President Milei Concludes Legislative Campaign in Córdoba Amidst Protests Ahead of Crucial Midterm Elections

President Milei Campaigns in Córdoba Amidst Social Discontent

President Javier Milei concluded his legislative election campaign on October 21, 2025, in Córdoba, Argentina, a province pivotal to his 2023 electoral victory. The campaign closing, which saw Milei engage in a walk through Nueva Córdoba alongside local candidate Gonzalo Roca, was marked by significant protests. Demonstrators voiced their discontent over the government's economic adjustments, cuts to social programs, and issues affecting disability pensions. Families of people with disabilities were prominent among the protesters, gathering in areas such as Plaza San Martín to highlight the social impact of austerity measures. Milei, opting for a more direct approach after suspending a planned event in Buenos Aires, used a megaphone to address supporters, emphasizing 'closeness' with the electorate.

Argentina Prepares for October 26 Midterm Elections

The campaign finale comes just days before Argentina's legislative midterm elections scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025. These elections are the first during President Milei's term and are considered a crucial test for his administration and its reform agenda. Voters will head to the polls to renew 127 of the 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 24 of the 72 seats in the Senate.

Significance for Milei's Reform Agenda

The outcome of these elections is paramount for President Milei's La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, which currently holds a minority of seats in both legislative chambers. A key objective for the LLA is to increase its representation to secure a blocking minority, which would enable the government to prevent the opposition from overturning presidential vetoes and facilitate the passage of its proposed structural reforms. These reforms include significant changes to taxation, the labor market, and the pension system. The elections will also be notable for being the first national contest since 2011 without Open, Mandatory and Simultaneous Primaries (PASO) and the first to utilize a unified paper ballot system.

Economic Context and Political Stakes

The elections unfold against a backdrop of complex economic and political challenges. While the Milei administration has reported successes in macroeconomic indicators, such as a reduction in inflation from 211% in 2023 to a projected 27% by the end of 2025, and a decrease in the poverty rate, these measures have also led to social implications and public discontent. The ability of Milei's party to gain legislative strength will largely determine the trajectory of his remaining presidential term, which extends until 2027, and the feasibility of his ambitious economic transformation plans.