Argentina's President Javier Milei has stirred controversy by appointing two Supreme Court judges via decree during the country's summer recess. This move has been criticized as an overreach of executive power.
The president's office defended the action, stating that it was necessary to fill the vacancies on the five-member panel for the court to function effectively. Milei had previously nominated federal judge Ariel Lijo and lawyer Manuel García-Mansilla, but faced challenges in gaining Senate approval due to his coalition's limited representation in the Senate.
Despite concerns raised about the suitability of Judge Lijo, who has faced allegations of conspiracy and ethics violations, Milei proceeded with the appointments. Human Rights Watch condemned the move as a threat to the independence of the Supreme Court and criticized Milei for bypassing established institutional procedures.
Milei, a political outsider who campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption and radical change, has faced backlash for what some perceive as an attempt to stack the court with his allies. The temporary appointments will expire at the end of the next congressional session, after which Senate approval will be required for the judges to continue serving.
Constitutional experts have raised concerns about the use of decrees to make judicial appointments outside of regular procedures, warning that such actions could undermine the constitutional order and the rights of the people. The controversy surrounding Milei's appointments is likely to continue as Congress reconvenes and the Senate considers the fate of the newly appointed judges.
