Argentina– Argentine President Javier Milei’s right-wing party has suffered a significant setback in the Buenos Aires provincial election, losing to the Peronist left-wing challenger by a landslide margin.
The election is seen as a crucial test of Milei’s popularity ahead of upcoming congressional polls next month. With 91% of polling stations reporting, the centre-left Fuerza Patria coalition has taken over 47% of the vote, while Milei’s ruling La Libertad Avanza (LLA) has secured nearly 34%.
Milei conceded the defeat, stating, “We suffered a setback, and we must accept it responsibly. If we’ve made political mistakes, we’re going to internalise them, we’re going to process them, we’re going to modify our actions.”
Despite the defeat, he pledged not to retreat “1 millimetre” from his agenda to aggressively roll back the Argentinian state and cut public spending, saying, “We will deepen and accelerate it”.
The election result is viewed as a litmus test for Milei’s so-called “chainsaw” measures, which have been met with widespread protests and criticism.
Unemployment figures in Argentina are currently at their highest since 2021, and Milei’s government has been embroiled in a corruption scandal linked to his sister and close aides.
Argentina also saw widespread protests after Milei vetoed a bill aimed at increasing pensions and disability spending, which was later overturned by Congress.
The governor of the southern Chubut province, Nacho Torres, described the vote as a “wake-up call from the citizenry”, while the governor of the northeastern Santa Fe province said voters were giving a “clear warning” to Milei.
“People no longer want more shouting; they want facts. We Argentines want to grow and develop with security and in peace,” he added.
The defeat in Buenos Aires will likely impact Milei’s hopes of expanding his influence, as Congress is already dominated by opposition parties.
Argentina will go to the polls at the end of October for congressional midterms, which will be a crucial test of deep political support, with half of the seats in Argentina’s lower house up for grabs and a third of its senate.
The crushing defeat of President Javier Milei’s right-wing party in the Buenos Aires provincial election has significant implications for his administration’s policies and influence. The election result is viewed as a litmus test for Milei’s “chainsaw” measures, which have been met with widespread protests and criticism.
With unemployment figures in Argentina at their highest since 2021, the election outcome suggests that voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the government’s economic policies.
Despite the defeat, Milei has vowed to “deepen and accelerate” his agenda to aggressively roll back the Argentinian state and cut public spending. However, the election result may force him to reconsider his approach, given the significant margin of defeat.
The governor of the southern Chubut province, Nacho Torres, described the vote as a “wake-up call from the citizenry”, while the governor of the northeastern Santa Fe province said voters were giving a “clear warning” to Milei.
The defeat in Buenos Aires will likely impact Milei’s hopes of expanding his influence, as Congress is already dominated by opposition parties.
Argentina will go to the polls at the end of October for congressional midterms, which will be a crucial test of deep political support, with half of the seats in Argentina’s lower house up for grabs and a third of its senate.
The outcome of these elections will determine the balance of power in Congress and potentially shape the country’s economic future.
The election result reflects growing discontent among Argentines with Milei’s economic policies and handling of key issues. “People no longer want more shouting; they want facts.
We Argentines want to grow and develop with security and in peace,” said the governor of the northeastern Santa Fe province. This sentiment is echoed by many Argentines who are seeking tangible solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
The outcome of the Buenos Aires provincial election has significant implications for Argentina’s economic future.
As the country heads into the congressional midterms, the performance of Milei’s party will be closely watched. A further decline in support could lead to increased opposition and potentially limit the government’s ability to implement its agenda.
