President Javier Milei tightened his grip on Congress following a historic win in Argentina’s midterm elections.
The libertarian president’s party, La Libertad Avanza, secured 41.5% in Buenos Aires province. The rival Peronists’ opposition, which has long dominated the region, ended with 40.8% of the vote.
Nationwide, Milei’s party saw its seats in the lower house jump from 37 to 64. The victory will enable the president to more easily defend his aggressive economic policies.
“The result is better than even the most optimistic Milei supporters were hoping for,” said Marcelo Garcia, director for the Americas at the risk-analysis firm Horizon Engage, per Reuters. “With this result, Milei will be able to easily defend his decrees and vetoes in Congress.”
According to political consultant Gustavo Cordoba, the results reveal cautious optimism among voters who appear open to giving Milei’s economic polices more time.
“Many people were willing to give the government another chance… The triumph is unobjectionable, unquestionable,” he said.
Under Milei’s administration, Argentina’s rampant inflation has softened from 12.8% to 2.1% last month. His government has also recorded a fiscal surplus and enacted substantial deregulation measures.
The U.S. government recently offered the South American nation a $40 billion aid package, including a $20 billion currency swap and a proposed $20 billion debt-investment facility. Following Milei’s win, President Donald Trump congratulated the Argentinian president on Truth Social.
“BIG WIN in Argentina for Javier Milei, a wonderful Trump Endorsed Candidate! He’s making us all look good. Congratulations Javier!” Trump posted on Monday morning.