The Government takes the labor and pension reforms to the May Council and says it needs a second term for Milei to complete its project.

President Javier Milei's government is aiming to build consensus among the governors who make up the so-called May Council to move forward with labor and pension reforms .

This was confirmed by Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos, who emphasized that the Executive Branch is at a favorable moment to engage in dialogue with provincial leaders, given that macroeconomic stabilization policies are yielding results.

"To move forward, we need to address the problems that cause the lack of competitiveness in various sectors in Argentina. In the labor sector, we have more informal workers than formal workers. And in the pension sector, due to informality, the lack of contributions, and the disaster of the Kirchner administration, a pay-as-you-go system was created with more retirees due to moratoriums than those receiving legal contributions. This shows that we are in crisis everywhere," he stated in an interview with Radio Rivadavia.

The national official also urged the provinces to commit to making changes in tax matters and advancing the exploitation of natural resources to generate wealth.

"There are several issues we must address with a vision of convergence, an open mind to converge the interests of all sectors of the country," he emphasized.

Along these lines, he noted that a second term for La Libertad Avanza will be necessary to carry out what he defined as a "process of transformation" for the country.

"This is a project that takes time, the transformation of Argentina. I'm convinced he will seek a second term," he stated when asked if President Milei would seek reelection.

Francos will meet with sector representatives at the Casa Rosada this Tuesday to discuss a work agenda that, in principle, will focus on labor reform as the first topic of discussion.

The Prime Minister is head of the May Council, created by a decree of July 16, 2024, and will receive Minister Federico Sturzenegger (Deregulation and Transformation of the State), representative of the Executive, Governor Alfredo Cornejo (Mendoza), delegate of the provinces and CABA, Martín Rapallini, on behalf of the UIA, and Gerardo Martínez, representing the CGT.

"I'm going to listen in this first stage," Cornejo told this newspaper when asked what agenda the governors would like to see debated in the advisory body.

For his part, the union representative of the labor union will lead the demands for free collective bargaining, the salary situation of retirees, and the defense of the right to strike. While the business community agrees on the need to advance labor reform, they call for changes in tax matters and support an opening of the economy, but with a "level playing field."

Tuesday's meeting, held at the Casa Rosada and chaired by Francos, was attended by the six councilors appointed by decree: Federico Sturzenegger, Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, representing the Executive Branch; Alfredo Cornejo, Governor of Mendoza, representing the provinces that signed the Pact; Carolina Losada, National Senator, representing the Upper House; Cristian Ritondo, National Representative, representing the Lower House; Gerardo Martínez, Secretary General of the UOCRA, representing the unions; and Martín Rappallini, President of the UIA, representing the business community. Also present was María Cecilia Domínguez Diacoluca, Technical Secretary of the "May Council."

"There is a very conducive spirit of dialogue, with diverse perspectives and a strong desire to work toward reaching consensus between now and December," Sturzenegger said.

The objective of the May Council is to reach a consensus that will allow for the preparation of a report by the end of the year with legislative proposals and reforms on each of the 10 pillars included in the agreement signed on July 8, 2024, in Tucumán by President Javier Milei and 18 governors. This document is expected to serve as input for legislators and its points can be addressed in legislative sessions beginning next December 10. Furthermore, the intention is for these meetings to be held once a month.

1. The inviolability of private property.

2. The non-negotiable fiscal balance.

3. The reduction of public spending to historic levels, around 25% of the Gross Domestic Product.

4. A tax reform that reduces tax burden, simplifies the lives of Argentines, and promotes trade.

5. Re-discussing federal tax sharing to permanently end the current extortionate model.

6. A commitment by the provinces to advance the exploitation of the country's natural resources.

7. A modern labor reform that promotes formal work.

8. A pension reform that makes the system sustainable, respects those who have contributed, and allows those who prefer to subscribe to a private retirement system.

9. A structural political reform that modifies the current system and realigns the interests of representatives and those represented.

10. Opening up to international trade, so that Argentina once again becomes a player in the global market.