Supreme Court of Argentina Denies Lijo’s Unpaid Leave Request

Argentina’s Supreme Court rejected Judge Ariel Lijo’s request for unpaid leave to assume a new role. Lijo wishes to remain in his current position, while the court argues for resignation. His future is now subject to Senate approval, with alternative candidates being considered due to concerns about his past handling of corruption cases.

The Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina has declined to grant Judge Ariel Lijo an unpaid leave of absence to take a position on the court, as decreed by President Javier Milei. Justices Horacio Rosatti and Carlos Rosenkrantz, along with Manuel García-Mansilla, voted against the leave. Lijo continues to assert his desire to remain a magistrate at Buenos Aires Federal Court 4, contrary to the court’s position that he must resign. Justice Ricardo Lorenzetti voted in support of Lijo but expressed dissent in the ruling.

Lijo’s future now hinges on the Senate, where his nomination has been stalled for over a year alongside García Mansilla’s. Should Milei’s political party, La Libertad Avanza, secure approval from the Senate, Lijo’s appointment would become permanent, contingent on his good conduct as a magistrate. Meanwhile, some supporters of Milei, including Economist Alberto Benegas Lynch Jr., have proposed the appointment of Sandra Arroyo-Salgado as an alternative to Lijo due to his handling of numerous corruption cases without significant convictions.

Arroyo-Salgado, previously married to the late Prosecutor Alberto Nisman—who died under mysterious circumstances—could represent a shift in prosecutorial approach in the CSJN. Lijo’s refusal to resign has placed Milei’s decree of his appointment in legal uncertainty, making the Senate’s decision critical for his confirmation. Although the Agreements Committee of the Upper House has approved Lijo’s nomination, its ultimate endorsement is pending due to complications arising from a financial scandal linked to Milei. Conversely, García-Mansilla’s proposal has faltered within the Agreements Committee, making his position within the CSJN precarious.

In summary, the Argentine Supreme Court’s decision to deny Judge Ariel Lijo unpaid leave highlights ongoing tensions surrounding his position in the judiciary. As Lijo’s future appears to depend on the Senate’s recommendations, alternative candidates like Sandra Arroyo-Salgado emerge, suggesting significant shifts in judicial appointments may be forthcoming in light of past controversies. The outcome will depend heavily on the political maneuvers of the current administration in navigating the complex legal landscape.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com