**Argentinian President Javier Milei Rejects Pension Increase and Disability Protection Act**
On Monday, August 4th, Argentinian President Javier Milei vetoed a pension increase bill and a disability protection act that were passed by the Congress in July, stating that these bills jeopardize the fiscal balance.
Milei had previously stated last month that he would veto these bills. Although his liberal party does not hold a majority in the Congress, he has the power to overturn these bills.
This veto comes less than three months before the mid-term elections in Argentina. The mid-term elections are seen as a gauge of support for Milei’s government.
The Milei administration has successfully lowered Argentina’s triple-digit annual inflation rate, but its austerity policies have also had social impacts.
After issuing the veto orders, the Argentinian presidential palace stated in a release that the Congress had approved these bills in an irresponsible manner and did not specify the funding source.
The statement said, “The president would rather say the unpleasant truth – there is no money, than repeat the comfortable lies.”