International
Commissions of the Argentine Senate resume debate on key law for Javier Milei
The Law Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines, the star project of the Executive of Javier Milei, faces a decisive week from this Monday in its discussion prior to its processing in the Senate.
A plenary meeting of the Senate General Legislation, Budget and Finance and Constitutional Affairs committees will resume this Monday at 3:00 p.m. local time (18.00 GMT) the debate of the law and the fiscal package that were approved by Deputies on April 30 and that the Executive needs to show governance and sustainability to its economic program.
At the same time, the ruling party’s negotiations continue with the other blocks of Senators and provincial governors to approve a law that the Executive had imposed as a deadline before May 25.
Times run against the ruling party because several opposition leaders question the level of the income tax on wages, the Incentives for Large Investments (RIGI) Regime and money laundering that are contained in the bills.
If the senators modify the bill, they must return to Deputies so that it is finally sanctioned.
The presidential spokesman, Manuel Adorni, defended the RIGI on Monday by indicating that “it is not the looting of the country,” “it does not help entrepreneurs to take money abroad,” “much less merge SMEs,” but will attract investments of more than 200 million dollars that “are not made if there is no tax and exchange rate stability” and “will give impetus to the economy, investments and employment,” and will allow “triple the level of exports in a decade.”
The senators of La Libertad Avanza, a far-right party led by Milei, are only seven, another 33 are opposition Peronists and the rest of the 72 legislators of the Upper House are composed of potential allies.
This is the second time that Parliament has debated the bill, since in February it was approved in general by the Chamber of Deputies, but later, in the face of a sure defeat in the vote article by article in the Lower House and a foreseeable subsequent rejection in the Senate, the ruling party chose to return the bill to commissions.
After successive negotiations, the Government submitted a new project with 232 articles (compared to the 664 of the original initiative), the first of which declares the public emergency in administrative, economic, financial and energy matters for a period of one year, giving the Executive delegated powers in those matters, much less than those initially claimed by Milei.
The initiative allows the reform of the State, enables the privatization of a dozen companies, involves controversial changes in labor and retirement legislation and includes incentives for the energy and hydrocarbons sector and for large investments.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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