BREAKING: Argentine President Javier Milei has suffered a significant defeat in the Buenos Aires provincial election, capturing only 34 percent of the vote against the left-leaning Peronist opposition, which secured 47 percent. This setback, viewed as a critical test for his libertarian party, comes just weeks before the midterm elections on October 26.
In a defiant address at his party headquarters, Milei acknowledged the “clear defeat” but insisted, “There will be no retreat in government policy.” Despite growing public frustration over his controversial economic reforms and a bribery scandal involving his sister, Milei vowed to continue implementing his radical economic agenda.
This election loss highlights the erosion of support for Milei, who has been a close ally of Donald Trump and a vocal supporter of Elon Musk. The president’s austerity measures, including substantial cuts to energy and transport subsidies, have sparked widespread discontent. Many Argentines have faced rising unemployment and poverty, despite some recent improvements in inflation rates.
Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, must strengthen its position in the upcoming midterms to pass further reforms. Currently, the party holds a tiny minority in a Congress dominated by opposition. Without significant gains, Milei’s ambitions to transform Argentina from a defaulting nation into one capable of meeting its debts could falter.
As the political landscape shifts, critics like Axel Kicillof, the governor of Buenos Aires province, are vocalizing their opposition. “The ballot boxes told Milei that public works cannot be halted,” Kicillof stated, emphasizing the need for better support for retirees and public services.
The upcoming midterms are poised to serve as a referendum on Milei’s presidency, with half of the Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate up for reelection. As public sentiment shifts, the stakes have never been higher for Milei and his party.
With this election defeat and the looming midterms, all eyes are on Argentina as the political drama unfolds. Will Javier Milei’s economic program survive the backlash, or will it lead to further instability? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.