Radical reform by Milei transforms public administration in Argentina.

The recent decree from the Argentine government, published in the Official Bulletin, has marked a milestone in the country's public administration by regulating the state reform contained in the Law of Foundations and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines. This project, driven by President Javier Milei, aims to reduce the size of the state and optimize the functioning of its bodies. Since its approval by Congress at the end of June, the echoes of this transformation have begun to resonate in both the political sphere and civil society. During a press conference held by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, it was emphasized that the regulation addresses "very important points" of the Law of Foundations. Among them, privatizations, reforms to public employment, and changes in administrative procedures stand out. The government’s intention is to implement a radical plan that seeks a profound restructuring, which, according to Adorni, has not been seen before in the country’s administrative history. One of the most controversial aspects of this reform is the power delegated by Congress to the Executive for one year, allowing it to make decisions in sensitive areas such as the economy and public administration. This has raised concerns in various sectors, which see the risk of a concentration of power without sufficient legislative oversight. However, the government defends that this measure is necessary to accelerate reforms and address the economic crisis that Argentina is facing. The decree also includes the implementation of a personnel selection system in public employment based on objective criteria, eliminating discretion on the part of bureaucrats. This approach, which seeks to end the figure of the “ñoqui” (public employees who do not work), has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of a system that relies on algorithms and computers for personnel selection. Additionally, penalties for non-compliance are strengthened, and it is established that employees who do not work will not receive their salaries. This drastic approach has faced criticism from unions, which argue that it could lead to a hostile work environment and the precarization of public jobs. The measure is seen as part of a broader effort to reduce public spending, which, according to the government, has decreased by 32% since Milei took office. Another significant change is the implementation of "positive silence," which allows that if the state does not respond to a request within a certain timeframe, the applicant is automatically authorized. This measure aims to combat corruption and bribery, thus preventing officials from demanding illegal payments to expedite processes. However, some fear that the lack of response from the state could lead to deregulation in certain processes, generating more confusion and administrative issues. The Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, has defended these reforms as essential for modernizing public administration. He announced that the first agency to be closed will be the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (Inadi), which has generated controversy, as many believe that this institute plays a crucial role in protecting rights in a country with rich cultural diversity. The Venezuelan community in Argentina, for its part, has raised its voice in protest against what they consider electoral fraud in their home country. The political situation in Venezuela has been a hot topic in discussions about migration and human rights in the region. The community has expressed solidarity with movements fighting for electoral transparency while criticizing the Argentine government's policies that could affect their situation as immigrants. Meanwhile, public receptivity to these reforms remains divided. Some sectors support the initiative, arguing that it is urgent to reduce a state considered excessive and dysfunctional, while others warn about the consequences that could arise from a rushed implementation without sufficient safeguards. Argentine society is at a moment of change and adaptation, and the fate of these reforms will continue to be a topic of debate and analysis in the coming months. Milei's administration has posed a challenge not only to the structure of the Argentine state but also to the social fabric of the country, which will have to face the implications of a radical reform in its functioning and in the daily lives of its citizens. With the international community watching, Argentina faces a decisive moment in its pursuit of stability and growth.