September 29, 2024 — Buenos Aires, Argentina – Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s Vice President and key ally of President Javier Milei, made headlines today by not showing up to a pivotal event that was meant to solidify Milei’s national movement, La Libertad Avanza (LLA). And while her absence may have surprised some, for those paying close attention to Argentina’s complex political landscape, this move wasn’t entirely out of left field. But what really drove her decision, and what does it say about the future of the Milei administration?
Victoria Villarruel’s Last-Minute Decision: More Than Just Political Theater
Victoria Villarruel is no stranger to controversy, but her decision not to attend Milei’s event at Parque Lezama has left many wondering if there’s more brewing beneath the surface. According to sources close to her, the reason is straightforward: she’s currently in the process of formally leaving the Partido Demócrata (PD) of Buenos Aires—a party instrumental in helping Milei rise to power.
This may sound like typical political maneuvering, but there’s more to it. Villarruel doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers while disentangling herself from the PD, which has been an essential electoral vehicle for Milei. Her advisors emphasize that this withdrawal is meant to give her more autonomy to align with LLA on her own terms. In short, she’s looking for a cleaner break from her old political affiliations, but it’s more about timing than an outright rebellion.
Is This a Sign of Deeper Tensions Between Milei and Villarruel?
Before we dive deeper into the analysis, it’s important to clarify: Villarruel’s no-show is not directly related to her recent criticism of the agreement struck between Argentina and the UK on the Malvinas (Falkland Islands). Last week, she openly opposed the reintroduction of flights between Córdoba and the islands, a deal orchestrated by Foreign Minister Diana Mondino. While Villarruel’s stance against the agreement did stir up tension, her absence from Milei’s event, according to insiders, had nothing to do with it.
However, the timing of these two incidents has naturally sparked speculation about whether Villarruel is becoming more distant from Milei’s administration. As one of the main critics of the Malvinas deal, she continues to align herself with a segment of the electorate that feels Milei may be softening on certain nationalist issues.
The Bigger Picture: Why Villarruel’s Absence Matters to LLA’s Strategy for 2025
Javier Milei’s event at Parque Lezama wasn’t just another political rally. It marked the beginning of his campaign to maintain momentum leading up to the 2025 legislative elections—a critical juncture for his movement. The fact that Villarruel wasn’t present on stage beside him speaks volumes about the current state of their political alliance.
Even if her absence was planned, it highlights a broader issue: Villarruel doesn’t seem to be part of Milei’s tight-knit inner circle anymore. The event was organized by Karina Milei, Javier’s sister and a central figure in LLA’s strategic operations. Over time, Karina has gained increasing influence over the movement’s direction, which some argue has caused friction with other key figures, including Villarruel.
During the event, Milei shared the stage with Karina and other high-profile members of his administration, but there was no mention of Villarruel’s absence. This only adds fuel to speculation that Villarruel might be stepping back from the administration’s day-to-day activities.
Internal Frictions and the Road Ahead for La Libertad Avanza
It’s no secret that Milei’s movement is a complex coalition, with varying factions and ideologies often clashing behind closed doors. Villarruel’s decision not to attend the event has raised eyebrows within LLA, with some members speculating that her absence signals deeper discord. One source close to the party hinted that certain individuals within LLA “aren’t exactly thrilled to bring new people into the fold,” a reference to internal power struggles.
But it’s important to note that despite these tensions, Villarruel is still aligned with Milei on most core issues, including economic policy and her fierce opposition to what she calls “the political class.” However, her criticism of the Malvinas deal shows that she’s not afraid to publicly distance herself from Milei on certain key issues, which might become more common as both leaders position themselves ahead of 2025.
What Does This Mean for Argentina’s Political Landscape?
As the legislative elections approach, the stakes are getting higher for both Milei and Villarruel. While their alliance remains strong on paper, their individual agendas and strategies are becoming more distinct. Villarruel’s calculated move to avoid Milei’s event might be a sign that she’s preparing to carve out a more independent role in Argentine politics.
For Milei, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. La Libertad Avanza is a broad movement, and diversity in opinion can often strengthen a party—if managed well. However, with increasing power concentrated in the hands of Karina Milei, the question is whether Villarruel’s growing independence will clash with the movement’s central command, or if it will lead to a more flexible, adaptable coalition.
How Milei Can Keep Momentum in 2025 Without Villarruel at the Forefront
If you’re following Argentine politics closely, you know that Milei’s success in 2025 depends on maintaining a delicate balance between radical reforms and broad appeal. Villarruel’s absence at his latest event doesn’t mean she’s out of the picture, but it does indicate that Milei will have to rely more heavily on other figures within his movement.
His decision to strengthen Karina Milei’s role in party operations is telling. Karina, who has long been his closest advisor, will likely continue to shape the movement’s day-to-day strategy, focusing on building alliances and maintaining Milei’s anti-establishment message. This shift might provide Villarruel with the space she needs to pursue her own political ambitions, perhaps even outside the shadow of La Libertad Avanza.
Final Thoughts: Navigating a Shifting Political Dynamic
Victoria Villarruel’s absence from Milei’s latest rally is just one event in the ever-evolving political landscape of Argentina. As Milei looks toward the 2025 elections, it’s clear that both leaders are navigating their own paths within the same movement—paths that might diverge as they each seek to strengthen their own political influence.
For now, what we’re seeing is a careful balancing act, where both Milei and Villarruel are trying to maintain unity within their ranks while pursuing their individual political goals. And as Argentine politics heats up in the coming months, the key for Milei will be to harness that tension, not suppress it.
