BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentine President Javier Milei faced a significant political setback on Sunday as his libertarian party, La Libertad Avanza, suffered a crushing defeat in the Buenos Aires provincial elections. With the final votes tallied, the party managed to attract only 34% of the votes, falling 13 points behind the left-leaning Peronist opposition, which secured 47%.
In his concession speech, a visibly somber Milei acknowledged this loss as a 'clear defeat,' stating, 'We suffered a setback, and we must accept it responsibly.' He assured his supporters that his government would learn from its mistakes, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to overhaul the economy despite the political turbulence.
This electoral outcome is seen as an alarming signal for Milei ahead of next month’s congressional midterm elections, where he desperately needs to strengthen his party's influence in a Congress dominated by opposition forces.
With dwindling public support amid rising inflation and economic instability, analysts express concerns that this defeat could bolster opposition momentum, particularly for Peronist figures like former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The election results may indicate broader voter discontent with Milei's aggressive economic policies and could severely complicate his governance.
As Milei struggles to stabilize the economy and fend off political rivalries, the performance of La Libertad Avanza in Buenos Aires remains a crucial aspect to watch as Argentina navigates a complex political landscape.
