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Internal rift in Argentine government

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2026-08-17 22:44 UTC → 2026-08-18 22:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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