In a move highlighting the tension within Argentina's political landscape, the government has caved to opposition pressure in the Senate, incorporating significant amendments to the proposed Base Law and fiscal package. This shift marks a notable setback for Javier Milei's administration. Key among these amendments is the exclusion of Aerolíneas Argentinas from the privatization plan, alongside the complete removal of the pension chapter, an action that retracts the earlier plan to lift the pension moratorium.
The government faced substantial resistance leading to Wednesday's Upper House session. Numerous concessions were made to secure majority opinion endorsements and achieve a narrow quorum, with the aid of Senator Martín Lousteau, who, despite his assistance, indicated plans to vote against the modified legislation. This precarious scenario foreshadows a likely 36-36 vote deadlock, potentially forcing Victoria Villarruel to cast the deciding vote.
Key adjustments were announced by Senator Bartolomé Abdala of La Libertad Avanza. These include revisions to Article 3 concerning delegated powers, ensuring the government cannot dissolve organizations linked to culture, a demand echoed by the opposition. Additionally, entities like the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) were exempted from executive intervention, joining CONICET and several other research bodies.
Significant changes were also made to the privatization list in Article 7, notably removing Aerolíneas Argentinas, Correo Argentino, and public media from the candidates for privatization. Despite initial plans to privatize over 40 companies, only 11 remain after the amendments, with YPF and Banco Nación also excluded. The debate continues as opposition senators may push to further reduce this number.
In a separate but equally significant legislative effort, the government introduced the new Cinema and Film Law aimed at modernizing regulations that date back to 2007. With technological advancements rendering old norms obsolete, Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun emphasized the need for a law that aligns with the current landscape of audiovisual culture. The updated legislation, presented at the Council of Ministers, retains the core focus on heritage protection, independent production, transparency, and diversity.
A notable inclusion in the new law is the requirement for platforms like Netflix and HBO to publicly share viewership data, aligning them with the transparency already required of theaters and TV stations. The law also mandates that at least 35% of production aid be allocated to films directed by women. Additional changes include the creation of a State Council of Cinematography and Audiovisual Culture and a strategic plan to be periodically developed by the ICAA.
- The fiscal package changes underline the political frailty of the current administration, showcasing the delicate balance required to govern amidst strong opposition. The back-and-forth between the different political factions has led to a legislative landscape that increasingly relies on negotiations and compromises.
- The updated Cinema and Film Law highlights the government's commitment to preserve and adapt cultural heritage laws to contemporary standards. The move to include series and small screen productions under the same legislative umbrella as traditional cinema reflects an understanding of the evolving media landscape.
- Cinemas now benefit from a reduced obligation to screen European and Ibero-American films, potentially easing their ability to show a broader range of popular content. However, they must still navigate the complexities of co-productions designed to manipulate these quotas.
