In a significant political shift, Argentine President Javier Milei achieved a commanding victory in Sunday’s midterm elections, which bolstered his party’s influence in Congress. This electoral success provides his administration with renewed vigor to pursue substantial fiscal cuts and extensive free-market reforms.
This outcome not only strengthens Milei’s libertarian agenda but also signals a dramatic change for Argentina, a nation known for its large and often unpredictable economic landscape.
Milei’s political party, La Libertad Avanza, made history by capturing approximately 41.5% of the vote in Buenos Aires province, a traditional stronghold of the opposing Peronist coalition, which garnered 40.8%. These figures, reported by Reuters and The Associated Press, highlight the significance of this electoral upset.
The president’s party has significantly increased its representation in the national legislature, escalating its seats in the lower house from 37 to 64. This growth strengthens Milei’s hand in backing his vetoes and the executive decrees that form the backbone of his economic strategy.
Marcelo Garcia, Americas director at risk-analysis firm Horizon Engage, told Reuters, “The outcome exceeded even the most optimistic expectations of Milei’s supporters. With this result, Milei can more effectively support his decrees and vetoes within Congress.”
“The result is better than even the most optimistic Milei supporters were hoping for,” Marcelo Garcia, Americas director at the risk-analysis firm Horizon Engage, said in comments reported by Reuters. “With this result, Milei will be able to easily defend his decrees and vetoes in Congress.”
Political consultant Gustavo Cordoba told Reuters the outcome reflected a cautious optimism among voters who appear willing to give Milei’s economic policies more time.
Argentina President Javier Milei speaks during a ceremony to commemorate Holocaust and Heroism Day, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
“Many people were willing to give the government another chance,” Cordoba said. “The triumph is unobjectionable, unquestionable.”
Reuters reported that inflation has fallen from 12.8% before Milei’s inauguration to 2.1% last month. His government has also posted a fiscal surplus and pushed through broad deregulation measures — a dramatic reversal after years of economic turbulence.
According to The Associated Press, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump offered Argentina a $40 billion aid package, including a $20 billion currency swap and a proposed $20 billion debt-investment facility, after tying future U.S. support to Milei’s performance in the midterms.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s President Javier Milei share a joke as they arrive for the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
Investors reacted positively to the results. Reuters reported that Argentine bonds and stocks are expected to rally as Milei’s stronger hand in Congress gives him the political capital to accelerate his reforms
Milei called the election “a turning point for Argentina,” according to AFP via the Times of Israel.
