What was celebrated in 2021 as a global environmental milestone—the ban on salmon farming in Tierra del Fuego—has now become a legal and political battleground. The enactment of Provincial Law 1601 , which reverses that progress to allow the industry under the argument of "expanding the productive base," now faces a constitutional challenge that calls into question its very validity.

Melella's Contradiction: From "Environmental Milestone" to "Power Business"

Gustavo Melella 's administration is characterized by a blatant contradiction. After having promoted and enacted the original ban, the Executive Branch reversed course through Bill 247/25 , arguing the need for economic development. However, social sectors warn that this benefits concentrated power groups, with an industry that generates few jobs and has a very high environmental impact.

The "Intermission" of Discord

The complaint filed by legislator Pablo Villegas (MPF) attacks not only the content but also the "illegality and arbitrariness" of the procedure. The focus is on what occurred on August 8, 2025 , in Río Grande, during a joint meeting of Committees 1 and 3.

According to the court document:

"Institutional Gravity" and Violation of Due Process

Villegas argues that this action sets a "very serious precedent" and violates popular sovereignty. The legislator asserts that this is not a mere formality, but a republican guarantee: "Failure to observe the rules that govern the regular functioning of the committees prevents representatives from fully exercising the powers inherent in their mandate."

Key points of the demand:

1.   Absolute Nullity: It is requested that Law 1601 be declared null and void because it was sanctioned with a substantial violation of the constitutional procedure.

2.   Non-existence of the Opinion: Since there is no quorum or valid plenary session, the opinion is a "non-existent preparatory act" that vitiates the entire subsequent process in the chamber.

3.   Judicial Protection: The American Convention on Human Rights is invoked to guarantee that the lawmaking process is transparent and pluralistic.

The Future in the Hands of the Supreme Court

The lawsuit now lies with the Superior Court of Justice , filed as a declaratory action of unconstitutionality. Meanwhile, public outrage is growing over what is perceived as a handover of natural resources through mechanisms that Villegas describes as a "breakdown of democratic rules." The Tierra del Fuego courts have the final say.