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Argentina Votes in Midterms Testing Milei’s Reform Mandate

The vote will decide whether Javier Milei secures the one‑third veto bloc he says he needs after a year of falling inflation paired with deep austerity.

Overview

  • Polling suggested La Libertad Avanza would gain seats without an outright majority, as Milei targets the one‑third threshold he argues would enable veto power.
  • Voting closed at 6 p.m. local time with preliminary results expected about three hours later after a calm day at the polls.
  • The contest follows a sharp drop in inflation to 31.8% year over year and an unusual budget balance, alongside a contraction and more than 200,000 job losses.
  • External financing loomed large, with the United States pledging over $40 billion and the U.S. Treasury buying pesos in October, while President Trump warned support could be reduced if Milei loses.
  • Opposition forces entered the vote energized by a September victory in Buenos Aires Province and by corruption allegations at the National Disability Agency that reportedly involve figures close to the president.