Argentina President Javier Milei speaks in Buenos Aires event

Argentina President Javier Milei speaks in Buenos Aires event

President Javier Milei of Argentina was forced to leave a campaign rally in Lomas de Zamora, a suburb of Buenos Aires, after protesters pelted his vehicle with rocks, bottles, and other objects [1]. The incident occurred on Wednesday as Milei and his sister, Karina Milei, who serves as his chief of staff, stood on the bed of an open pick-up truck, waving to supporters and signing autographs. The rally was part of a campaign effort ahead of key upcoming elections in September and October.

The protesters, who were part of a larger backlash against Milei's administration, targeted the president and his sister, who is embroiled in a corruption scandal involving allegations of bribery in Argentina's agency for the disabled [2]. The scandal has heightened the criticism of Milei's government, which has faced backlash for its austerity measures aimed at controlling inflation.

Milei's administration has been marked by dramatic economic reforms, including cuts to social safety-net services and widespread government layoffs. Despite official statistics indicating a drop in inflation, unemployment and poverty have risen, leaving Argentina's poorest citizens more vulnerable. Milei's controversial approach to governance, symbolized by his campaign with a chainsaw, has further fueled the protests [3].

The incident at the rally comes as Argentina prepares for significant elections. On September 7, the province of Buenos Aires will hold local races, and on October 26, the country will face midterm elections that will see half of the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate up for grabs. These elections are seen as major tests for Milei as he reaches the midpoint of his four-year term.

Milei's response to the protests was to campaign on social media against "Kirchnerism," a left-wing political movement, and to emphasize the choice between "civilisation or barbarity." However, the incident underscores the challenges faced by his administration as it navigates a complex political and economic landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/aug/28/argentina-president-javier-milei-escapes-election-rally-after-being-pelted-with-rocks-video
[2] https://ca.news.yahoo.com/president-milei-attacked-rock-throwing-205056742.html
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/28/argentinian-president-javier-milei-leaves-rally-after-protesters-throw-rocks