Successive scandals
But gaining support proved difficult as a series of scandals in high-level positions took a toll on Millais and her party’s approval ratings.
For example, on October 6, José Luis Esparto, a leading candidate supported by Milay, was charged with money laundering and suspended his campaign.
Prosecutors say Esparto received at least $200,000 from Federico Andres Machado, an Argentine businessman who is being extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking and fraud charges.
Until these allegations came to light, Mr. Esparto was a leading candidate for a seat in Congress representing the province of Buenos Aires.
Milley called the accusations a “malicious operation” to “smear” the candidate, and Espert himself denied any wrongdoing.
But Espert is not the only member of Millais’ inner circle facing controversy.
A few weeks ago, an audio leaked of Diego Spagnuolo, the former head of Argentina’s National Disability Agency, accusing the president’s sister, Karina Mirei, of demanding kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies.
Milay, who appointed his sister as secretary-general of the president, similarly rejects these accusations.
He claimed that the leaked audio was part of a “coordinated and planned disinformation campaign” aimed at “maliciously influencing the electoral process.”
But in the wake of the scandal, Argentina’s parliament issued a public rebuke of Millay’s platform.
The bill first overrode Milley’s veto in September to defend disability spending. Then, in October, it again rejected Milley’s veto to preserve increased education and health funding.
