In the Government admit that the image of Milei does not achieve a solid rebound after the Adorni scandal and calibrate the electoral strategy

The Argentine government has acknowledged that President Javier Milei’s public image has not rebound strongly following the scandal involving former Chief of Cabinet Manuel Adorni, and officials are carefully evaluating their electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. Although Milei maintains a stable image, hovering around 35 points according to recent polls, there has been no significant surge despite efforts by the administration to reinvigorate its political agenda. Officials within the ruling coalition recognize that while the fallout from the Adorni case, where he was formally summoned by judicial authorities, has not yet caused a definitive shift in public perception, it has left lingering concerns over the integrity of the administration. The Adorni controversy, which began with allegations of illicit enrichment, has complicated the government's narrative of austerity and transparency. Adorni, who had been a close ally of the president and protected by both Javier and Karina Milei for nearly four months, resigned from his post in June. His departure did not immediately restore confidence in the administration, as critics argue that the episode undermined the government’s credibility. Political figures within the libertarian movement have pointed out that the scandal marked a setback, signaling a perceived lack of discipline and clarity in governance. The investigation into Adorni continues, with legal proceedings ongoing. As the government prepares for the upcoming election cycle, internal discussions suggest a strategic pivot toward forming alliances rather than relying solely on the strength of La Libertad Avanza (LLA). While the party remains committed to its ideological principles, officials believe that securing broader support will be crucial for success. This includes pushing for the elimination of the primary elections (PASO), a move widely supported by the ruling coalition. The idea is that removing PASO would allow the government to consolidate power more effectively and limit the influence of rival factions, particularly the Peronist opposition. Political analysts within the government estimate that Milei’s positive image has consistently remained below 30 percentage points, though it has stabilized near 35. This suggests that while the president retains a degree of public favor, his approval ratings have not reached the levels needed to ensure a decisive victory. The current economic climate further complicates matters, with mixed signals from key sectors. Recent data from the Monthly Economic Activity Estimator (EMAE) shows that retail trade and manufacturing continue to contract, while agriculture, livestock, forestry, and mining remain relatively resilient. These divergent trends highlight the challenges of maintaining public support amid economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, government officials maintain a confident stance, with President Milei and Economy Minister Luis Caputo emphasizing that policies are progressing as planned. However, within the administration, there is awareness that the long-term success of the program depends on how well it resonates with voters. The government is also monitoring shifts in voter expectations, with some suggesting that the electorate has already received tangible benefits such as inflation control and fiscal surplus, and now expects solutions to issues like declining purchasing power and employment rates. In the political arena, the role of Karina Milei, the president’s sister and head of the presidential office, remains pivotal. She has expressed skepticism toward polling data, having previously doubted the likelihood of LLA winning in 2025. Nevertheless, she is seen as a key figure in shaping the party’s strategy, alongside allies such as Martín and Eduardo "Lule" Menem. The government anticipates that formal agreements with other parties will begin to take shape around October, with the aim of strengthening the coalition before the 2027 elections. Recent legislative actions by LLA allies have raised concerns among government officials, including attempts to pass laws related to foreign land sales and fire management regulations. These developments have prompted caution within the administration, as they could affect the political landscape leading up to the elections. With the goal of eliminating PASO still under consideration, the government is weighing how much compromise it can afford while ensuring continued dominance in the political sphere.