Milei Faces Major Defeat in Buenos Aires Elections

In a significant political development on September 8, 2025, Argentina’s libertarian president Javier Milei faced a crushing defeat in the Buenos Aires provincial elections. This loss is widely regarded as a critical barometer of Milei’s popularity and the viability of his economic policies ahead of the country’s midterm congressional elections in October. The results underscore the challenges Milei faces as he attempts to push forward his controversial austerity-driven reforms.

The Results: A Blow to Milei’s La Libertad Avanza Party

The Buenos Aires provincial elections delivered a decisive victory for the left-wing Peronist opposition, represented by Gabriel Katopodis, who secured 47.4% of the vote. In contrast, Milei’s candidate, Diego Valenzuela, only managed to capture 34% of the vote, according to official results reported by Al Jazeera. Notably, Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party won in just two of the eight electoral districts in Buenos Aires, a province that accounts for 40% of Argentina’s population and a third of its GDP.

This election was not just a local contest but a referendum on Milei’s leadership and his so-called “chainsaw” economic policies, which have included slashing subsidies, freezing public-sector wages, and imposing austerity measures. The loss is a stark reminder of the growing dissatisfaction among voters, many of whom are grappling with rising unemployment and inflation.

Milei’s Defiant Response

Despite the defeat, Milei struck a defiant tone in his post-election remarks. “We suffered a setback, and we must accept it responsibly,” he said, as quoted by Bloomberg. However, he vowed not to retreat “one millimeter” from his aggressive reform agenda. Instead, he pledged to “deepen and accelerate” his policies aimed at reducing the size of the Argentinian state and cutting public spending.

Milei’s refusal to shift course comes amid mounting criticism from both political opponents and the public. Cristina Kirchner, Argentina’s former Peronist president, took to social media to mock Milei, saying, “Did you see Milei? Get out of your bubble, brother.” Meanwhile, governors from various provinces described the election as a “wake-up call” for Milei, urging him to focus on policies that benefit ordinary Argentinians rather than catering to elites.

Economic Context and Public Backlash

Milei’s economic policies, while aimed at stabilizing Argentina’s finances, have had a polarizing impact. According to Newsweek, his measures have included slashing energy and transport subsidies, laying off thousands of government workers, and freezing pensions below inflation. These austerity moves have led to rising unemployment and poverty levels, sparking widespread protests.

However, there have been some signs of economic stabilization. Inflation has begun to decline, and the country’s currency has strengthened, bringing Argentina’s country-risk index to its lowest point in five years. Despite these gains, the social cost of Milei’s policies has alienated a significant portion of the electorate, as evidenced by the Buenos Aires election results.

Implications for Upcoming Midterms

The Buenos Aires defeat has significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections in October, where half of Argentina’s lower house seats and a third of its senate seats will be contested. Currently, the opposition dominates Congress, and Milei’s hopes of consolidating his political power have taken a hit.

Analysts view the midterms as a critical test of Milei’s ability to govern effectively. The Peronist opposition, buoyed by their recent victory, is likely to use the momentum to challenge Milei’s policies further. Axel Kicillof, a prominent Peronist leader, has already signaled that the election results demonstrate a demand for change, stating, “The message from the ballot box is clear: you can’t govern for outsiders. You have to govern for the people.”

As the October elections approach, Milei faces the daunting task of reconciling his economic agenda with the growing demands for social equity and political accountability.

The Buenos Aires election results mark a pivotal moment in Argentina’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of Milei’s presidency and the direction of the country’s economic and social policies.