Victoria Villarruel returned to the spotlight during the inauguration of the 90th edition of Expo Venado in Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, where she made clear her stance on economic policy and deepened tensions with the government led by President Javier Milei. Speaking before a crowd of producers and industry representatives, Villarruel called for an end to export taxes on agriculture and industry, stating that Argentina’s future must be built without such levies. She also expressed concern over Argentinians struggling to make ends meet, a remark many interpreted as a veiled critique of Milei's economic management. Accompanied by Leonel Chiarella, mayor of Venado Tuerto and national president of the Union Civic Radical Party (UCR), along with Noelia Castagnani, head of the local Rural Society, and Gustavo Puccini, the provincial minister of Productive Development, Villarruel used the event to signal political alignment with opposition figures. The presence of these officials, none affiliated with Milei’s administration, was itself a message, highlighting her efforts to build alliances ahead of upcoming elections. During her speech, Villarruel emphasized the need for unity beyond party lines and personal ambitions, stressing that Argentina’s future should be shaped by its agricultural and industrial sectors. Her remarks were delivered in front of a backdrop of agricultural machinery and products, reinforcing her argument for policies favoring production and exports. She also paid tribute to veterans of the Falklands War, noting how their legacy was recently honored internationally when Argentina’s national team displayed the flag against England. The event also had a personal touch for Villarruel, who highlighted her family roots in Santa Fe and spoke of the region’s role in Argentina’s economy. Her appearance alongside Chiarella, a prominent figure in the UCR, further underscored her outreach to non-governmental leaders, a pattern that has continued throughout her tenure as vice president. Villarruel’s comments come amid growing internal divisions within the government. While she remains officially part of Milei’s administration, her public statements increasingly reflect positions divergent from the official line. This has prompted criticism from some government officials, including Chief Cabinet Minister Diego Santilli, who suggested that Villarruel should step down if she intends to pursue her own political agenda. Meanwhile, President Milei is set to return to Congress on September 15 to personally present the 2027 budget proposal, following the precedent he established in 2024. This move breaks with tradition, as previous administrations typically relied on the Minister of Economy to handle such presentations. Milei’s decision to take center stage underscores his desire to maintain control over key legislative processes and communicate directly with lawmakers and the public. His 2024 budget proposal faced significant resistance and failed to pass through the Chamber of Deputies, leading to the continued use of the 2023 budget until new legislation could be finalized. Despite this setback, Milei remains committed to pushing forward with his economic plan, which includes maintaining export taxes as a core component of his fiscal strategy. Villarruel’s recent actions and statements have added another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between her and Milei. As the country approaches critical elections, her alignment with opposition figures and her advocacy for policies contrary to the government’s stance will likely continue to draw attention and scrutiny from both supporters and critics alike.
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