As part of its self-celebration of the first year in power, the Government of Argentina established that citizens will be authorized to carry weapons from 18 years old. During his election campaign, Javier Miley He went from rejecting free possession to defending the possibility for citizens to equip themselves without major impediments. Before speaking to the country to explain the results of the “best government in history“, the Executive modified article 55 of the National Weapons and Explosives Law, which established the 21-year-old requirement for the “acquisition or transmission by any title, use, possession and carrying of weapons for civilian use.” The anarcho-capitalist does not did more than follow an initiative similar to that of the Brazilian far-right when it arrived at the Planalto Palace, the headquarters of the Executive, in 2019. Jair Bolsonaro He was an ardent defender of the “right” to arm yourself in self-defense. The most radical sectors of La Libertad Avanza want to go further than what has been done in the neighboring country, and undone since Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office in 2023. Lowering the age is the first step.
What was done was to “harmonize current legislation” in recognition of “the ability of citizens to be legitimate users of weapons” from the age of 18. Until now, the minimum legal age was 21 years. To have a revolver at hand or a shotgun at home cannot be presented “psychic or physical abnormalities that disable” to the buyer. In turn, personal data under police custody must be accredited. The existence of a “police or criminal record” prevents access to weapons.
According to the ruling party, what is also sought is to regularize the possession of firearms without penalties. According to justice figures, 1.5 million weapons have been registered in Argentina and a slightly higher number circulate illegally.
“Those states that have free carrying of weapons have much fewer crimes,” Milei even said with figures of his own invention. “We want good citizens to be able to defend themselves,” insisted the vice president, Victoria Villarruel.
Security policy
The authorities maintain that beyond the changes implemented, “the thorough combat against criminals who, with illegal weapons, put the lives of all Argentines at risk” must be deepened. The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrichis an ardent promoter of a tough policy against crime and social protest.
Fernando Soto, National Director of Regulations and Judicial Liaison of the Ministry of National Security, defended the regulatory update. “Just as they can elect the president of the Nation or have an abortion from the age of 16, at 18 They are of full age and, therefore, the ability to carry a weapon under the conditions and strict requirements established by the law,” he told the newspaper ‘Clarín’. Esteban Rodríguez Alzueta, Researcher at the National University of Quilmes (UNQ), expressed his rejection of the novelty. “This decree expresses the Government’s position on security: When the State shrinks, it charges public security to the account of individuals. It is a provocative measure against the agenda of the women’s movement and its fight against femicides. The fact that young people can now arm themselves will not change things. “The market never asks, and the protagonists of illegal markets do not need to certify the age of the plaintiff to sell a firearm.”
