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Javier Milei Unleashes on Opposition in Argentina’s Address to Congress

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President Javier Milei took the podium in Argentina’s Congress earlier this week and delivered an address that pulled no punches. In a nearly two-hour speech marking the opening of the 144th legislative session, Milei attacked leftist opponents and wasn’t afraid to call out their agenda, while touting his administration’s wins and laying out plans for more sweeping changes.

Milei used the prime-time moment to highlight recent victories. His government secured approval for labor reforms [3] on Feb. 28, making it easier for companies to dismiss workers. He also pointed to progress on lowering the age of criminal responsibility, sealing a Mercosur-European Union trade deal, and advancing a glacier protection law. 

“This has been one of the most productive extraordinary sessions in our history, fulfilling all the campaign promises made in 2025,” Milei said [4].

The president turned his attention to Argentina’s economic and strategic strengths, noting the country’s vast reserves of critical minerals in demand by Western nations. He stressed Argentina’s position as a bridge in global supply chains, with access to two oceans and proximity to Antarctica. Milei emphasized his close ties to the United States, crediting Washington for financial support last year and praising his bond with President Donald Trump [4] as a “key ally.” 

“We have to create the century of the Americas. Make America Great Again,” he declared, echoing Trump’s slogan.

But the speech quickly turned confrontational as Milei went after the opposition [5], particularly Peronists and left-wing lawmakers. He accused them of corruption and leading the nation into ruin through policies he labeled as theft. 

“Listen up, you ignorant fools. Social justice is theft. It implies unequal treatment before the law and is preceded by theft. You bunch of thieves! Criminals!” Milei shouted, referring to their push for redistributive measures.

He zeroed in on former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is imprisoned on corruption charges. “Bunch of criminal thieves, that’s why yours is behind bars,” he said, prompting cheers from his supporters in the galleries and chants of “Ankle tag, ankle tag!” 

Opposition members heckled back, questioning Milei’s economic data and protesting his tone. Some boycotted the session altogether. “You’re allergic to data,” Milei told them, urging rivals to “go and read the numbers and the balance sheets.” 

He mocked left-wing lawmakers [5] Myriam Bregman and Nicolás del Caño, saying they claim to represent workers but “can’t even muster more than five percent of the vote.” 

 

Looking ahead, Milei vowed to press for lower taxes to fuel growth, not just government coffers. He outlined reforms to the electoral system and criminal code set for 2026, along with a “monthly reform package” to keep slashing bureaucracy. These steps build on his chainsaw-wielding campaign promises to dismantle what he calls the “parasitic” state.

The address came as Milei’s allies have consolidated power in Congress, giving him a stronger hand than in his early days when he once dubbed the body a “rat’s nest.”