Argentina's Vice President Villarruel and Minister Bullrich Clash Over Senate Staffer's Criminal Complaint

Vice President Victoria Villarruel and Interior Minister Patricia Bullrich are embroiled in a political showdown in Argentina. Bullrich accused Villarruel’s Senate aide, Mario “Pato” Russo, of threatening and assaulting political allies, leading to a criminal complaint that escalated tensions within the governing coalition.

The complaint, filed by Cristian Larsen, a parliamentary secretary close to Bullrich, prompted a federal judge to order police protection for Larsen inside the Congress building for a month. Lawmaker Lilia Lemoine also publicly supported the complaint, recalling a prior physical assault by Russo in 2022. The dispute highlights deepening rifts between the vice president’s faction and the interior ministry within President Javier Milei’s administration.

The controversy revolves around control of Senate administration and broader disagreements over policy priorities, with both sides seeking to rally legislative support ahead of future electoral cycles.