Feb 26 • 23:06 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

With just enough votes, the Government bets on changing the glacier law in the Senate

The Argentine government is moving forward with a reform of the glacier law aimed at reducing protected areas to enable mining investments, facing protests and environmental backlash.

The Argentine government is set to proceed with proposed reforms to the glacier law, which primarily aim to reduce protected areas in order to facilitate mining investments, particularly in copper and lithium sectors. The changes are intended to grant provincial authorities greater power over the national inventory of glaciers, and the government is optimistic about securing enough votes to pass the amendments in the Senate. However, they will need support from the Justicialist Party (PJ) to ensure the proposal advances, showing the delicate balance of political alliances at play.

Protests have erupted outside Congress as environmental groups voice their strong opposition to the proposed changes, citing potential ecological damage and the prioritization of industrial interests over environmental protection. The controversy surrounding the reform reflects broader tensions in Argentina regarding natural resource extraction and environmental sustainability, as public opinion appears divided on the issue. The government’s reliance on a coalition with the PJ indicates the complexities of navigating political support amid rising public dissent.

As the government seeks to shift legislation to encourage mining investment, the implications of such reforms could have lasting effects on Argentina’s environmental landscape and its political climate. Stakeholders from various sectors—including environmental advocates, local communities, and political factions—are closely watching the developments, highlighting the intersection of ecology, economy, and governance in national discourse.

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