the only country in Ibero-America without female representation in its highest court<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nCriticism has intensified over claims that the appointments are unconstitutional and could render any rulings issued by the new justices null and void. More than 30 civil society organizations have expressed concern over the erosion of judicial legitimacy and institutional quality, emphasizing that building consensus and respecting the separation of powers are fundamental to democracy. The current situation, marked by widespread public distrust in the judiciary, highlights the urgent need to restore legality in the judicial appointment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Supreme Court Justice Eugenio Zaffaroni called the recent appointments unconstitutional, predicting serious legal problems if these justices sign rulings, which would be null and constitute a usurpation of authority. Retired Justice Juan Carlos Maqueda also expressed his dismay, calling the president\u2019s decision\u2014just three days before the opening of the regular congressional session\u2014”absolutely regrettable.” Maqueda pointed out that the historical context that justified decree-based appointments in 1860, when Argentina was sparsely populated, is vastly different from today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation becomes even more complicated due to the fact that the new minister, Garc\u00eda-Mansilla, had previously expressed his opposition to appointments made by decree. Despite critical voices, many supporters have chosen to remain silent, fearing association with a controversial presidential maneuver, particularly regarding the widely questioned appointment of Ariel Lijo. Observers warn that this strategy allows President Milei to wait for the results of the 2025 legislative elections, aiming to strengthen his base in the Senate to reintroduce nominations through the regular process. The current president of the Court, Horacio Rosatti, stated that the Court itself will assess the constitutionality of the decree, and legal actions against it are already underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The familiar figure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAriel Lijo, one of the appointees, is a prominent federal judge known for handling corruption cases. However, he has a controversial track record, with 34 disciplinary complaints filed against him, though none have resulted in convictions. Lijo, who has ties to influential political figures, defended his candidacy in an eight-hour Senate hearing in 2024, where he faced significant opposition. His appointment has been widely criticized, even by Milei\u2019s allies, including Vice President Victoria Villarruel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Argentina and the Buenos Aires Bar Association have voiced concerns over the economic implications of Lijo\u2019s appointment, given his history of questionable conduct. Legal experts and constitutional scholars have also opposed the nominations, calling them irregular and potentially destabilizing for the country’s institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, Lijo\u2019s situation remains uncertain. Since his appointment is temporary, he must resign from his position as a federal judge, per a ruling by the Supreme Court in early March. He has yet to step down, reportedly preferring to go through the regular nomination process with Senate approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n