Argentina’s Congress recently overturned President Javier Milei’s vetoes on legislation aimed at increasing funding for public universities and pediatric care. This ruling represents a landmark shift in our political terrain. Less than a year later, since taking office in December 2023, Milei already is under severe criticism from opposition leaders and losing his own party’s support.
Milei, a 54-year-old right-wing politician, has already passed extreme austerity measures to try and downsize the government. He defended his vetoes by arguing that such spending would “risk the fiscal equilibrium of Argentina,” heed to the motto above. Congress’s move to overturn these vetoes indicates a growing discontent with his administration’s policies, particularly after a disappointing performance in last month’s Buenos Aires provincial elections, where his party suffered a significant defeat by center-left candidates.
The recent political climate reflects Milei’s struggle to build coalitions among provincial governors who wield considerable influence over their respective legislators in Congress. After initially buoying his standing as the national midterm elections draw nearer, Milei’s popularity is fading fast. An inability to lock down these alliances might sink his entire legislative agenda.
Given these changes, Milei’s realignment agenda seems most pointed in its direction toward international relations, and especially a closer alignment with the United States. Most immediately, he is working to implement a credit swap line with the US. He’s set to meet with US President Donald Trump this coming October. Here in the United States, former president Trump has openly cheered Milei’s efforts on, declaring that “he’s doing a great job.” This endorsement could help give a bit of political juice to the Argentine president as he works through enormous domestic challenges.
If that overturning of his vetoes is the beginning of a trend, it would mark a major reversal for Milei’s administration. With rising pressure from both Congress and the electorate, it remains to be seen how he will adapt his policies and strategies to regain favor among voters and legislators alike.
