Argentine President Javier Milei suffered another political blow on Thursday as lawmakers overturned two of his vetoes, deepening challenges for the libertarian leader just weeks before crucial midterm elections.
The opposition-controlled Senate voted overwhelmingly to reinstate bills boosting funding for public universities and pediatric health care, with margins of 59-7 and 58-7 respectively. Milei, who has championed sweeping austerity to shrink the state, argued the additional spending would threaten Argentina’s fragile fiscal balance.
The veto overrides follow a similar defeat in September, when Congress overturned his rejection of a bill increasing support for people with disabilities.
The repeated pushbacks underscore Milei’s growing isolation as he struggles to secure alliances with provincial governors and legislators.
“There’s a sensation of disenchantment and anger with the impact of the cutbacks,” said Buenos Aires-based political consultant Sebastian Halperin, noting Milei’s failure to build bridges in Congress.
The political setback comes at a sensitive moment for Milei, whose popularity has dipped amid a corruption scandal and mounting public discontent over austerity measures.
Midterm elections scheduled for October 26 will be decisive in determining whether he can preserve momentum for his reform agenda.
Milei recently received backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, who pledged to help stabilize Argentina’s financial markets. The two leaders are expected to meet later this month as Milei seeks to secure a credit swap line from Washington.
Analysts warn, however, that without a strong midterm showing, Milei risks losing political capital needed to advance his ambitious economic overhaul, even as he seeks to steady one of Latin America’s most volatile economies.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
