion of zero tolerance, declaring that those responsible for crimes will face consequences and that “the fun is over for criminals.”
Argentina is set to have mid-term legislative elections on October 26, aiming to renew about half of its lawmakers and Senate seats. Milei determined that if his “zero tolerance” reforms succeed, offenders would “pay the price,” allowing lawful Argentinians to enjoy a more secure society.
He acknowledged that the success of these reforms hinges on the National Congress and the willingness of legislators to advocate for victims rather than criminals. “Countries need representatives who understand this,” he stressed, highlighting that the reform would drastically alter security in Argentina and emphasizing the need for change from the current system.
