In the aftermath of the Chamber of Deputies granting half sanction to the government's youth criminal law reform, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona passionately defended the legislation, framing it as an opportunity for rehabilitation rather than punishment. He emphasized that the shift in the law, which includes lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14, is about providing second chances to young offenders instead of perpetuating a cycle of incarceration and social exclusion.

Cúneo Libarona articulated that the law is designed to instill a sense of accountability among youth while still providing them with numerous rights and guarantees aimed at ensuring their reintegration into society. He criticized the notion that the law would simply lead to more imprisonments, asserting instead that the primary goal is education and social reintegration. With a promise of funding for educational and resocialization programs, he aims to reassure the public that the reform is rooted in comprehensive strategies to address youth delinquency.

This reform comes at a time when discussions regarding justice and youth crime are becoming increasingly relevant in Argentina. Cúneo Libarona's remarks suggest a significant policy shift that seeks to redefine societal expectations around young offenders and emphasize rehabilitation over punitive measures. The implications of such reforms could reshape not only the judicial framework for young individuals but also societal attitudes towards youth in conflict with the law.