Javier Milei and his measures, live: a new focus of conflict with Brazil and the challenges of the Government in Congress

The Senate bloc of La Libertad Avanza has demanded the removal of Mario “Pato” Russo, a close aide to Vice President Victoria Villarruel, over alleged “violent” behavior. The request came during the opening session of a legislative debate on a property rights bill backed by the ruling party. Legislative leader María Emilia Orozco accused Russo of sending a threatening text message to parliamentary secretary Cristian Larsen, which read: “In the week we’ll cross paths. I will find you, and I will throw you out the window.” Orozco called for the application of Article 140 of the Senate’s internal rules, arguing that such aggressive conduct should not be tolerated within the institution. She emphasized that Russo, described as a trusted figure in Villarruel’s inner circle, had previously been cited in a 2022 complaint for threats, insults, and physical aggression against a current member of La Libertad Avanza. Orozco also highlighted interviews in which Russo claimed he would kill a “liberal,” describing him as an enemy. These remarks were made in a live-streamed conversation with Nicolás Márquez, a biographer of President Javier Milei, where Russo was reportedly joking about his views on political opponents. Russo’s supporters dismissed the allegations, stating that the claims were part of the broader conflict between the leadership of La Libertad Avanza and Villarruel. They noted that the 2022 complaint filed by Lilia Lemoine, another member of the party, was rejected by the judiciary just one month later. Regarding the live-streamed interview, they argued that it occurred in a casual setting among friends and did not reflect official statements. Additionally, they claimed that the text message exchanged with Larsen was presented in a disorganized manner and that Russo had not received formal notification of any related complaints. This response from Russo’s team underscores the deepening rift within the government, particularly between the executive branch and the vice presidency. The tensions have escalated further following recent public criticisms of President Milei by Villarruel, who questioned his mental health and suggested he suffers from “imaginary persecutions.” In response, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno demanded that Villarruel resign, calling her comments “pseudo-golpista” and urging her to step aside. Quirno stated, “If you don’t agree, you must go. We are a united government working toward a project to move the country forward.” This stance was echoed by Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli, who had already urged Villarruel to take a “step back.” The pressure on Villarruel intensified after she publicly criticized Milei on social media, leading to a breakdown in relations between the vice president and the presidential administration. This growing conflict has exposed a severe fracture within the governing coalition. Quirno’s intervention marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between different factions within La Libertad Avanza. While some members of the party, including Santilli and Bullrich, have openly challenged Villarruel’s position, others remain loyal to her. The situation reflects deeper ideological divides, with some leaders advocating for a more traditional approach to governance while others push for a more radical transformation of the political system. The confrontation has also raised concerns about the stability of the government, with critics warning that the internal discord could undermine the effectiveness of the administration. Meanwhile, political analysts are beginning to speculate about future elections. National deputy Miguel Ángel Pichetto has suggested that Villarruel might run for president in 2027 outside of La Libertad Avanza, targeting a different electorate. He believes she could appeal to nationalist, Catholic, and military-backed voters who initially supported Milei. Pichetto also ruled out the possibility of Patricia Bullrich running for mayor of Buenos Aires, predicting that Diego Santilli would likely be chosen instead. Bullrich herself has expressed interest in becoming president, positioning herself as a potential alternative to both Milei and Villarruel. Her comments highlight the shifting dynamics within the party and the increasing competition for influence. The political landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with multiple actors vying for power and shaping the direction of Argentina’s future. As the tensions within the government intensify, the implications for national politics, and the stability of the ruling coalition, remain uncertain. The coming months will likely see further developments as key figures continue to maneuver for control, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.