# Internal rift in Argentine government > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/internal-rift-in-argentine-government > Updated: 2026-08-17T21:37:10.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 4. Internal political tensions have escalated within Argentina's ruling coalition following remarks by Vice President Victoria Villarruel regarding President Javier Milei. Villarruel publicly questioned Milei's mental health and referred to “imaginary persecutions,” prompting high-ranking officials to call for her resignation. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, Chief of Staff Diego Santilli, and Senator Patricia Bullrich have criticized the Vice President. Quirno characterized her comments as “pseudo-coupist” and suggested she “step aside” to support the administration she ran on. Deputy Lilia Lemoine further intensified the friction by labeling Villarruel “débil de carácter” (weak of character) on social media. Despite these demands, Villarruel has rejected calls to quit, asserting her commitment to serving the nation. Additional friction has emerged regarding legislative procedures and ideological divides. Villarruel faced criticism from Bullrich and Santilli after authorizing remote voting for Senator Anabel Fernández Sagasti. Furthermore, former Army Chief of Staff César Milani noted that Villarruel’s nationalist traits contrast with Milei’s platform of state reduction. Recently, Villarruel has signaled a growing distance from the Milei administration by highlighting concerns over the national economy. Speaking at Expo Venado 2026, she stated she is “extremely worried about Argentines who currently do not have work or who cannot make it to the end of the month.” Advocating for agricultural and industrial producers, she called for the removal of export retentions and urged the political class to prioritize economic struggles over political candidacies ahead of the 2027 elections. Her growing rift was further underscored by her absence from an official state ceremony led by President Milei. ## Claims - Vice President Victoria Villarruel expressed deep concern for Argentines facing unemployment and financial hardship. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Vice President advocated for the removal of export taxes on the agricultural and industrial sectors. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Villarruel called for national unity regarding the 2027 elections, prioritizing the future over political candidacies. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Suicide rates within the security forces increased by 30% in 2025 compared to 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Debt is one of the main factors contributing to the increase in suicides within the security forces. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Private clinics in Patagonia will suspend all services for PAMI affiliates for 24 hours starting August 24. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The unemployment rate in Argentina was 7.8% during the first quarter of 2026. (single source) - CARBAP President Pablo Ginestet demanded that President Milei submit a law to Congress to eliminate export taxes. (single source) - Presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier stated the government expects to be re-elected in the first round. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Argentina: Vice President criticizes economy as healthcare and security crises emerge Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel criticizes the government's economic handling, while Patagonian clinics threaten a PAMI service strike and security forces report rising suicide rates linked toWay 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victoria-villarruel-distances-herself-from-milei-administration ### 2026-08-15: Victoria Villarruel faces internal friction within Argentine ruling coalition Vice President Victoria Villarruel faces internal tension within Argentina's ruling coalition amid ideological differences with President Javier Milei and criticism over Senate voting decisions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victoria-villarruel-faces-internal-friction-within-argentine-ruling-coalition ### 2026-08-08: Victoria Villarruel faces calls to resign amid internal political tension Argentine Deputy Lilia Lemoine criticized Vice President Victoria Villarruel amid rising calls from government officials, including Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, for her to resign. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victoria-villarruel-faces-calls-to-resign-amid-internal-political-tension ### 2026-08-06: Argentina Vice President Victoria Villarruel Faces Resignation Calls Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel faces calls to resign after criticizing President Milei’s mental health; she refuses. Governor Ricardo Quintela vows to expropriate lands sold by Milei’s regime, a 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-vice-president-villarruel-faces-resignation-calls --- Cite as: Internal rift in Argentine government. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/internal-rift-in-argentine-government