What's happened
On October 26, 2025, Argentina's President Javier Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), won approximately 41% of the vote in midterm elections, securing the largest bloc in the Chamber of Deputies and tripling Senate seats. This victory strengthens Milei's position to push his agenda of state downsizing and economic deregulation, with support from US President Donald Trump and a $40 billion bailout package.
What's behind the headline?
Milei's Consolidation of Power
Milei's La Libertad Avanza party's midterm success marks a pivotal shift in Argentina's political landscape. Securing around 41% of the vote and tripling Senate seats, LLA now holds enough seats to block impeachment attempts and defend presidential vetoes, effectively insulating Milei's reform agenda from opposition interference.
Economic and Political Implications
This electoral outcome will accelerate Milei's austerity and deregulation policies, which have already reduced inflation significantly but at the cost of economic growth and increased poverty. The US-backed $40 billion bailout, contingent on Milei's political success, underscores Washington's strategic interest in stabilizing Argentina under a right-wing ally.
Opposition Weakness and Voter Disillusionment
The Peronist movement, historically dominant, suffered a notable decline, especially in Buenos Aires province, signaling voter fatigue with traditional parties. However, turnout was the lowest in over 40 years, reflecting widespread political disillusionment.
Forecast and Consequences
Milei's strengthened congressional position will likely lead to further cuts in public spending and deregulation, potentially deepening social inequalities. The peso's valuation remains a critical issue, with markets anticipating a devaluation despite official denials. The political stability gained may encourage investor confidence but risks social unrest if economic hardships persist.
Broader Context
Milei's rise, supported by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, reflects a global trend of populist, right-wing leaders leveraging economic crises to reshape governance. Argentina's trajectory will be a key test of such policies' sustainability in Latin America.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlighted Milei's "stunning win" and the party's rebound from setbacks, noting the election as a test of his reform agenda amid economic challenges and US support. Bloomberg emphasized the strategic importance of Milei securing enough seats to block impeachment and defend vetoes, describing the Peronist opposition's weakness and the market rally following the results. The Japan Times and Al Jazeera provided detailed vote percentages and seat counts, underscoring the dramatic political shift in Buenos Aires province, a traditional Peronist stronghold. SBS quoted Milei calling the victory a "turning point" and detailed his austerity measures and their social impact, while also noting the low voter turnout and public disillusionment. The South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera contextualized the election within Milei's economic reforms and the US bailout, highlighting the tension between austerity and social hardship. These sources collectively portray a complex picture of political consolidation, economic reform, and social challenges, with Milei's victory seen as both a mandate and a risk for Argentina's future.
How we got here
Argentina held midterm elections for half the Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate on October 26, 2025. President Javier Milei, elected in 2023 on a platform of austerity and deregulation, sought to increase his party's congressional representation to defend his reforms and veto power amid economic challenges and political opposition from the Peronist movement.
Go deeper
- What are the main reforms Javier Milei plans to implement?
- How will the US bailout affect Argentina's economy?
- What does Milei's victory mean for the Peronist opposition?
Common question
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What Does Milei’s Election Win Mean for Argentina’s Future?
Argentina's recent elections, led by Javier Milei's strong showing, signal a major shift in the country's political and economic landscape. With Milei's victory, many are asking what this means for Argentina's struggling economy, political stability, and future reforms. Below, we explore key questions about the election results and their implications for Argentina’s path forward.
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Guillermo Alberto Francos (born 20 April 1950) is a politician and lawyer from Argentina, serving as Minister of Interior for Javier Milei since December 2023 until May 2024 when he was designated Chief of Cabinet to replace Nicolás Posse.