Argentina Vice President Victoria Villarruel Faces Resignation Calls

Vice President Victoria Villarruel publicly questioned President Javier Milei’s mental health, referring to his “imaginary persecutions.” Her remarks prompted senior officials to demand her departure. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno told her to “step aside,” saying her comments were “pseudo‑coup” and destabilising. Chief of Staff Diego Santilli and Senator Patricia Bullrich echoed the call for her resignation. Villarruel rejected the demand, asserting respect for institutions and refusing to quit, stating she will continue to serve the nation.

In parallel, La Rioja Governor Ricardo Quintela, a leading Peronist figure, warned he would expropriate any land the Milei administration sells to foreigners, framing it as a defence of Argentine territory. Quintela also discussed strategic moves for the 2027 elections, aligning with former President Cristina Kirchner and positioning himself against the current government’s policies.

Both episodes illustrate deepening rifts within Argentina’s political elite, with the Milei administration confronting dissent from within its own ticket and opposition leaders preparing for future electoral battles.