Freedom of expression and human rights organizations warned that a bill introduced by President Javier Milei to regulate lobbying activities could lead to “permanent state surveillance” and undermine democratic participation.
In a joint statement, the groups questioned the strict oversight mechanisms and legal penalties contemplated by the proposal, arguing that while its stated objectives “may be legitimate,” they could also “lead to an illegitimate limitation of rights.”
The statement was signed by organizations that regularly engage with public officials and policymakers, including the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA, by its Spanish acronym), think tank Fundar, human rights groups Amnesty International Argentina and the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), HIV and sexual health organization Fundación Huésped, as well as other entities focused on climate action, democratic participation and gender equality.
The bill, titled the “Law for Transparency and Disclosure of Interest Representation,” was submitted by ruling party La Libertad Avanza (LLA) to Congress on May 22.
According to its critics, it amounts to more than a lobbying regulation and instead creates a framework for what they described as “surveilled participation.”
