BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (RTW News) — Argentine President Javier Milei experienced a surprising setback in the recent provincial elections in Buenos Aires, a critical political test for his party, La Libertad Avanza, and its upcoming congressional midterms. The newly formed libertarian party captured only 34% of the vote, resulting in a significant loss to the left-leaning Peronist opposition, which secured 47% of the ballots counted.
Milei acknowledged the results represented a clear defeat, stating, We must accept it responsibly. He expressed regret over potential political mistakes while reaffirming his commitment to a sweeping economic overhaul, declaring, There will be no retreat in government policy.
The electoral outcome raises alarms for Milei, particularly as he grapples with stabilizing a tumultuous economy while dealing with controversies surrounding his associates linked to a graft scandal. Analysts had anticipated La Libertad Avanza would face challenges but this larger-than-expected loss may further galvanize rivals during a critical period.
The losing margin of 13 points was notably troubling, particularly in Buenos Aires, which accounts for nearly 40% of Argentina's population. Milei's party is under pressure to gain traction in Congress to pass his radical libertarian reforms and address the nation's economic challenges.
In a social media response, former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, a prominent Peronist figure, took the opportunity to mock Milei's struggles by calling attention to the dire state of the economy under his leadership, saying, The ballot boxes told Milei that public works cannot be halted.
As the midterms approach, the political landscape in Argentina may be reshaped by this electoral loss, prompting a series of introspective moves from Milei's camp and renewed energy from the opposition.
