22/07/2026 18:44 - Politica
With the curtain falling on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the national government refocused its attention on the economy and legislation. On July 22, 2026, the administration of President Javier Milei pivoted back to its structural priorities, pushing a new package of reforms that includes the highly anticipated Tax Amnesty, the signing of key highway agreements, and an active international agenda.
Economy Minister Luis Caputo led the presentation of the new Tax Amnesty bill. The initiative, which will formally enter Congress, aims to incentivize the banking of so-called 'mattress dollars'—a local term for undeclared US dollars kept in cash outside the financial system—by modifying the Simplified Income Tax Regime.
Among the most notable changes, the project plans to eliminate income caps ($1,000 million ARS) and wealth caps ($10,000 million ARS), a 5% adjustment for significant discrepancies, and greater flexibility to amend tax returns without losing benefits. The deadline for Income Tax payment remains July 27, while the presentation of the tax return was extended to August 27, 2026.
Significant encouragement for the local economy arrived from abroad. The risk rating agency Moody's raised Argentina's sovereign debt rating from Caa1 to B3, with a positive outlook. This aligns all three major rating agencies at B- for the first time in over a decade.
Deputy Economy Minister José Luis Daza celebrated the measure, ensuring it reduces the cost of credit and confirms the country is on the right track. The country risk stood at 421 basis points.
In an unprecedented move, the national government ceded the administration of the strategic National Route A012 to the Province of Santa Fe for 20 years. The agreement was signed at the Casa Rosada (the seat of the Argentine government) between Governor Maximiliano Pullaro, Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli, and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei.
The 67-kilometer highway is vital for 80% of the grain exports in the Greater Rosario area. An initial investment of $5,000 million ARS is projected for pothole repair, sealing, and lighting, with works starting on July 23, 2026 for a period of 6 to 7 months. In the first stage, there will be no tolls.
President Javier Milei will resume his international tour on Friday, July 24, traveling to São Paulo, Brazil, to attend the Liberal Party Congress, where the candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro for the October elections against Lula da Silva will be officially confirmed.
Upon his return on July 26, Milei is scheduled to attend the official opening of the traditional La Rural Exhibition in Palermo, a key event to strengthen ties with the agribusiness sector. It is expected that the announcement of a possible reform to the Central Bank's Charter will be made next week, potentially through a national broadcast.
After the World Cup break, opposition sectors resumed protests. The CGT (General Confederation of Labor, Argentina's largest trade union center), CTA, UTEP, and ATE held a national day of action demanding better pensions. The current minimum pension is $411,989 ARS plus a bonus of $70,000 ARS, totaling $481,989 ARS, an amount deemed insufficient by the demonstrators.
Additionally, in the post-World Cup climate, lawmakers from the ruling La Libertad Avanza coalition are evaluating a bill to charge fees for healthcare and education to foreigners without permanent residency, a measure that has sparked heated debates on social media and the political spectrum.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Inflation | 1.9% monthly |
| Official Dollar (Sale) | $1,500 ARS |
| Blue Dollar (Sale) | $1,545 ARS |
| BCRA Reserves | USD 48,919 million |
| Moody's Rating | B3 (Positive Outlook) |
Sources: El Litoral, La Nación, El Día, Ámbito.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
