For the first time in the history of democracy, the national government has decided not to allow the entry of graphic reporters from national and international media to the Legislative Assembly. This means that control over the images coming from the opening ceremony of ordinary sessions will be in the hands of the Executive Power.
Additionally, the first-floor box traditionally used by the graphic press will be assigned to guests of the La Libertad Avanza government. This will force journalists to move to a smaller space in a side balcony on the second floor.
The measure was taken by Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Presidency, and was complied with by the Senate authorities, responsible for the organization of the Legislative Assembly where President Javier Milei will present his speech amid the controversy of "cryptogate." The Chamber of Deputies, where the ceremony will take place, also did not oppose the decision of the Casa Rosada.
In an impromptu meeting, press authorities from the Senate and the Deputies communicated the measure to a group of representatives from the Circle of Parliamentary Journalists. There was no room for negotiations, and it was established that both chambers would comply with the government's directive, despite this representing a clear invasion of competencies between branches of government, violating the republican principle of separation of powers.
This strict restriction on photographic coverage of the Legislative Assembly, which blocks access to photographers and limits the working space of graphic journalists, has been interpreted by international media agencies as an act of censorship and a limitation of freedom of expression.
It is worth noting that the libertarian government had already given previous signals to limit journalistic activity on prior occasions, such as during the presidential inauguration on December 10, 2023, when the Cabinet swearing-in took place behind closed doors and only official images were distributed. Likewise, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget project last year, journalists were relocated to a smaller space, significantly affecting their usual working conditions.
