Five days before the legislative elections on October 26, Javier Milei decided to withdraw from the closing of the campaign of La Libertad Avanza (LLA) in the province of Buenos Aires, the district where 35 key seats in Deputies are disputed. The measure, which also includes suspending its presence at events in the Buenos Aires suburbs, responds to an attempt at “damage control” in the face of internal surveys that show it up to eight points below Unión por la Patria and Unidas Provincias. In the Casa Rosada they admit off-screen that the objective is just to “close the difference” to avoid a political coup that further weakens their position in Congress.
The trigger was the planned event in Ezeiza, which was going to be the Buenos Aires closure of LLA together with the candidate Diego Santilli and which was finally cancelled. According to government sources, Milei “got down” to concentrate his efforts in other provinces.
The context is critical. Buenos Aires, a historical bastion of Peronism, became hostile terrain for the President. “Avoid unforced errors and not show a lack of commitment,” summarizes an advisor, alluding to the wear and tear in the suburbs. Incidents such as the clashes in Tres de Febrero – where a militant chased photographers with a knife – and the escraches in Lomas de Zamora and Moreno reinforced the decision. Added to this was the departure of José Luis Espert, linked to the scandal with drug trafficker Federico “Fred” Machado, which forced the reprinting of ballots and exposed internal fractures.
In the suburbs, Milei’s adjustment policies – with cuts to retirees, the disabled and students – generated deep rejection. “The social mood is one of disappointment and distrust,” analysts warn. Scandals such as the arrest of candidate Ignacio Contreras for domestic violence, the triple crime linked to Pablo Laurta or the audios of Santiago Pauli asking for forced contributions to the party aggravated the crisis. In Río Negro, a visit was canceled after the investigation of Lorena Villaverde for cocaine trafficking in the US. “Milei is immune to data,” said deputy Daniel Arroyo ironically, alluding to his denial of poverty or drug ties.
From LLA they admit that the Buenos Aires defeat is inevitable. Santilli will continue to lead the campaign, partially accompanied by Karina Milei and Sebastián Pareja, while the President will prioritize events in Córdoba and Rosario. Between rumors of devaluation and internal tensions – such as the possible departure of Gerardo Werthein –, the climate is becoming tense.
In another report, Milei was asked what would be a good result next Sunday, a day in which Argentines will vote for deputies throughout the country and senators in eight districts. “One that assures me a third in the Chamber, which is a wall of defense,” responded the President, alluding to the minimum number of legislators necessary to sustain presidential vetoes of opposition laws, a weak point of his administration during 2025.
In the suburbs, where they barely aspire to tie in four of nine sections, their absence can cost them dearly. “Damage control” arrives late and leaves a leader who once mobilized crowds, today without a voice or call.
