Buenos Aires, Argentina – October 27, 2025 – In a resounding endorsement of President Javier Milei's libertarian agenda, his La Libertad Avanza party clinched a commanding 40.8% of the vote in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results with 96% of ballots counted. The triumph over the Peronist opposition's Fuerza Patria, which garnered 24.5%, marks a pivotal moment for Milei's administration, bolstering his legislative leverage amid ongoing economic reforms.
The elections, held to renew 127 of the 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 24 of the 72 seats in the Senate, were widely interpreted as a referendum on Milei's nearly two-year presidency. Characterized by aggressive austerity measures, deregulation, and a staunch anti-establishment rhetoric, Milei's policies have polarized the nation. Voters in key provinces delivered strong support for La Libertad Avanza, securing victories in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Mendoza—regions that collectively represent a significant portion of Argentina's economic and demographic weight.
La Libertad Avanza's performance translated into a gain of 64 seats in the lower house, elevating the party's total representation to 94 legislators starting December 10. This expansion, while not achieving an outright majority in the 257-seat Chamber, provides Milei with a fortified bloc capable of sustaining presidential vetoes—a critical tool in a fragmented Congress. It also effectively neutralizes threats of impeachment from opposition factions, which had been floated by some Peronist leaders in response to Milei's controversial fiscal cuts and labor reforms.
In the Senate, the opposition retains control, ensuring that Milei's ambitious legislative agenda will require coalition-building and negotiations. Nonetheless, the results signal a shift in parliamentary dynamics, granting the president greater influence over budget approvals, judicial appointments, and economic liberalization bills. Analysts note that the increased deputy count will enable La Libertad Avanza to block adverse legislation and push forward priority reforms, including tax reductions, privatization of state enterprises, and enhancements to foreign investment incentives.
Celebrations erupted at Milei's campaign headquarters in Buenos Aires following the release of initial tallies. Addressing supporters, the president hailed the outcome as a historic watershed. "Today has been a historic day," Milei proclaimed. "The Argentine people have left behind decadence and chosen progress. Today we have passed the tipping point. Today begins the construction of a great Argentina."
He underscored the elections' role in validating his vision, stating, "The new Congress will be fundamental to ensuring the change of direction." Milei outlined plans to accelerate reforms over the coming two years, asserting that these measures are essential to "consolidate Argentina's growth and takeoff." In a bold prediction, he declared, "Starting Dec. 10, we will, without a doubt, have the most reformist Congress in Argentine history."
The electoral contest unfolded against a backdrop of economic challenges that have defined Milei's tenure. Since assuming office in December 2023, the president has implemented shock therapy policies aimed at taming hyperinflation, which peaked at over 200% annually, and reducing a bloated public sector. Initial successes include a stabilized peso, declining monthly inflation rates, and renewed investor confidence, as evidenced by rising bond prices and foreign direct investment inflows. However, these gains have come at a social cost: unemployment has climbed to 8.5%, poverty affects nearly 45% of the population, and recessionary pressures have strained middle-class households.
Critics from the Peronist camp, including Fuerza Patria leaders, accused Milei of exacerbating inequality through cuts to subsidies and social programs. Despite these attacks, the election results suggest that a plurality of voters prioritizes long-term structural change over immediate relief. Exit polls indicated strong backing from younger demographics and urban professionals disillusioned with decades of Peronist governance, which presided over multiple debt defaults and economic crises.
A notable aspect of the elections was the historically low voter turnout. The National Electoral Chamber reported participation at under 68%, the lowest since Argentina's democratic restoration in 1983. Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 to 70, with fines for abstentions, yet enforcement has waned amid public apathy and logistical issues. This abstention rate—down from 71% in the 2023 presidential runoff—raises questions about civic engagement in a nation grappling with political fatigue. Some attribute the dip to disillusionment with the political class, while others point to inclement weather in southern provinces and transportation disruptions.
Internationally, the results drew swift reactions, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of Milei, extended congratulations via his Truth Social platform. "He is doing a wonderful job! Our confidence in him was justified by the people of Argentina," Trump posted. The U.S. leader had previously endorsed Milei during the campaign, praising his free-market orientation and alignment with conservative values.
Trump's involvement extended beyond praise; he had issued a stern warning to Argentine voters. "If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina," Trump stated in a pre-election interview, implying potential reductions in U.S. aid or trade preferences should the opposition prevail. Argentina receives modest U.S. assistance through multilateral institutions like the IMF, where Washington holds significant sway. Milei's victory is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, potentially facilitating negotiations for debt restructuring and expanded trade in commodities such as lithium and soybeans.
The elections' implications extend beyond domestic politics. With enhanced congressional support, Milei is poised to advance his "zero deficit" fiscal rule, deepen ties with global markets, and pursue membership in organizations like the OECD. Proposed reforms include labor market flexibilization to attract multinational corporations, pension system overhauls to ensure sustainability, and energy sector deregulation to boost exports. Opposition forces, fragmented across Peronist unions, center-left coalitions, and regional parties, will need to regroup to mount effective resistance.
In the Chamber of Deputies, La Libertad Avanza's 94 seats position it as the largest single bloc, surpassing the Peronists' projected 85-90 seats post-renewal. Allied conservative and provincial parties could provide additional votes on an ad-hoc basis, potentially forming working majorities for key votes. The Senate, however, remains a Peronist stronghold with around 38 seats, necessitating bipartisan compromise for constitutional amendments or treaty ratifications.
Economic indicators released concurrently with the elections underscored the stakes. The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) reported a 1.2% GDP contraction in the third quarter, attributed to reduced public spending, but forecasted 3.5% growth for 2026 if reforms proceed. Inflation, while still elevated at 120% year-on-year, has fallen from its 2024 highs, bolstering Milei's narrative of painful but necessary adjustments.
Public reaction was mixed. In Buenos Aires' bustling streets, Milei supporters waved chainsaws—a symbol of his campaign promise to "cut" government excess—while opposition rallies in working-class neighborhoods decried the results as a mandate for further hardship. Union leaders vowed strikes against impending labor bills, setting the stage for potential social unrest.
As the new congressional session approaches on December 10, Milei's administration faces a delicate balancing act: leveraging electoral momentum to enact reforms without alienating moderate allies or provoking widespread protests. The midterm victory, unexpected in its margin given pre-election polls showing a tighter race, reaffirms Milei's disruptive influence on Argentine politics. It signals that, for now, a critical mass of the electorate is willing to endure short-term pain for the promise of prosperity.
In the broader Latin American context, Milei's success contrasts with leftist resurgence in countries like Brazil and Colombia, highlighting ideological divides in the region. International observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS), praised the elections' transparency, with no major irregularities reported.
With 96% of votes counted and final certification pending, the official tally is expected to confirm these trends. President Milei's path forward is clearer, yet challenges abound in a nation historically prone to volatility. The "tipping point" he celebrated may indeed herald a new era—or test the limits of his reformist zeal.
