Argentina's President Milei expressed displeasure regarding a superior figure
In the lead-up to Sunday's provincial parliament election in Buenos Aires, Argentine President Javier Milei faces a significant challenge as corruption allegations surface, threatening to dent his popularity.
The scandal, which involves state contracts invoiced at inflated prices and a portion of the amounts returned, has been making headlines recently. A former personal friend of Milei, Spagnuolo, has made claims of a bribe system in state purchases of medicines, implicating high-ranking officials, Karina Milei, and Suizo Argentina.
The recordings, edited to only include Spagnuolo's voice, suggest a meeting in a café and imply a timeframe from August to October 2024. An investigation by the justice system has been initiated, with the premises of Suizo Argentina being searched, documents, computers, and phones of the company owners being seized.
The value of Suizo Argentina's state purchases has increased by at least 150% since President Milei took office, raising eyebrows and fuelling the corruption claims. The government's prolonged silence in response to the recordings indicates a lack of preparedness, further adding to public concern.
Milei's popularity has been on a downward trend due to the scandal. Recently, he had to leave a campaign event in haste due to stones being thrown, a clear sign of the growing discontent among the public. The president's election slogan, "Kirchnerismo nunca más - Never again Kirchnerism," seems to be falling on deaf ears as the allegations mount.
Buenos Aires is the last stronghold of former President Cristina Kirchner (2007-2015), and polls predict that the Kirchnerist coalition Fuerza Patria (Fatherland Force) will receive the most votes in the election. The Chamber of Deputies overrode a president's veto with a two-thirds majority, a first in Milei's presidency, indicating a growing opposition to his administration.
The upcoming election is crucial for Milei, as one-third of the country's eligible voters live in Buenos Aires. The intriguing question is by how much they will lead over Milei's candidate list. Guillermo Francos, the cabinet chief, has stated, "I vouch for no official," suggesting a climate of mutual distrust within the government.
The judiciary will definitely question Javier Milei's sister, Karina Milei, the president's sister and Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, in the investigations regarding the corruption allegations against President Milei, as she is suspected of embezzling funds.
As the election day approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the corruption scandal has undeniably shaken the foundations of Milei's presidency, and the election result will likely serve as a referendum on his administration.
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