Argentine President Javier Milei was forced to leave a campaign event in Buenos Aires province on Wednesday after protesters threw rocks and other objects at his vehicle, eyewitnesses reported.
Milei was standing in the back of a moving pickup truck alongside security personnel and his sister, Karina Milei, who also serves as his chief of staff, when the incident occurred during campaigning for upcoming provincial and midterm elections.
At least one rock struck the hood of the truck, while other items were seen flying over the presidentâs head. Security teams quickly moved the vehicle away from the crowd, which was chanting anti-government slogans such as “Get out, Milei.” Tensions escalated further as sections of the crowd clashed with each other.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated on X that opposition supporters were responsible for the attack, but confirmed that no injuries were reported. Following the event, Milei shared a photo of himself with his sister and a congressman, writing that the opposition “throws stones empty of ideas, turning once again to violence.”
The confrontation took place in Lomas de Zamora, a district known as a Peronist stronghold, underscoring the hostile political climate ahead of September 7 local elections and October 26 midterm polls.
The attack also comes amid a corruption scandal involving Mileiâs inner circle. Last week, authorities raided multiple properties in connection with an alleged bribery scheme at Argentinaâs disability agency, led by Diego Spagnuolo. Local media released audio recordings in which a voice resembling Spagnuoloâs appeared to discuss illicit payments, allegedly implicating Karina Milei. The government dismissed Spagnuolo as a “preventive measure.”
Addressing the matter for the first time on Wednesday, President Milei denounced Spagnuoloâs claims, telling journalists, “Everything he says is a lie. Weâre going to take him to court and prove he lied.”
Mileiâs government has faced mounting public discontent over strict austerity measures, which aim to reduce inflation but have slashed funding for public services. Recent polls from Synopsis indicate Mileiâs negative image rose to 54.2% in August, up six points since June.
The upcoming elections are seen as critical for the presidentâs ability to consolidate power and counter opposition challenges to his economic program, which he argues is essential to attract foreign investment and boost Argentinaâs trade prospects.
Additional reporting by Nicolas Misculin, Leila Miller and Maximilian Heath; Writing by Cassandra Garrison and Paolo Laudani; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle and Alistair Bell.
Read More: LAD REPORTING
