Argentina President Javier Milei’s government has introduced a new decree that could allow the deportation of foreigners accused of promoting hatred or encouraging violence against Argentina or its citizens. According to a report by French broadcaster Radio Monte Carlo (RMC), the measure is aimed at foreign nationals who spread hate messages targeting the country.

The proposed rule still requires parliamentary review before its future is decided. Under the decree, authorities would be able to act against foreigners who spread “messages of hatred, whether spoken or written, or incite violence against the Argentine people as a whole, or against any Argentine citizen because of their nationality”.

Decree comes after FIFA World Cup controversy

The announcement follows weeks of scrutiny surrounding Argentina’s national football team after its runners-up finish at the FIFA World Cup.

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Several incidents during and after the tournament have drawn attention. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, over their conduct during the World Cup final against Spain.

Argentina’s football federation has also faced investigations linked to allegations of racial abuse. Another point of controversy came after Argentina’s semifinal victory over England, when players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, referring to the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by Argentina but administered by the United Kingdom.

Government cites recent hostility toward Argentina

While presenting the decree, the Argentine government said the move was prompted by what it described as “recent displays of hostility against the Republic of Argentina and Argentines”.

The government did not identify specific incidents in the decree itself.

In recent days, President Milei has spoken publicly about what he described as an anti-Argentina campaign following the FIFA World Cup. During diplomatic tensions involving Brazil, he also alleged that the governments of Brazil and Mexico, along with the US Democratic Party, had funded a campaign against Argentina. No evidence was presented to support those claims.

Speaking about the new measure, Milei said, “whoever attacks the Republic of Argentina is not welcome in our country.”

What happens next?

The decree also makes clear that it does not restrict ideological differences or political, academic and civil criticism, stating that those rights remain protected under Argentina’s constitution.

Its legal future now depends on the country’s legislative process. Issued as a “decree of necessity and urgency,” it will first be examined by a parliamentary committee before moving to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

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Under Argentina’s legislative rules, the decree will remain in force unless both chambers vote to reject it.

FAQs

What does Javier Milei’s new decree propose?

The decree allows action, including possible deportation, against foreigners accused of spreading hate or inciting violence against Argentina or its citizens.

Why was the new decree introduced?

The government said it was prompted by what it described as recent displays of hostility toward Argentina and Argentines following the FIFA World Cup.