ENERGY AND GEOPOLITICS IN LATIN AMERICA
Javier Milei’s First Electoral Test and the Implications for Argentina’s Vaca Muerta Mark P. Jones CES Lead, Argentina | Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies
Introduction Argentine President Javier Milei was elected in 2023 after his dark horse candidacy caught fire, allowing him to displace the conventional center-right candidate, Patricia Bullrich, from the runoff in the October first round of the presidential election and defeat the Peronist standard bearer, Sergio Massa, in the November runoff. During the first half of his four-year term, Milei has endeavored to profoundly transform Argentina via a broad set of reforms ranging from deregulation to dramatic cuts in government spending, reforms which have been especially well-received by the energy sector. Questions remain, however, about whether Milei will be able to win a second term in 2027 or even maintain his current policies and level of influence between now and 2027. Milei faces his first nationwide electoral test in the October 2025 congressional midterm elections, the outcome of which will provide a clear signal about the future of his presidency and his ability to maintain, let alone deepen, his reform agenda.
Energy Insights 2025
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