Argentina's Senate Passes Milei’s 2026 Budget With Deficit‑Zero Mandate

Overview

• The 2026 budget cleared the Senate 46–25 with one abstention after more than eight hours of debate, following earlier approval in the Chamber of Deputies.
• It locks in the government’s fiscal balance goal and projects 10.1% inflation, 5% GDP growth and a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP.
• The text removes minimum funding floors for education, science and defense and tightens administrative rules for university transfers, drawing sharp opposition criticism.
• To secure votes, the government agreed to withdraw a separate chapter that would have revoked emergency laws on disability and university financing.
• Passage reflects a strengthened pro-government bloc after October’s legislative gains, as the administration signals governability and prepares further labor, tax and pension reforms.