Argentines are voting in legislative elections that will test support for President Javier Milei's free-market reforms and deep austerity measures and determine whether he has the backing to continue his economic overhaul

Buenos Aires

Argentine President Javier Mele cast his vote in midterm elections that are seen as a key test of his economic reform agenda. Mele's party, La Libertad Avanza, is seeking to expand its minority in Congress to strengthen support for free market reforms and austerity measures, which have drawn attention from foreign investors and the U.S. government. 

While the government has achieved notable reductions in inflation and enacted deregulation, Mele's popularity has declined due to public frustration over spending cuts and a corruption scandal involving his chief of staff. The U.S. has supported Argentina financially, but future backing may depend on the election results. Analysts expect potential adjustments to currency policy following the vote, especially if Mele's party underperforms.

Argentines vote in high-stakes test of Milei's vision

Argentina's President Javier Mele turned out to vote at a Buenos Aires polling station on Sunday in midterm elections that will determine whether he has the backing to continue his economic overhaul. The president's party, La Libertad Avanza, aims to boost its small minority in Congress to increase investor confidence in Mele's free market reforms and deep austerity measures, as well as maintain the support of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has recently provided Argentina with a potential $40 billion bailout, which includes a signed $20 billion currency swap and a possible $20 billion facility, though Trump has threatened to pull away if Mele does not do well. The White House and foreign investors have been impressed by the government's ability to significantly reduce monthly inflation from 12.8 percent before Mele's inauguration to 2.1 percent last month, achieve fiscal surplus and enact sweeping deregulation measures. But Mele's popularity has fallen in recent months over frustration with public spending cuts and a corruption scandal tied to his sister, who also serves as his chief of staff. The U.S. Treasury has been buying Argentine pesos in the open market to support its value against the dollar, despite many traders and economists saying the currency is overvalued. Following the midterm results, many analysts predict a devaluation of the peso, and if Mele's party underperforms, it may result in a sharper foreign exchange policy adjustment.

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