In a dramatic clash between Argentine President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel, tensions have reached new heights over the contentious issue of pension increases. On social media platform X, Milei expressed outrage after the Senate approved motions aimed at boosting pensions and aiding people with disabilities, which he adamantly opposed. The situation escalated when posts labeling Villarruel as "stupid" and a "traitor" surfaced, leading her to publicly tell Milei to "grow up."
The conflict ignited following a significant defeat for Milei in Congress, where the emergency pension hike received overwhelming support, passing with 52 votes to 4 despite government-aligned senators boycotting the session. With rising protests from pensioners demanding better support, the Vice President defended the increase, emphasizing it was crucial for pensioners' survival.
Milei, who recently claimed a budget surplus for the first time in over a decade, argues that expanding pensions contradicts efforts to eliminate Argentina's fiscal deficit. He has made a commitment to block the proposed increase, reasserting his stance that fiscal restraint is essential in curbing inflation.
Villarruel, claiming the government's austerity measures are unsustainable, countered that pensioners cannot wait for their payments to improve. She also suggested that Milei reconsider government spending, especially on intelligence services and his international trips.
As protests grow and division within the government becomes apparent, the future of Argentina's pension policies remains uncertain amidst escalating tensions between the president and vice president.
The conflict ignited following a significant defeat for Milei in Congress, where the emergency pension hike received overwhelming support, passing with 52 votes to 4 despite government-aligned senators boycotting the session. With rising protests from pensioners demanding better support, the Vice President defended the increase, emphasizing it was crucial for pensioners' survival.
Milei, who recently claimed a budget surplus for the first time in over a decade, argues that expanding pensions contradicts efforts to eliminate Argentina's fiscal deficit. He has made a commitment to block the proposed increase, reasserting his stance that fiscal restraint is essential in curbing inflation.
Villarruel, claiming the government's austerity measures are unsustainable, countered that pensioners cannot wait for their payments to improve. She also suggested that Milei reconsider government spending, especially on intelligence services and his international trips.
As protests grow and division within the government becomes apparent, the future of Argentina's pension policies remains uncertain amidst escalating tensions between the president and vice president.
