Karina Milei arranges her own pieces and consolidates herself as the great center of gravity

Karina Milei has emerged as the central figure within Argentina’s political landscape, consolidating power through strategic maneuvering and personal influence. As secretary general of the Presidency and president of La Libertad Avanza, she holds the trust of President Javier Milei, who has increasingly relied on her to manage key aspects of governance. This shift marks a departure from traditional hierarchical structures, with decisions moving beyond formal roles into a more fluid network centered around Milei. The transformation began gradually, initially involving a triadic power structure among the Milei siblings and Santiago Caputo. Karina focused on party-building and territorial expansion, while Caputo handled strategy and operational management. Over time, these boundaries blurred, allowing Karina to expand her influence into other areas of decision-making. She built a network that includes figures such as Eduardo “Lule” Menem and Martín Menem, reinforcing her control over both party operations and regional politics. This evolution was accompanied by internal tensions. The rise of La Libertad Avanza as a distinct entity under Milei's popularity led to conflicts with Las Fuerzas del Cielo, the faction associated with Caputo. Disputes over territory and candidate selection escalated publicly, particularly in May, when clashes between Caputo’s group and Karina’s allies reached social media platforms. The situation alarmed officials, some of whom called for presidential intervention to prevent further fragmentation. Despite these challenges, neither side fully prevailed. Caputo retained strategic influence, while Karina continued expanding her role in daily politics. In August, renewed tensions emerged following a budget reallocation that increased funding for intelligence operations, highlighting ongoing friction between the two factions. While cooperation remains functional, the relationship remains marked by underlying discord. A notable change in Karina’s approach has been her growing pragmatism. Recognizing the need for broader support beyond the core libertarian base, she has engaged with governors and leaders outside the traditional ideological framework. This shift reflects an understanding that sustaining Milei’s presidency beyond 2027 requires not just ideology, but also electoral alliances and institutional stability. This pragmatic turn has reshaped the official political machinery. Karina now occupies a central position in a coalition of diverse figures, including Diego Santilli, Luis Caputo, Patricia Bullrich, and others tasked with translating government priorities into legislative action. Ideological alignment is less critical than shared goals, securing the majority votes necessary for the administration’s survival. With 2027 approaching, the stakes have grown. Milei’s re-election ambitions have become a defining factor in many policy decisions. Karina’s efforts to build a broad-based political foundation reflect this reality, positioning her as a pivotal player in shaping the future of Argentina’s right-wing movement. Her continued consolidation of influence suggests that the political dynamics will remain complex and evolving.