President Javier Milei's anger towards Vice-President Victoria Villarruel escalates amid a Senate vote approving pension increases, leading to a public exchange of insults and accusations regarding fiscal responsibility.
Tensions Rise in Argentina as President Milei Clashes with Vice-President Villarruel over Pension Plans
Tensions Rise in Argentina as President Milei Clashes with Vice-President Villarruel over Pension Plans
A public feud between Argentine President Javier Milei and Vice-President Victoria Villarruel intensifies over pension increases, revealing deep divisions within the government.
Argentine President Javier Milei and his vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, have found themselves embroiled in a contentious dispute over pension policies, leading to a bitter exchange of words. The conflict erupted after Milei expressed his outrage on social media following a significant defeat in Congress, where the Senate passed measures to enhance pensions and boost disability allowances—an initiative Milei vehemently opposed.
The situation escalated when Milei reposted derogatory comments on X targeting Villarruel, calling her "stupid" and "a traitor." In retaliation, Villarruel bluntly advised the president to "grow up," signifying the depth of their discord. The catalyst for this clash was the recent Senate approval, which came despite government-aligned senators boycotting the session, allowing the vote to pass with overwhelming support from opposition members.
Milei's decision to veto the pension hike stems from his commitment to reducing Argentina's fiscal deficit and combating inflation. Following a historic budget surplus reported for 2024, the president faces pressures from pensioners, who have been actively protesting for higher allowances outside Congress.
In a defiant speech, Milei reaffirmed his position against the proposed pension raises, suggesting he would take legal action if necessary. Meanwhile, Villarruel campaigned for prompt financial support for pensioners and criticized Milei's extravagant spending on state intelligence and international travels, urging him to act more responsibly.
The public feud has not only highlighted the growing rift within Argentina's leadership but has also drawn attention to the broader implications of the president's austerity measures, which have stirred both protests and praise in equal measure since he took office in December 2023.
