What’s behind Milei’s decision to allow civilians to own semi-automatic weapons
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has signed a new decree allowing civilians to buy and own semi-automatic and assault-style weapons.
This reverses a ban on the same that had been in place since 1995.
The rule change applies to approved gun users who meet specific conditions, including proving the weapons are for sporting use.
The decree, published in the Official Gazette, permits civilians to acquire firearms that were previously reserved only for military use.
These include assault rifles, carbines and submachine guns. The weapons must have detachable magazines and be of calibres above .22.
The government has already introduced a fast-track online system for issuing gun permits, known as “tenencia express,” which applies to both civilians and members of the military or security forces.
The system is managed by the National Agency for Controlled Materials (ANMAC), which oversees gun control in the country.
This is the latest in a series of moves by Milei’s administration to loosen gun laws in Argentina.
In 2024, the government also lowered the minimum age for legal gun ownership from 21 to 18.
Milei has previously said he supports the right to own weapons but had not promised full deregulation during his presidential campaign.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
