The Argentine government has formally called for a special session in the Chamber of Deputies to discuss a proposed reform to the Juvenile Criminal Law, aiming to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14. This session, set for Thursday, also includes deliberations on the Mercosur agreement with the European Union, reflecting the government's urgency to pass key legislation during the ongoing extraordinary session. If the proposals are approved by the Deputies, they will then be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.

However, the legislative process has faced some confusion as the government recently introduced a new version of the juvenile law reform that seeks to additionally reduce the liability age to 13, contrary to earlier discussions that proposed maintaining it at 14. This sudden shift has drawn criticism from the opposition, particularly from Cristian Ritondo, leader of the PRO party, who indicated that the new proposal would not receive their support due to the lack of prior consensus within the Chamber. Such developments highlight the contentious political landscape surrounding juvenile justice reform in Argentina.

As the deputies prepare for this crucial session, the implications of lowering the age of criminal liability are significant. Supporters argue it will enhance accountability among younger individuals, while critics express concern over the potential for punitive measures against children. The votes that follow in both the Chamber and the Senate will not only affect future legislation on juvenile crime but also reflect broader societal attitudes towards youth and justice in Argentina.