President Javier Milei appointed two Supreme Court justices—Federal Judge Ariel Lijo and legal scholar Manuel García-Mansilla—by presidential decree, bypassing the constitutionally mandated Senate approval process after months of failing to secure the required two-thirds majority.
Human Rights Watch condemned the move as one of the most serious threats to Argentina’s judicial independence since the return to democracy. Critics argue that:
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The appointments rely on a dubious constitutional interpretation typically reserved for military or executive appointments.
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Lijo faces multiple pending disciplinary investigations for alleged corruption and case manipulation.
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García-Mansilla has drawn criticism for his views on reproductive rights.
The appointments violate international human rights standards that require judges be selected through a process that ensures independence and impartiality. While similar tactics were attempted under former President Mauricio Macri in 2015, those justices waited for Senate confirmation before taking office.
Human Rights Watch urged the Senate to assert its role and uphold the rule of law by rejecting unilateral executive appointments.