19/06/2026 15:37 - Politica
Jóvenes adultos participando en una sesión de concejo deliberante, ambiente institucional con bandera argentina, estilo fotoperiodismo profesional
On June 18, 2026, La Libertad Avanza (LLA) — the libertarian party founded by Argentine President Javier Milei — introduced a bill to reduce the minimum age requirement for serving as a concejal (city councilor) in Buenos Aires Province from 25 years to 18 years.
📍 Context for International Readers: Buenos Aires Province is Argentina's most populous province, home to over 17 million people. It's distinct from the autonomous city of Buenos Aires (the capital). The province is divided into 135 municipalities, each governed by a mayor and a local legislative body called the Concejo Deliberante (Deliberative Council), similar to a city council.
The initiative was presented by provincial deputy Pablo Morillo and led by Sebastián Pareja, the party's provincial president, alongside deputy Geraldine Calvella. The presentation took place during the Jóvenes Concejales (Young Councilors) event at the party's new provincial headquarters, attended by activists from all 135 municipalities.
| Current Situation | LLA Proposal |
|---|---|
| Minimum age: 25 years old | Minimum age: 18 years old |
| Law in effect since 1889 | Would align with Buenos Aires City legislators |
| Optional voting from age 16 | Mandatory voting from age 18 |
| Previous attempt (2013): Law 14.523 reduced age to 21, but never implemented | Pending debate in Provincial Legislature |
Supporters argue the current restriction represents an "unjustified contradiction" in Argentine law: at 18, citizens can vote, work, sign contracts, pay taxes, and even serve as national deputies — yet they're barred from serving as local councilors in Buenos Aires Province.
"At La Libertad Avanza, we don't believe in politics that talks down to young people from above. We believe in politics that opens doors so they can decide, compete, and represent their neighbors."
Deputy Morillo emphasized that the bill doesn't guarantee positions or create privileges — it simply expands political rights for young people to compete on equal footing.
The proposal aligns with the ruling party's strategy to strengthen support among young voters, a demographic that gave Milei significant backing in the 2023 presidential election. If approved, the measure would be in place for the 2027 municipal elections.
Legislators can be elected starting at 18 years old
Deputies can assume office at 18 years old
This isn't the first attempt to reform this law. In 2013, the Buenos Aires Legislature approved Law 14.523, which mandated lowering the minimum age to 21 years and called for a plebiscite to reform the provincial constitution. However, over a decade later, that process was never completed.
The new LLA proposal revives that debate and goes further: instead of 21 years, it directly establishes 18 years as the minimum age for council seats across all 135 municipal councils in the province.
The bill will begin its legislative journey in the Chamber of Deputies of Buenos Aires Province. To become law, it requires a simple majority in both chambers of the provincial legislature. If the initiative advances, 18-year-olds could run for councilor positions in the 2027 municipal elections.
Sources: Mendoza Post | Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
