The Argentine government secured legislative approval to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years amid pressures from political allies, a measure that faced opposition from several parties.
The Argentine government achieved another victory in Congress as the Chamber of Deputies voted in favor of lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years, a significant shift in juvenile justice policy. This decision is part of a tougher agenda promoted by the La Libertad Avanza party, but the government's original proposal aimed to lower the age to 13, which was modified after negotiations with political allies, including the PRO and UCR parties. The final vote saw 149 in favor and 100 against, highlighting a complicated political landscape where alliances are crucial for passing contentious legislation.
The approval process was not straightforward, as the opposition, particularly from the Peronist party and left-wing factions, voiced strong criticism of the proposed reforms. Despite this, there were instances of unexpected support from some members of the opposition, such as the massista faction whose members facilitated quorum, indicating some fractures within the opposition's unified stance. The modifications made during the legislative process reflected the balancing act the government had to perform to appease various political factions while advancing its policy goals.
This legislative move could have far-reaching implications for Argentina's legal system and delinquency rates among youth, raising concerns among various groups about the potential social consequences of such a shift in policy. As the bill progresses to the next legislative steps, the ongoing debates will likely reveal deeper divisions on issues of justice reform and societal protection, continuing the contentious dialogue surrounding youth crimes and legal accountability in the country.
