Javier Milei Secures Legislative Victory in Argentina with Trump’s Backing
In a surprising electoral outcome, Javier Milei has emerged victorious in the recent legislative elections in Argentina, obtaining over 40% of the votes. This result stands in contrast to the Peronism coalition, which received 34.8% across all provinces.
Milei, who represents the far-right, proclaimed, “Today begins the construction of a great Argentina,” while celebrating the election results. His victory comes amid serious allegations of bribery within his administration and claims of drug trafficking connections among candidates. Additionally, the Argentine economy has been under significant strain, necessitating a bailout from the United States.
The government’s warnings about a potential economic collapse without assistance from the U.S. Treasury may have influenced voter sentiment, contributing to Milei’s success. This election marks a reversal from the September 7th elections, where Peronism had a commanding 14-point lead in the Buenos Aires provincial elections. Despite the tight race in this traditional stronghold, the results are noteworthy.
The ruling party, known as La Libertad Avanza (LLA), achieved a remarkable victory not only in the capital but also in key provinces such as Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Mendoza. This success solidifies Milei’s position as a significant political force in Argentina.
In the legislative assembly, the Peronist coalition Fuerza Patria and its allies saw a slight decline, reducing their representation from 98 to 96 deputies. However, they remain the primary opposition in Congress, retaining a critical third of the seats. In the Senate, the Peronists lost eight seats, decreasing their total from 30 to 22, which limits their ability to block Milei’s legislative initiatives.
A new political alliance, Provincias Unidas, made its electoral debut, consisting of governors who initially supported Milei. This coalition secured eight seats in Parliament, while the Left Front and Workers (FIT) managed to maintain three of their four deputies.
Milei expressed his satisfaction with the electoral response, stating, “From December 10, we will have 101 deputies instead of 37. And in the Senate, we will transition from 6 senators to 20. We will have the most reformist Congress in Argentine history. Argentines do not wish to return to the model of an ineffective state. No more populism.”
The audience responded enthusiastically, chanting phrases linked to Milei’s commitment to dismantling the legacy of former president Néstor Kirchner. This reflects his ongoing promise to eliminate Kirchnerism from Argentine politics.
Despite the electoral gains, Milei recognizes the need for broader support to advance his agenda. He called upon pro-capitalist governors to collaborate on various projects, particularly focusing on labor and pension reforms.
LLA achieved victories in 16 out of 24 provinces, while Peronism managed to hold its ground in only six provinces: Santa Cruz, La Pampa, San Juan, Tucumán, Catamarca, and Formosa.
Political analyst Facundo Cruz remarked that LLA has established itself as a national force, gaining traction in key districts and showing growth in areas where it previously struggled. He noted that Milei’s party has reached a level of national support comparable to that of former president Mauricio Macri in 2017, despite the current economic challenges.
The election results are expected to stabilize the markets and provide the government with much-needed relief after weeks of uncertainty, culminating in a substantial bailout from the U.S. Treasury, amounting to $20 billion in currency swaps and an additional promise of $20 billion in private credit. Trump had previously conditioned future aid on Milei’s electoral success.
Political commentator Javier Pablo Salinas highlighted the unexpected nature of Milei’s victory, attributing it to the ineffective campaign of Fuerza Patria and the lack of compelling proposals from their candidates. He also noted the influence of U.S. support, which may have swayed Argentine voters.
In response to Milei’s victory, Buenos Aires province governor Axel Kicillof addressed supporters, criticizing the opposition coalition’s reliance on U.S. assistance and investment funds. He emphasized the need to protect national interests, stating, “We will use all resources to act as a shield. No resignation, no sadness; the people suffer, and the nation cannot be sold.”
