Argentina’s Supreme Court denied Judge Ariel Lijo’s request for unpaid leave to assume a CSJN position; his future now depends on Senate approval. Alternative nominations are being considered, notably Judge Sandra Arroyo-Salgado. Lijo’s refusal to resign complicates his situation, placing his appointment in legal limbo.
The Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina recently denied Judge Ariel Lijo’s request for unpaid leave to assume his new role on the CSJN, as established by President Javier Milei. The decision was supported by Chief Justice Horacio Rosatti, Deputy Chief Justice Carlos Rosenkrantz, and Manuel García-Mansilla, who were appointed according to constitutional provisions. In contrast, Justice Ricardo Lorenzetti voted in favor of Lijo’s desire to retain his position as magistrate at Buenos Aires Federal Court 4, albeit as a dissident voice.
Lijo’s future now hinges on the Senate, where his nomination remains unresolved after more than a year, alongside that of García-Mansilla. If Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party secures approval from the Upper House, Lijo’s appointment will become permanent. Meanwhile, some of Milei’s intellectual backers, including Economist Alberto Benegas Lynch Jr., have proposed the nomination of San Isidro Federal Judge Sandra Arroyo-Salgado as an alternative to Lijo, citing his history with corruption cases.
Judge Arroyo-Salgado, notable for her connection to the late Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who died under questionable circumstances related to the AMIA bombing investigation, presents a controversial yet compelling alternative to Lijo. Since Lijo’s refusal to resign has rendered President Milei’s decree ambiguous legally, the Senate’s decision appears to be the most expedient route forward. Despite the Agreements Committee’s preliminary approval, further action on the matter is stalled due to complications arising from the $LIBRA cryptofiasco involving Milei.
Moreover, García-Mansilla’s candidacy did not progress beyond the Agreements Committee, which positions his role on the CSJN as tenuous. As the situation develops, the outcome remains uncertain and contingent upon Senate deliberation.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s decision against granting Judge Lijo unpaid leave has significant implications for his future as well as the composition of Argentina’s Supreme Court. With Lijo’s fate now in the hands of the Senate, and alternative candidates emerging, the political dynamics surrounding this issue will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The ongoing uncertainty signifies a critical moment for the judicial landscape in Argentina.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
