Javier Milei's Landslide Victory in Argentina's Midterms – A Mandate for Radical Reform
Edited on November 04, 2025 at 10:38 AM
In a stunning upset that defied pollsters and reshaped Argentina's political landscape, President Javier Milei's La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party secured a resounding victory in the 2025 midterm elections. Held on October 26, the elections saw LLA garner approximately 41% of the national vote, far surpassing the Peronist opposition's 32%, in what was widely viewed as a referendum on Milei's aggressive austerity measures and free-market reforms. This triumph not only bolsters Milei's legislative power but also signals a profound rejection of decades of Peronist dominance, with LLA gaining significant seats in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The win in key strongholds like Buenos Aires Province underscores the electorate's endorsement of Milei's "chainsaw plan" to slash spending and tame inflation, despite initial economic hardships. As markets reacted positively with soaring stocks and bonds, the results pave the way for accelerated reforms, including labor and tax overhauls. International support, including a U.S. bailout tied to the outcome, further highlights the global implications of this shift. Voter turnout hovered at a low 68%, reflecting fatigue but also a calculated bet on Milei's vision for a "great Argentina."
Javier Milei: The Libertarian Lion Roars Louder
Javier Milei, the eccentric economist-turned-president known for his wild hair and chainsaw-wielding campaign theatrics, has solidified his grip on Argentine politics with this midterm triumph. Entering office in 2023 amid hyperinflation and economic despair, Milei implemented shock therapy reforms that included massive spending cuts, deregulation, and subsidy reductions. These measures, while painful, delivered Argentina's first fiscal surplus in over a decade and reduced monthly inflation from over 20% to around 2.1% by September 2025. The election results validate his strategy, with LLA's vote share climbing to 41%, allowing him to expand his congressional influence and push forward with deeper structural changes.
Milei's campaign focused on dismantling the "political caste" and promoting anarcho-capitalist ideals, resonating with voters frustrated by years of economic mismanagement. His alliance with the centrist PRO party, led by former President Mauricio Macri, provided an electoral boost in key districts.
“Argentines showed that they don’t want to return to the model of failure,” said President Javier Milei, speaking triumphantly before a crowd of supporters at a hotel in Buenos Aires after the results.
Analysts note that Milei's personal charisma and direct communication style, often via social media, helped mobilize a diverse coalition of young voters, entrepreneurs, and disillusioned Peronists.
The Peronist Opposition: Facing an Existential Crisis
The Peronist movement, which has dominated Argentine politics for seven decades under various banners like Fuerza Patria in this election, suffered a humiliating defeat, securing only about 32% of the vote nationally. Once a powerhouse with deep roots in labor unions and provincial strongholds, the party failed to capitalize on public discontent over austerity-induced poverty and recession. Their fragmented campaign, marred by internal divisions and corruption scandals involving figures like former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is under house arrest, contributed to the rout.
In the run-up to the vote, Peronists attempted to rally against Milei's cuts to pensions and universities, but voters prioritized economic stability over short-term relief. The loss in Buenos Aires Province, a traditional Peronist bastion, by a razor-thin margin of 41.5% to 40.8%, symbolizes the crumbling of their territorial control.
“The triumph is unobjectionable, unquestionable,” said Gustavo Cordoba, director of Zuban Cordoba polling firm, acknowledging the electorate's willingness to give Milei's government another chance.
This setback forces Peronism into soul-searching, potentially leading to further fractures as they lose their status as the largest congressional bloc.
Economic Policies, Political Shifts, and the Battle for Congress
The midterm results highlight stark policy contrasts between Milei's libertarian agenda and the Peronists' statist approach, with the former emphasizing fiscal discipline and market liberalization against the latter's focus on social spending and protectionism. This shift grants LLA a blocking minority in Congress, preventing the opposition from overriding vetoes or impeaching the president. The battle for the center now revolves around swing voters in industrial and rural areas, where economic recovery is paramount.
In the Chamber of Deputies, which has a total of 257 seats, the LLA party increased its representation from 37 seats before the election to 101 seats after, marking a gain of 64 seats. Meanwhile, Peronism under Fuerza Patria saw its seats drop from approximately 100 before to between 79 and 94 after, resulting in a loss of 6 to 21 seats. In the Senate, with 72 total seats, LLA grew from 7 seats previously to 19 seats now, for a net gain of 12 seats. Peronism (Fuerza Patria) in the Senate declined from about 33 seats before to 25 seats after, reflecting a loss of 8 seats.
These numbers position LLA as the dominant force in the Lower House, with potential alliances expanding their influence to 110 deputies. Key structural advantages include Milei's veto power, now fortified against supermajority overrides.
Fiscal surplus achieved for the first time in over a decade.
Deregulation of labor and trade laws to attract investment.
