The national government responded this Saturday to the main questions raised around the project of the National Sovereignty Defense Law, sent by President Javier Milei to Congress, and defended the proposed changes regarding the Malvinas, National Security, Armed Forces, sanctions, and foreign interference.
The initiative was formally submitted to the Chamber of Deputies on September 17 and was referred to the committees on National Defense, Criminal Legislation, and Foreign Relations and Worship. The Executive had presented the project as part of a strategy aimed at strengthening the defense of natural resources and providing the State with new tools against external threats.
Milei sent the National Sovereignty Defense Law to Congress to strengthen the Malvinas cause
Through the Official Response Office, the government rejected, among other points, that the repeal of Law 26.659 could automatically benefit companies sanctioned for carrying out unauthorized activities in the Malvinas. It explained that the behaviors currently covered will continue to be classified and the new regime will expand the sanctionable activities, in addition to raising the scales of certain penalties.
Another focus was on the creation of the National Security Council. In response to criticism regarding a potential concentration of powers, the Executive maintained that the body will have a strategic coordination function among areas such as Defense, Intelligence, Economy, Foreign Affairs, and cybersecurity, without replacing the competencies of each agency.
The government also defended the regime planned to respond to aircraft and vessels considered hostile. The initiative includes warnings, interception maneuvers, and, under certain circumstances, the use of force as a last resort. According to the official explanation, these powers must be exercised respecting international law and do not constitute a death penalty or a criminal sanction.
Regarding the Armed Forces, the Office ensured that the separation between National Defense and Internal Security established by Article 4 of Law 23.554 will remain in effect. This regulation expressly maintains the distinction between both areas.
There were also responses to criticisms about the new crime related to coordinated disinformation campaigns. The Executive stated that false news, criticism of the government, or journalistic exercise will not be penalized, as the figure will require that there be action on behalf of, order, or financing from a state, organization, or foreign agent and that it seeks to interfere through a coordinated operation.
The bill seeks to toughen penalties against those who exploit Argentine resources without authorization and creates a new National Security System
The project also tightens sanctions for the unauthorizedexploitation of natural resources in the Malvinas, creates the National Security Council, and incorporates figures related to foreign influence, espionage, and electoral interference.
Finally, the government defended the modifications planned for the registry related to terrorist activities and stated that the mechanism maintains subsequent instances of judicial intervention.
