The Vice President of the Nation, Victoria Villarruel, canceled her visit to Mendoza on Saturday where she was scheduled to lead the official ceremony commemorating the 174th anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín.
From her surroundings, it was reported that Villarruel was “feeling faint” and “preferred not to travel”. They also specified that the rest of the delegation did travel. Among them are the provisional President of the Senate, Bartolomé Abdala, and the parliamentary secretary, Agustín Giustinian.
During the afternoon, the Vice President offered her own explanation of what happened from her X account: “Unfortunately, I became unwell, and at the airport, they advised me not to travel.”
On Friday, the Vice President was excluded from the Armed Forces’ camaraderie dinner, and from the Senate, they pointed fingers at the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, for not sending her the invitation.
“She never received the invitation from the General Secretariat of the Presidency,” sources close to the Vice President indicated, after there was speculation that she was going to be part of the event alongside the President.
They also indicated that “she regretted not being present,” as “she knows everyone there and would have loved to participate in the activity.” They added that “she does not have the habit of going where she is not invited and no one sent an invitation for her to participate in the meeting.”
Thus, the Vice President’s absence during the ceremony at the Ministry of Defense opened a new chapter in the internal conflict of the ruling party following the diplomatic problems with France that were triggered by her comments regarding the colonialism that country exercised.
This Saturday, she was supposed to be received by the governor of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo; his deputy, Hebe Casado; and Senator Mariana Juri, to participate in the main event for the anniversary of San Martín’s death that was to take place in the Mendoza city of Las Heras.
With Villarruel resting amid the speculations, Milei participated yesterday in another ceremony commemorating San Martín’s passage to immortality. She was joined by the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, and her sister Karina at the Metropolitan Cathedral, a site that holds the flaming lamp in homage to the liberator. Prior to the event, the President posted a suggestive quote from San Martín on his social media. “Pride is a disability that tends to affect poor unfortunate mortals who suddenly find themselves with a miserable share of power,” he expressed, and many interpreted it as another message amid the fierce internal conflict.
Political Dynamics in Argentina: Future Trends
The recent cancellation of Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel‘s visit to Mendoza has stirred significant discussion regarding internal political dynamics and future trends. Villarruel’s decision, attributed to health concerns, follows a series of notable events that reveal underlying tensions within the ruling coalition.
As Villarruel expressed disappointment over her absence from a key military dinner, where she wasn’t invited due to apparent oversights from the General Secretariat of the Presidency, questions about political alliances and communication between key figures have emerged. This incident reflects a broader narrative of discord within the government, which is poised to shape the political landscape.
Future trends may indicate a sustained examination of the relationships between powerful leaders, particularly amidst escalating tensions with France over colonial rhetoric. As Argentina navigates its position on historical grievances and contemporary diplomatic relations, the impact of such rhetoric on coalition unity will be closely observed. The conflict appears to echo sentiments within the ruling party, as evidenced by conflicting agendas and public appearances.
The vice presidency’s role in official state events, particularly the upcoming commemorations of national icons like General San Martín, will likely become a focal point for gauging political sentiment and public support. As Villarruel remains an influential figure, her health and public engagements could influence perceptions of stability within the government.
Moreover, the interpretative reading of President Javier Milei‘s social media messages, particularly his poignant quote from San Martín about the nature of power, signals a deeper exploration into the political psyche in Argentina. This suggests a potential trend toward heightened scrutiny of political communication as a tool for personal and party branding amid internal struggles.
Looking ahead, the evolving dynamics between Villarruel, Milei, and other party leaders may prompt changes in strategy, coalition-building, and public outreach initiatives. As they address both external challenges and internal cohesion, the political landscape will continue to shift, shaping the governance style in Argentina.