President Javier Milei is set to address a Legislative Assembly with significantly reduced attendance, marking an unprecedented event since Argentina’s return to democracy. Estimates suggest that only 50% of the 329 lawmakers will be present, amid a massive opposition boycott.

A Congress with Significant Absences

• Unión por la Patria (UP): 132 lawmakers absent, including all 34 senators and 98 deputies from the Peronist bloc.
• Leftist Bloc: 5 deputies have also decided not to attend.
• Democracy Forever: 10 out of 12 members will be absent.
• Miguel Ángel Pichetto’s Bloc: All 16 members of Hacemos Coalición Federal will skip the event.
• Radical Civic Union (UCR): At least 20 deputies will be missing, while senators Martín Lousteau, Pablo Blanco, Rodolfo Suárez, and Eduardo Vischi have confirmed their absence.
• Socialist Bloc: Esteban Paulón and Mónica Fein will not attend as they are in Uruguay for the inauguration of President Yamandú Orsi.

Opposition Governors Also Opt Out

The section reserved for the 23 governors and the Mayor of Buenos Aires will look notably emptier. The following governors have already confirmed their absence:

• Axel Kicillof (Buenos Aires)
• Ricardo Quintela (La Rioja)
• Gildo Insfrán (Formosa)
• Gustavo Melella (Tierra del Fuego)
• Sergio Ziliotto (La Pampa)

Some justified their absence due to the opening of their own provincial legislative sessions.

Reasons Behind the Opposition’s Boycott

The dissatisfaction with Milei’s government revolves around several key issues:

• Hostile treatment of Congress and lawmakers.
• Appointments by presidential decree, including Supreme Court justices and ambassadors.
• Restrictions on journalists and photographers at the event, raising concerns about transparency.
• Disrespect for institutions, according to UCR and other opposition leaders.

One opposition lawmaker summed up the sentiment:

“They did the same thing last year—only showing government officials and libertarian supporters. Now, with media restrictions, whether we attend or not won’t make a difference.”

A Speech with More Empty Seats Than Supporters

Milei will face an unusual and polarized setting. His speech, expected to have a strong confrontational tone, will not only address his absent opponents but also a public divided between his hardcore supporters and a growing wave of political discontent.