According to preliminary data, after processing nearly 99% of the ballots, Milei's party received 40.7% of the votes, while the opposition alliance gathered 31.7%. Voter turnout was 68%, down from 71.8% in the similar elections of 2021.
These results secured "Freedom is Coming" and its allies at least a third of the seats in both chambers of parliament. BBC News reports that out of 24 seats in the Senate, the party won 13, and in the Chamber of Deputies — 64 out of 127. Previously, Milei had seven seats in the Senate and 37 in the Chamber of Deputies. Thus, the party has crossed an important threshold to maintain veto power, which will allow Milei to protect his initiatives, notes The Wall Street Journal.
Success in the elections will strengthen Milei's position in Congress and give him the opportunity to continue the radical economic reforms needed after the difficulties faced by his government, writes the Financial Times.
“We are starting to build a great Argentina. This is a confirmation of the mandate we received in 2023,” Milei stated in his speech delivered in downtown Buenos Aires.
Donald Trump also congratulated him on his victory, noting: “He is doing a great job! The people of Argentina have confirmed our trust in him,” wrote the U.S. president.
Javier Milei became the president of Argentina in December 2023, and one of his main tasks has been to address economic problems. He started by cutting government spending and the number of civil servants, and then carried out a sharp devaluation of the peso. These measures led to a decrease in the inflation rate, but also caused a severe recession in 2024, which resulted in dissatisfaction among many voters. Nevertheless, his approval rating remained relatively stable. The current victory of the party strengthens his position both in Washington and at the International Monetary Fund, which has tied its financial support to the successful continuation of his austerity program, emphasizes the WSJ.
