The Dispute

Following Argentina's victory over England, private chats between Vice President Victoria Villarruel and Patricia Bullrich, president of the Senate block, were leaked to the media. According to El Cronista, the conversation is authentic and reveals tensions between the two officials regarding legislative priorities. Both sides accused the other of leaking the chats, with sources from Bullrich's office pointing to continuous leaks from Villarruel's camp.

Legislative Conflict

The dispute centers on a legislative session aimed at passing a bill on the Inviolability of Private Property, which contains key modifications to land laws that would allow foreigners to purchase property in Argentina. The bill also includes changes to the Fire Law. Villarruel questioned the timing of the session, asking 'Cómo vamos a tener sesión después de haber casi ganado el Mundial' and accused the government of trying 'para vender el país'. She further stated that 'nadie quiere festejar en el Senado, no votando una ley que es indignante por el capítulo de tierras', suggesting each senator should celebrate in their province with their family instead.

Political Implications

According to El Cronista, Villarruel's positions reflect her intention to run for office next year, as she continues to differentiate herself from the government's directives. This was evident when she framed Argentina's match against England as part of the struggle for sovereignty over the Malvinas/Falklands Islands, stating: 'Mañana jugamos contra los piratas usurpadores. No es un partido más. No voy a ser políticamente correcta ni pecho frío, contra los ingleses siempre es algo más. Es Malvinas, es el Diego, es la última de Leo y es pararle el carro a los invasores.' Meanwhile, President Javier Milei celebrated Argentina's victory but emphasized not mixing football with politics.

Internal Party Tensions

Página/12 reports that the dispute has exposed internal tensions within the libertarian coalition, with reproaches about political leadership and even requests for Villarruel to leave her position. The publication describes the exchange as particularly heated, with Villarruel allegedly telling Bullrich 'Vivís en Narnia' (You live in Narnia), highlighting the deep rift between the two officials.