President Javier Milei has blocked a law passed by Congress that would have distributed more funding to Argentina’s provinces, striking a note of tension in a week in which he has sought dialogue with provincial governors. 

Milei’s veto argues that the funding, known as National Treasury Contributions, differs from other federal tax funds that are shared automatically with Argentina’s provinces because they are designed for distribution at the national government’s discretion. They have been used in the past to fund the COVID-19 pandemic response, droughts, and other emergencies.

The veto was published in Argentina’s Official Gazette on Friday morning and bears Milei’s signature, alongside those of the cabinet.

Congress may now seek to overturn the veto, which would require a majority of two thirds in both upper and lower houses. Lawmakers recently managed to

© Buenos Aires Herald