Milei Secures Major Legislative Victory as ‘Clean Record’ Bill Passes Lower House

President Javier Milei’s administration achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as Argentina’s lower house of Congress passed the ‘Ficha Limpia’ (“Clean Record”) bill, a crucial anti-corruption measure aimed at ensuring that those convicted of corruption in the second instance cannot run for public office.

After nearly 12 hours of debate, the bill was approved with 144 votes in favor, 98 against, and two abstentions, marking a major win for Milei’s reform agenda in the special summer sessions. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its passage will be more challenging due to the opposition’s numbers.

A Step Toward Ethical Politics

The ‘Clean Record’ bill sets a minimum ethical standard for those seeking public office, ensuring that politicians convicted of corruption cannot hold positions of power. Supporters argue that this is a long-overdue step in restoring trust in Argentina’s political system, which has been plagued by decades of corruption scandals.

Milei personally took charge of securing the bill’s passage, working to win over moderate lawmakers after two failed attempts in December. His determination paid off as his coalition negotiated amendments that secured the necessary votes.

Opposition Resistance and the Kirchner Factor

Despite the bill’s broad implications for transparency in government, opposition lawmakers, particularly allies of former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, claim it is designed to prevent her from running for office. Fernández de Kirchner was convicted of corruption in the ‘Vialidad’ case last November and is appealing the ruling.

Peronist lawmakers branded the bill as a targeted attack, but proponents dismissed these accusations, pointing out that ‘Ficha Limpia’ has been under discussion since 2016—long before Fernández de Kirchner’s conviction.

PRO deputy Silvia Lospennato, one of the bill’s key proponents and an ally of former President Mauricio Macri, celebrated its approval, stating:

“This is about setting a basic ethical standard. No one with a confirmed corruption conviction should be allowed to hold office.”

Milei’s Battle Against Corruption Gains Momentum

This victory reinforces Milei’s commitment to cleaning up Argentina’s political system and aligns with his broader push for deregulation, fiscal discipline, and economic recovery. The bill’s passage comes as the president continues to push for deep structural reforms to modernize the country’s institutions.

With Fernández de Kirchner leading Peronism’s opposition to Milei’s economic policies, her potential disqualification from future elections would mark a significant shift in Argentina’s political landscape. While the bill still faces a Senate vote, its approval in the lower house signals growing momentum for Milei’s anti-corruption agenda.

Despite strong resistance from entrenched political interests, Milei’s vision for a cleaner, more accountable government is taking shape—one legislative victory at a time.