Argentinians have taken to the polls in midterm legislative elections that will gauge support for President Javier Milei’s sweeping free-market reforms.
This marks a pivotal moment for Milei’s presidency as the country faces a political and economic crisis with accusations that his ally, Donald Trump, is meddling in the country’s affairs.
The outcome of the vote could decide whether Milei’s libertarian programme of hefty budget cuts and bid to deregulate the country’s struggling economy will endure.
Recently, United States President Trump provided Argentina with a substantial bailout but threatened to withdraw it if Milei doesn’t perform well.
The US$40 billion bailout included a signed US$20 billion currency swap and a possible US$20 billion facility.
"Don't give up because we're halfway there," Milei told supporters at a closing campaign event in the port city of Rosario on Thursday.
"We're on a good path."
Half of Argentina's lower Chamber of Deputies, or 127 seats, as well as a third of the Senate, or 24 seats, are up for election in the midterm vote.
The Peronist opposition movement currently holds the largest minority in both houses, while Milei's relatively new party has only 37 deputies and six senators.
While the White House and other foreign investors have been impressed by the government’s ability to significantly reduce monthly inflation from 12.8% to 2.1% and achieve a fiscal surplus, Milei’s popularity has fallen.
This is due to public frustration with his cuts to public spending and a corruption scandal tied to his sister, who serves as his chief of staff.
