Electoral disappoinment for Milei in local ballot

President Javier Milei of Argentina, a libertarian economist who took office in December 2023, faced a surprising defeat in the Buenos Aires provincial elections, a result that poses major concerns for him just six weeks before midterm elections.

With 91% of the votes counted, the center-left Fuerza Patria coalition took over 47% of the vote, while President Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) came second with nearly 34%. The Peronist alliance Fuerza Patria won decisively, securing a majority in the provincial parliament.

The result was a significant deviation from opinion polls, which had predicted a 13-point gap between President Milei's party and the left. The President himself made a muted appearance at an election night event in Mar del Plata, unlike his usual dramatic entrances to rock music.

Some members of President Milei's party downplayed the extent of the defeat, pointing out that the LLA had nonetheless increased its share of legislators in Buenos Aires. However, the votes from Buenos Aires are telling as a bellwether for Argentina, as the province contributes more than 30 percent of Argentina’s GDP and accounts for 40 percent of all eligible voters.

In the past, President Milei has implemented reforms such as slashing public spending, dismissing tens of thousands of public employees, and leading a major deregulation drive. He has vowed to "correct" unspecified mistakes but will not be swayed from his reform agenda. After the election defeat, he plans to "deepen and accelerate" his reforms.

Recently, President Milei acknowledged a "clear defeat" in the Buenos Aires provincial elections. The center-left Peronist movement won the elections, marking a significant shift in political power in one of Argentina's most economically influential regions.

As Argentina approaches midterm elections, President Milei will need to reassess his strategies and address the concerns raised by this unexpected defeat in Buenos Aires.