The legislator expressed his support for the PASO system as one that allows any citizen to present themselves to the electorate without party backing, criticizing the intention to modify it in an election year and considering it a break in democratic tradition. On the other hand, Abad defended the primaries by arguing that they organize electoral competition and facilitate agreements among diverse parties, urging the president not to be influenced by external interests.
The president of the ruling bloc supported the suspension of the PASO, noting that since its implementation there have been few primaries and that it is unfair for citizens to finance internal disputes. He stated that this measure is part of a process to protect the pocketbook of Argentines. Other legislators like Paoltroni praised the PASO as a valuable tool and urged to stop waste and tax abuse.
The Senate session, marked by the Criptogate $LIBRA scandal, included prolonged debates over privilege issues that addressed, among other topics, Milei's speech in Davos and the opposition's attempts to investigate the criptogate. Votes were held in which proposals for a investigative commission and for questioning the Executive were rejected.
Finally, the project to suspend the PASO was passed into law with 43 votes in favor, 20 against, and 6 abstentions. The measure had the support of various blocs, including legislators from the ruling party, some moderates, and a sector of Kirchnerism. The arguments against the modification focused on the alleged democratic weakness that it entailed, as well as the savings that were estimated. The vote reflected divisions within the opposition and represented a significant victory for the Government in a complicated week.
