The Argentine government has decided to retract its Youth Penal Reform project that was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies. The key reason for this withdrawal was the insistence on an age of criminal responsibility set at 13 years, which contradicted an earlier consensus with allied parties that had agreed on an age of 14. This disagreement threatened the support from allied parliamentary blocs, signaling the government’s precarious political position and the delicate nature of coalition agreements.

The initial proposal created significant concern among lawmakers, prompting discussions among parliamentary sources about the implications of establishing a lower age limit for criminal responsibility. The recruitment of political support from allied parties is essential in a fragmented congressional landscape in Argentina, where securing votes hinges on consensus-building and negotiations among various factions. The government's plan to revive an older draft that specifies the age at 14 was seen as a more viable approach to reestablishing legislative support.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges the Argentine government faces in navigating complex legislative landscapes, particularly on sensitive topics like youth justice. The Youth Penal Reform has been a contentious issue in Argentine politics, and the necessity of aligning views among coalition partners demonstrates the intricate negotiation processes that prevail in the country's governance structures.