Milei Opens Congress With Fiery, Pro‑Trump Address and Consolidated Legislative Momentum

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, opened Congress on Sunday with an impassioned 90-minute address that celebrated recent legislative victories, praised his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, and launched sharp attacks against political opponents.

Attendees react to President Javier Milei's annual State of the Nation address at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Legislative Wins and Agenda

Milei framed the extraordinary session as a turning point for his agenda, highlighting a series of legislative achievements his administration says will reshape the economy and state policy. He cited passage of a broad labor reform, a bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility, the Mercosur–European Union trade agreement, and the initial approval of a law to protect glaciers.

Deputy Juan Marino holds up a placard reading in Spanish, "[Argentina's President Javier] Milei equals war" prior to Milei's delivery of the annual State of the Nation address at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

"This has been one of the most productive extraordinary sessions in our history, fulfilling all the campaign promises made in 2025,"

Argentina's President Javier Milei smiles while greeting lawmakers after delivering the annual State of the Nation address at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

U.S. Ties and Regional Vision

Milei emphasized closer alignment with the United States, citing financial assistance provided by Washington last year and describing U.S. President Donald Trump as a "key ally". He argued Argentina is strategically positioned to supply raw materials, energy and critical minerals to Western markets and invoked a broader regional ambition: "we have to create the century of the Americas. Make America Great Again."

Argentina's President Javier Milei delivers the annual State of the Nation address at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Confrontation With Opposition

The speech was punctuated by heated exchanges with opposition lawmakers. Milei repeatedly denounced opponents as "thieves," "murderers" and "ignorant," and singled out former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is imprisoned on corruption charges, as a primary target of his accusations. Those outbursts drew vociferous responses from opposition benches and underscored the polarized tone of the address.

Political Context and Strengthened Position

Political analysts say Milei has consolidated legislative strength since the 2025 elections. La Libertad Avanza, allied with the right‑wing Republican Proposal (PRO), became the largest bloc in both chambers and secured the one-third of seats needed to uphold presidential vetoes. Experts note that several previously cautious or critical allies — including some PRO members and governors of different parties — now cooperate more closely with the national government.

"We find him with significant support and, through his allies, with a parliamentary majority that seemed unprecedented in 2023," Juan Negri, director of the Political Science program at Torcuato Di Tella University, told The Associated Press.

Implications

Milei’s address showcased a government focused on rapid institutional and economic change, willing to lean on strong rhetoric while consolidating legislative power. The short- and medium-term impact will depend on implementation of the newly passed measures and the durability of alliances built after the 2025 vote.