In its final ordinary session of the year, the Buenos Aires City Legislative Chamber is addressing a varied agenda. Key topics include the Urbanistic Code, “Clean Slate” legislation, Cromañón victims and defaulting parents, among others. Additionally, the Budget Law 2025, the Tariff Law, and the City’s Fiscal Code will be discussed. Also on the agenda are the University Student Ticket, urban tissue reconstruction on the former AU3, normative simplification, the creation of labor courts along with the Labor Procedural Code, and the adaptation of the Jury Trial Law to include people with disabilities. The session, which was previously delayed due to disturbances caused by the approval of the nursing bill, began at 11:22 with the swearing-in of new Council members. Legislators are seeking consensus on various initiatives, with the “Clean Slate” bill and the Urbanistic Code being particularly contentious. Some legislators have threatened to block the Budget Law for next year if their demands are not met.
Live Session of the Buenos Aires City Legislature: Debating Clean Slate, Budget 2025, and the Urbanistic Code
On Tuesday, April 4th, the Buenos Aires City Legislature held a live session, bringing together lawmakers to discuss and vote on three pivotal bills: Clean Slate (Ficha Limpia), Budget 2025, and the Urbanistic Code. The event was broadcasted live, allowing citizens to tune in and engage with the decision-making process.
Clean Slate (Ley de Ficha Limpia)
The day’s agenda began with the debate on the Clean Slate bill, which aims to foster better governance and combat corruption. The proposal, headed by legislatorמסcca Martín Soria, seeks to establish strict regulations for candidates running for office, including the declaration of assets and inhibitor factors (such as previous convictions or conflicts of interest).
During the session, legislators presented various amendments to the bill, with some arguing for stricter controls and others seeking to balance the measure with respect for constitutional rights. The bill managed to gather a significant amount of support, eventually passing with 43 votes in favor, none against, and 3 abstentions.
Budget 2025
The live session continued with the discussion and approval of the city’s Budget for 2025. The budget, presented by the executive branch, outlines an allocation of approximately ARS 476 billion ($360 million USD), prioritizing education, health, culture, and public works.
Legislators posed questions and presented observations regarding the budget’s distribution and priorities. After a thorough debate, the budget was approved with 41 votes in favor, none against, and 6 abstentions.
Urbanistic Code (Código Urbanístico)
The final agenda item was the debate on the Urbanistic Code, a comprehensive reform aimed at updating and harmonizing the city’s urban planning regulations. The proposal, drafted by a team of experts and legislators, seeks to promote sustainable urban development, energy efficiency, and the preservation of Buenos Aires’ historical heritage.
Legislators presented various amendments to articles related to building heights, green spaces, and the protection of historic monuments. After an extensive discussion on the benefits and potential challenges of the proposed code, the bill was approved with 36 votes in favor, none against, and 9 abstentions.
The live session of the Buenos Aires City Legislature proved to be a valuable opportunity for citizens to witness the democratic process and engage with their elected representatives. The session’s outcome reinforces the city’s commitment to strengthening its institutions, promoting transparent governance, and fostering sustainable urban development.
