La Libertad Avanza, President Javier Milei's party, secured a surprise victory in the October 26, 2025, legislative elections, exceeding 40% of votes nationally and overturning defeat in Buenos Aires province. The win, boosted by U.S. financial support, strengthens the ruling party's hold in Congress. Peronism, led by Fuerza Patria, placed second with about 31%, amid the lowest voter turnout since democracy's return, with over 12 million abstentions.
The October 26, 2025, legislative elections marked an unexpected turn for Argentina's ruling party. La Libertad Avanza (LLA) captured 40.84% of national votes, adding 64 deputy seats for a total of 101 with allies, per preliminary results. In Buenos Aires province, pivotal for its electoral weight, LLA led by Diego Santilli narrowly defeated Fuerza Patria: 41.45% to 40.91%, a 0.54-point margin and 46,600 votes. This reversed peronism's 14-point lead from September's provincial elections.
Governor Axel Kicillof downplayed the loss, noting his bloc 'conserved practically the same number of votes' (around 3.5 million) and achieved 'the best peronism result in midterms since the dictatorship.' He accused Donald Trump of meddling via the U.S. Treasury, which bought pesos to stabilize the dollar when Milei's government had 'two days' margin left.' 'It was extortion; they threatened to sink the country if Milei doesn't win,' Kicillof stated on C5N, linking the 20 billion USD swap support to a 'threat' that unified officialism.
Milei hailed the win as a 'bisagra day' from the Libertador Hotel bunker, thanking Karina Milei and Santiago Caputo as 'architects' of the victory. He outlined labor, tax, and pension reforms for December, inviting 'rational governors' to consensus via the Mayo Pact. 'Under Trump's leadership, the path will clear for unprecedented growth,' he tweeted, after Scott Bessent's congratulations.
Peronism grapples with infighting: Mayra Mendoza criticized Kicillof's Buenos Aires desdoblamiento, stating 'with one election it was possible' and 'Cristina was right.' LLA won in 16 provinces, including Córdoba and Santa Fe, while Fuerza Patria triumphed in Formosa and Tucumán. Turnout at 67.85% signaled discontent, with 12 million abstentions. Analysts credit officialism's success to 'stability vote' and anti-peronist consolidation, despite corruption scandals.
