Manuel Adorni announces new bills in first press conference since scandals

The Argentine government announced on Wednesday morning that it is preparing to submit a package of key reforms for debate in Congress. The initiative includes reopening discussions aimed at passing a new Expropriations Law. Chief of staff Manuel Adorni delivered the announcement during his first press conference of 2026 at the Casa Rosada, where the most controversial topic was his defense against allegations concerning a trip to Punta del Este and claims of unjustified asset growth. He had come under fire for including his wife in the presidential entourage that accompanied Javier Milei to Argentina Week, a high-level diplomatic and financial summit held in New York between March 9-12 to attract international investment to Argentina. This prompted a request for information from the opposition to determine who paid for the trip, what role his wife played, and whether any potential conflicts of interest were assessed. Only a few days later, deputy Marcela Pagano submitted a complaint alleging illicit enrichment in connection with a private flight he took with his family to Punta del Este during the recent Carnival holiday. Finally, it was known that in 2024 he bought an expensive house in Exaltacin de la Cruz, 82 km. outside Buenos Aires.  I have nothing to hide, was his sole explanation, adding that his wealth was built during his private career, prior to his arrival at the Casa Rosada. He also left several questions about his income unanswered. Key reforms Although the reform package is an ongoing process that will be formally debated throughout 2026, its core guidelines were mentioned in last Decembers public report of political think-tank Consejo de Mayo, made by government officials of different key areas. Now it have already been incorporated into the agenda for ordinary sessions, alongside bills such as the 2026 budget and criminal law reforms. The expropriations law proposal seeks to reduce state intervention and provide stronger guarantees for investors, in line with the deregulation approach promoted since the beginning of the administration. It includes changes to the rural lands law that would remove caps and restrictions on the sale of farmland to foreign private capital, which currently faces strict limits in terms of acreage and ownership percentages. The aim is to encourage the inflow of global capital and boost investment in strategic sectors such as oil, mining, and agribusiness. The package also includes amendments to wildfire management regulations, with the goal of allowing changes in land use in burned areas, as well as a review of the socio-urban integration framework for informal settlements in order to reduce expropriation tools. According to the chief of staff, Today, the worlds leading business figures see Argentina as a historic investment opportunity. Some sectors, such as oil, mining, or agriculture, require the purchase of large tracts of land to operate. We cannot allow these opportunities to be blocked by mere ideological whims.