The Argentine government successfully passed a law in the House of Deputies to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years, despite opposition from left-wing parties and the Peronist bloc.
In a significant political achievement, the Argentine government, backed by the La Libertad Avanza bloc and supported by alliances with parties such as the UCR and Pro, secured the approval of a new juvenile criminal regime in the House of Deputies. This legislation lowers the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years, amidst a backdrop of a strengthened parliamentary majority for the ruling coalition. The vote concluded with 149 votes in favor and 100 against, highlighting a polarized political landscape.
The opposition, particularly from the Kirchnerist and leftist blocs, raised concerns regarding the financing of the initiative and expressed strong dissent against the changes. Notable opposition voices included deputies affiliated with Union for the Homeland and figures from various provincial forces. Despite these apprehensions, the measure passed through the initial legislative hurdle and is set to be reviewed by the Senate, where further debate is anticipated.
