Milei Gains Momentum as Libertarian Bloc Leads Buenos Aires Election

Argentine President Javier Milei scored a key political victory Sunday as his endorsed candidates led legislative elections in Buenos Aires, signaling strong support for his libertarian government ahead of national midterms. With over 99% of votes counted, Milei’s list, headed by spokesperson Manuel Adorni, secured 30.1% of the vote, outperforming rivals in the capital’s contest for 30 of 60 legislative seats.

Celebrating the results, Milei declared it “a turning point for the ideas of freedom,” framing the win as a broader endorsement of his political agenda. Adorni echoed this, stating the election was “not simply local,” but a choice between “a privileged political class” and Milei’s model of “freedom.”

Trailing close behind with 27.4% was Leandro Santoro, aligned with the Peronist movement of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. In third was PRO party candidate Silvia Lospennato, garnering 15.9%. Once allied with Milei, PRO now competes for center-right leadership.

The Buenos Aires election marked the first major political test since Milei took office in late 2023. His administration had pitched the vote as a referendum on his economic reforms, citing a significant drop in inflation and Argentina’s first budget surplus in 14 years.

“This is the government’s main asset,” said Mariel Fornoni, a political analyst at Management & Fit, emphasizing the importance of economic achievements in voter perception.

The results serve as a critical indicator ahead of the national midterm elections in October, reinforcing Milei’s influence in Argentina’s political landscape and boosting momentum for his economic and libertarian reform agenda.