Argentina's President Javier Milei Faces Major Setback in Buenos Aires Election

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:16:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a crucial provincial election, Argentine President Javier Milei's newly formed libertarian party suffers a significant loss, raising concerns about his political future and economic reforms.

In the Buenos Aires provincial election held on Sunday, President Javier Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza, received only 34% of the vote, losing to the left-leaning Peronist opposition, which secured 47%. Milei conceded this 'clear defeat,' acknowledging the need for a reassessment of their strategies ahead of the congressional midterms. The results have heightened scrutiny on the Milei administration's economic policies amid rising concerns over inflation and corruption scandals involving his inner circle.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine President Javier Milei faced a substantial political defeat on Sunday in the Buenos Aires provincial election, widely regarded as a critical test for his newly formed libertarian party and a key indicator of its potential performance in the forthcoming congressional midterms.

Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza, garnered only 34% of the votes, suffering a significant loss to the left-leaning Peronist opposition, which claimed 47% as most ballots were counted late Sunday. Upon realization of the result, Milei confessed to his supporters that this represented 'a clear defeat.'

Addressing a group of somber supporters at party headquarters, he stated, 'We suffered a setback, and we must accept it responsibly.' He further recognized the necessity of introspection, saying, 'If we’ve made political mistakes, we’re going to internalize them, we’re going to process them, we’re going to modify our actions.'

Despite the setbacks, Milei remained steadfast in his commitment to his economic overhaul plan, asserting that 'there will be no retreat in government policy.' Analysts had anticipated a narrower margin of defeat against the Peronists, but a significant loss in Buenos Aires province, which accounts for nearly 40% of Argentina's population, raises alarms for his political future.

With growing concerns over an unstable economy and his close associates embroiled in graft scandals, the provincial results are now scrutinized for their potential to impact investors and exacerbate worries in global markets.

As Milei seeks to expand his party’s presence in Congress during the upcoming midterms, his administration is under pressure to navigate rising public discontent stirred by economic challenges, including escalating inflation and declining consumer confidence. Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner seized on the election outcome, emphasizing the critical juncture Milei is at regarding his political strategies and economic policies.

With the Peronists maintaining their status as the largest bloc in Congress, they are poised to counter Milei’s radical libertarian reforms amidst a testing political landscape.