PRO Party Seeks Annulment of 'Irregular' AGN Appointments in Argentina

PRO Challenges AGN Appointments in Argentine Judiciary

The PRO party in Argentina has initiated legal action to annul the recent appointments of three new members to the General Audit Office (AGN), citing procedural irregularities and constitutional violations. Cristian Ritondo, head of the PRO block in the Chamber of Deputies, filed an 'amparo' – a form of constitutional protection action – in the justice system on Saturday, December 20, 2025, seeking to declare the appointments unconstitutional and null. The court responsible for hearing the case was expected to be determined on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Controversial Appointments Spark Outcry

The contentious appointments occurred during an early morning session on December 18, 2025, around 3 a.m., following the approval of the 2026 Budget bill. The PRO party, along with other opposition blocs including the UCR, the Civic Coalition, and United Provinces, contend that the designations were made outside the official agenda for the extraordinary session. This maneuver, they argue, constitutes a violation of Article 65 of the National Constitution and the chamber's internal regulations, which restrict the topics that can be addressed in such sessions.

The individuals appointed to the AGN are:

• Rita Mónica Almada, representing the ruling party La Libertad Avanza (LLA)
• Juan Ignacio Forlón, aligned with Peronism
• Cinthia Pamela Calletti, a former deputy proposed by provincial leaders

Political Fallout and Accusations of Disrespect

The appointments have generated significant political tension, particularly between the ruling La Libertad Avanza (LLA) and its ally, the PRO party. PRO was reportedly excluded from the negotiations regarding these appointments, leading to accusations of 'disrespecting agreements' from Ritondo.

During the session, Ritondo publicly criticized LLA for the maneuver, reminding the lower house president, Martín Menem, that PRO had 'backed' the government in the preceding budget vote. He stated that his party would pursue legal action to challenge the appointments, emphasizing that the issue should not have been addressed in an extraordinary session without being on the official agenda. In protest, PRO and other allied blocs walked out of the chamber as the three lawmakers were sworn in.