"Argentina's radical libertarian leader, Javier Milei, is facing a pivotal moment in his presidency with voters set to deliver their verdict on his two-year-old administration on Sunday against a backdrop of political and economic crisis and accusations that his ally Donald Trump is meddling in the country's affairs. A poor showing in Sunday's midterm election would be a hammer blow to Milei, who took power in December 2023 pledging to kickstart a new era of peace and prosperity by slashing spending and inflation."
"The US president, who is Milei's most powerful foreign friend, has thrown him a lifeline in the form of a bailout that could total US$40bn (30bn). But even Trump painted a dire picture of the South American country's stagnating economy last week, telling reporters: Argentina is fighting for its life They are dying. Trump has warned he could axe the aid package if Milei fares poorly in Sunday's vote, when half of the seats in the 257-member lower house are up for grabs as well as 24 seats in the 72-member senate."
Javier Milei faces a critical test in midterm elections amid political and economic crises. He reduced triple-digit inflation but recent months brought corruption scandals involving close allies, a peso sell-off, and public anger including stone-throwing and a provincial defeat in Buenos Aires. The outcome of contests for half the lower house and 24 senate seats will affect his governing ability and political standing. The US has offered a potential US$40bn bailout, while President Donald Trump warned the aid could be withdrawn if Milei performs poorly and described Argentina's economy as dire.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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