Argentine President Javier Milei faced a significant political setback on Sunday after his party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), suffered a decisive defeat in the legislative elections in Buenos Aires province. This area is the largest electoral district in the country and is seen as a key indicator ahead of the national elections scheduled for October 26.
According to official data reported by EFE, with over 85% of the votes counted, the opposition alliance Fuerza Patria, which unites various factions of the Peronist movement, secured nearly 47% of the votes. In contrast, the ruling party managed to garner only 34%. This result reaffirmed the Peronist dominance in six out of the eight electoral sections of the province, including the most densely populated districts.
The extent of this setback is underscored not just by the margin of votes but also by the significance of Buenos Aires, which is home to almost 40% of Argentina's population. Controlling this province is crucial for any political force aiming for national influence.
If these figures are confirmed, Fuerza Patria will secure a majority of the seats up for grabs in both provincial legislative chambers, while LLA will find itself in a more constrained role. In a message shared on X, Milei candidly acknowledged, “Today we faced a clear defeat. The results were not favorable: we experienced an electoral setback, and it must be accepted.”
Despite this self-assessment, the president emphasized that he would not alter his government’s course, noting that this outcome merely represents “the baseline” from which he plans to rebound as the national elections approach in October.
This loss in Buenos Aires not only reshapes the Argentine political landscape but also casts doubt on the ruling party's ability to challenge Peronism in its traditional stronghold. For Milei, who had framed the contest as a pivotal battle, the outcome serves as an early warning: the country’s most influential province turned its back on him in the first major electoral test of his tenure.
Key Insights into Buenos Aires Elections
What impact does Buenos Aires have on national politics in Argentina?
Buenos Aires is crucial in Argentine politics as it holds nearly 40% of the nation's population, making control over it essential for any political party aiming for national influence.
What were the results of the Buenos Aires elections?
The opposition alliance Fuerza Patria secured approximately 47% of the votes, while Javier Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza, obtained about 34%.