Analysis of Provincial Results and Voter Shifts
The elections revealed significant shifts in voter allegiances, particularly in the Rust Belt-like industrial provinces and the populous Buenos Aires region, where economic woes like unemployment and poverty rates above 40% drove support for Milei's reforms. Polling data showed that despite a recession, voters credited the government with stabilizing the economy, fearing a return to hyperinflation under Peronism. Turnout at 68%—the lowest in over a decade—suggests apathy among disillusioned groups, but those who voted prioritized long-term growth over immediate aid.
Top voter issues included:
Economic stability and inflation control.
Fiscal responsibility and reducing public debt.
Attracting foreign investment and job creation.
Combating corruption and the "political caste."
Improving security and reducing crime.
Human Impact and Candidate Profiles
Javier Milei, a 55-year-old economist with a background in academia and television punditry, rose from obscurity to the presidency on a platform of radical libertarianism inspired by figures like Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand. His personal story—growing up in a middle-class family, earning multiple degrees, and cloning his deceased dog—adds a quirky, relatable layer to his firebrand persona. Supporters like retired truck driver Oscar Alfredo, 64, see him as divinely chosen: “I have great faith in God and I believe that this man [Milei] was chosen by God... This president told us that we have to tighten our belts and stick it out.”
The human toll of reforms is evident in stories of pensioners and workers facing cuts, yet many, like businesswoman Jacqueline Lamas, 42, embrace the pain for a "real country" free of corruption. Milei's profile as an outsider challenging the establishment resonates with youth and entrepreneurs seeking opportunity.
Reactions / Response
The victory elicited jubilant reactions from Milei's allies and cautious optimism from markets, while opposition figures lamented the outcome. International stakeholders, including the U.S., praised the result as a step toward economic freedom.
LLA and Allies: “Congratulations to President Javier Milei on his Landslide Victory in Argentina. He is doing a wonderful job!” posted President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Peronist Opposition: Leaders expressed disappointment, vowing to fight reforms, but internal tensions mounted with calls for renewal.
International: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “We look forward to continued steps toward economic freedom that will attract private sector investment.”
Analysts: “The result is better than even the most optimistic Milei supporters were hoping for,” said Marcelo Garcia of Horizon Engage.
Long-Term Implications and the Future of Party Identity
A Milei-dominated Congress could accelerate privatizations, labor flexibility, and trade openings, potentially transforming Argentina into a pro-Western economic hub and attracting billions in investment. Short-term, expect cabinet shake-ups and peso devaluation to sustain momentum. Long-term, success hinges on economic recovery; failure could revive populism. This win may redefine party identities, with LLA emerging as a new conservative force and Peronism fragmenting. Future trends point to increased polarization but also opportunities for bipartisan reforms in a post-Peronist era.
FAQ Section
Q1: What were the key results of Argentina's 2025 midterm elections? A1: Javier Milei's LLA party won about 41% of the vote, gaining 64 seats in the Chamber of Deputies (total 101) and 12 in the Senate (total 19), securing a blocking minority. This marks a historic win for an incumbent in midterms.
Q2: How did the elections impact Argentina's economy? A2: Markets rallied with stocks and bonds soaring, reflecting confidence in accelerated reforms. Inflation has dropped to 2.1% monthly, and a U.S. bailout of up to $40 billion supports stability.
Q3: Why did voters support Milei despite austerity measures? A3: Many prioritized long-term economic health over short-term pain, crediting Milei with taming inflation and achieving fiscal surplus after decades of crises. Voters expressed a desire to "stick it out."
Q4: What reforms can Milei now pursue? A4: With stronger congressional backing, expect pushes for labor, tax, pension, and deregulation reforms to dismantle statist legacies.
Q5: How did international figures react to the results? A5: U.S. leaders like Donald Trump and Scott Bessent congratulated Milei, tying support to his pro-market policies and strengthening bilateral ties.
Q6: What challenges remain for Milei's government? A6: Despite gains, LLA lacks a Senate majority, requiring alliances. Economic recovery must deliver jobs to sustain popularity amid ongoing recession.
Q7: Is this the end of Peronism in Argentina? A7: While weakened, Peronism retains influence with 25 Senate seats. The loss signals a crisis but not extinction, potentially leading to reinvention.
Conclusion
In summary, Javier Milei's midterm landslide reaffirms Argentina's pivot toward free-market principles, granting him the tools to enact transformative changes. This victory, bolstered by international aid and voter resilience, marks a rejection of failed policies and a bet on prosperity. As Milei declares a "tipping point," the nation stands at the cusp of accelerated reform, with swing voters and economic indicators as the ultimate arbiters of success. The coming years will test whether this mandate delivers a sustainable "great Argentina" or reignites old divisions.
