Argentines are long accustomed to political corruption, often accepting it with the fatalistic Peronist phrase: “Roban, pero hacen. “They steal, but they get it done.” However, the recent scandal involving President Javier Milei’s close associates has captured national attention.
Milei, a libertarian outsider elected in 2023 on an anti-corruption platform, now faces allegations that his sister and chief of staff, Karina Milei, profited from a kickback scheme within Argentina’s disability agency, threatening his image as a reformer ahead of the October midterm elections.
Leaked Recordings Trigger Political Scandal, Government Raids, And Widespread Public Outrage Nationwide.
The scandal erupted when streaming channel Carnaval released secretly recorded audio allegedly showing Diego Spagnuolo, former director of the National Disability Agency, describing bribes paid by drug distributor Suizo Argentina to top officials, including Karina Milei.
The recordings suggest kickbacks of $500,000 to $800,000 and claim Karina took 3–4% of contract prices. The timing of the leak, just before provincial elections and after Milei vetoed disability benefit increases, heightened its impact, fueling public outrage during an era of fiscal austerity.
Milei initially remained silent for six days, then swiftly fired Spagnuolo and denounced the recordings as lies, accusing political opponents of orchestrating the scandal. Soon after, additional recordings surfaced of Karina Milei in her office, seemingly harmless but raising fears of further leaks.
The government responded by raiding media offices, seizing journalists’ equipment, and restricting publication of Casa Rosada recordings, moves criticized by press freedom advocates and even prompting a diplomatic rebuke from Russia.
Karina Milei’s Influence And Scandals Intensify Pressure, Threatening Her Brother’s Political Future
Central to the crisis is Karina Milei, the president’s sister and gatekeeper, referred to by him as “El Jefe.” She controls Milei’s schedule, staff appointments, and political party operations.
Previously involved in a separate crypto scandal that cost investors millions, Karina has become the focus of public anger, with viral songs mocking her alleged corruption. Analysts argue her role illustrates the dangers of nepotism and limits Milei’s ability to contain political fallout.
The scandal has not only tarnished Milei’s anti-corruption image but also energized opposition forces ahead of critical elections. Analysts warn that in a context of economic scarcity, corruption allegations can have outsized consequences, potentially hindering Milei’s ability to expand support beyond his core base.
Public protests, viral media campaigns, and expert commentary highlight the growing pressure on the president to distance himself from his sister to protect his political future.