The Milei government is facing a bribery scandal as significant elections approach in September and October.
On Wednesday, Milei, along with members of his libertarian party, La Libertad Avanza, organized a rally to encourage voters before the upcoming elections.
On September 7, local races are scheduled in the province of Buenos Aires. On October 26, midterm elections will be held, which will see half of the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies up for grabs, as well as a third of the Senate.
These elections are seen as important tests for Milei as he reaches the midpoint of his four-year term as president.
However, Milei, whose unexpected election victory in 2023 disrupted Argentina’s political landscape, has faced criticism for his aggressive “shock treatment” of the country’s economy.
His administration has also been affected by a bribery scandal involving his sister, Karina Milei.
During Wednesday’s rally, as Milei and Karina waved to supporters and signed autographs from the back of a pick-up truck, witnesses reported objects being thrown in their direction by protesters.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni shared a picture on social media showing what appeared to be a rock thrown towards the president.
“They could have killed anyone,” Adorni said referring to the protesters. “They don’t care about human life, and they’ll care even less about the country. The end.”
Video footage captured the pick-up truck speeding away from the crowd. One protester displayed a mock suitcase with Karina Milei’s face on it and dollar bills sticking out. Others chanted, “Out with Milei!”
AFP reported that one Milei supporter was taken to the hospital due to rib injuries after clashes with protesters. No officials in the Milei vehicle were injured.
Milei used the incident to criticize “Kirchnerism,” a left-wing political movement, on social media.
“The empty-headed nutters throwing rocks resorted to violence again,” he wrote. “On September 7 and October 26, let’s say at the polls: KIRCHNERISM NEVER AGAIN.”
In another post, Milei framed the choice as “Civilisation or barbarity.”
Milei has taken drastic measures to control Argentina’s rising inflation, including cuts to social services, significant government layoffs, and widespread deregulation.
Despite his efforts, with official statistics showing a drop in inflation, unemployment and poverty rates have increased, particularly affecting the poorest citizens.
The bribery allegations have increased opposition to his administration.
Karina Milei holds a high-ranking position in Milei’s government as a general secretary to the president.
However, audio recordings suggest that Diego Spagnuolo, a close ally of Milei and head of the National Disability Agency, implied that Karina benefited from government contracts meant to assist those with disabilities.
Milei has dismissed Spagnuolo and publicly denied the allegations, vowing to bring Spagnuolo to justice for lying.
Milei showed unity with his sister during Wednesday’s rally, standing side by side with her in the pick-up truck.
