Argentina: Opposition Divided Over EU-Mercosur Deal & Imputability Age Vote

Argentina’s main opposition bloc, Unión por la Patria (UxP), demonstrated internal divisions during a recent debate concerning the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, as well as proposed changes to the age of criminal responsibility. The differing stances within UxP highlight a complex political landscape as lawmakers grapple with significant economic and legal issues.

Divisions Over the EU-Mercosur Agreement

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, signed January 17th in Paraguay, aims to progressively eliminate tariffs on 91% of exports from both blocs, with transition periods of up to 15 years for sensitive products. Ratification by the parliaments of each signatory country is required for the agreement to take effect. For three weeks, UxP lawmakers have analyzed the agreement, seeking a unified position, a task described as difficult for the bloc’s leadership.

Did You Know? Agustín Rossi, a former Minister of defence and Chief of Cabinet, was the first member of his UxP bench to advocate for approval of the EU-Mercosur agreement.

Agustín Rossi, former leader of the UxP bench, publicly supported the agreement, citing his experience in government as influencing his position. His arguments contrasted with those of the current government, as Rossi seeks to rebuild international multilateralism and collaborate with Brazil under the leadership of Lula da Silva. While differing with President Javier Milei, Rossi supports the agreement signed in Paraguay, with UxP members noting geopolitical considerations weighed more heavily than purely commercial ones.

However, not all within UxP agreed. Santiago Cafiero characterized the agreement as “very bad for industry,” arguing it indiscriminately opens up sectors like textiles, auto parts, and automotive manufacturing, while tariff reductions on agricultural products may not guarantee market access. Eduardo Valdés stated that President Milei’s separate trade agreement with the US undermined a fundamental agreement within Mercosur regarding common tariffs, isolating Argentina.

Agustín Rossi, diputado nacional UxP, fue el primero en su bancada en plantear la necesidad de aprobar el Acuerdo entre UE y el Mercosur. Foto X @RossiAgustinok

Three lawmakers from Corrientes province within the UxP bloc – Raúl Hadad, Nancy Sand, and Christian Zulli – abstained from the vote, citing differing impacts of the agreement on their province’s regional economy. This lack of unified support resulted in UxP members being granted freedom of action during the vote, with no signature on the decree in the Foreign Relations Committee.

Expert Insight: The divisions within UxP demonstrate the challenges of maintaining a cohesive opposition in the face of complex economic agreements. Differing regional interests and geopolitical priorities can easily fracture consensus, even when a unified front is desired.

Future UxP Alignment

UxP was unified in its rejection of lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14, maintaining a position to keep it at 16. The bloc also anticipates a unified stance in opposition to the Labor Reform recently passed by the Senate and scheduled for committee review in the Chamber of Deputies. Legislators suggest that each upcoming bill will determine the bloc’s positioning, mirroring the divided vote on suspending primary elections last year.

Internal tensions within the broader Kirchnerist movement could also be exacerbated by disputes in Buenos Aires province between Governor Axel Kicillof and Deputy Máximo Kirchner, who opposed the EU agreement. La Libertad Avanza, meanwhile, views the divisions within UxP as a sign of a “terminal crisis” for the Kirchnerist movement, applauding the votes in favour of the EU-Mercosur agreement by UxP members like Agustín Rossi and Aldo Leiva.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU-Mercosur agreement?

The agreement, signed January 17th, establishes the progressive elimination of tariffs on 91% of exports between the European Union and Mercosur countries, with transition periods of up to 15 years for sensitive products.

Why was there disagreement within UxP regarding the agreement?

Some UxP members, like Agustín Rossi, supported the agreement based on geopolitical considerations and a desire to rebuild international relationships. Others, such as Santiago Cafiero, opposed it, arguing it would harm Argentine industry.

What is UxP’s position on lowering the age of criminal responsibility?

UxP is unified in its rejection of lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14, advocating to maintain it at 16.

As Argentina navigates these complex political and economic challenges, will UxP be able to forge a more unified front on future legislation, or will internal divisions continue to shape the country’s political landscape?