Milei's Sister Scandal Crashes Argentine Markets Before Key Elections

(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Argentina's president fights his biggest crisis as corruption allegations against his sister trigger market panic three days before crucial elections.

The MERVAL stock index plunged 2.1% to 1.93 million points on September 4, while the peso surprisingly held steady at 1,361 per dollar.

Leaked audio recordings expose Karina Milei, the president's chief of staff, in an alleged $800,000 monthly kickback scheme at Argentina's disability agency.

Former director Diego Spagnuolo claims pharmaceutical companies paid 8% bribes for government contracts, with 3% flowing to the president's sister through middlemen. Federal prosecutors opened criminal investigations after August raids on luxury homes and drug company offices.

The scandal broke weeks before Buenos Aires provincial elections on September 7, followed by national midterms in October that will test whether Milei can strengthen his minority government.



Argentine markets, which soared 180% under Milei's promises of economic reform, now face their worst political crisis since his December 2023 inauguration.

International bonds crashed to four-month lows while the peso's stability reveals the deeper story behind Milei's currency revolution.

The gap between official and black market "blue dollar" rates stands at just 15%, down from over 100% when Milei took power.

This narrow spread shows his success rebuilding confidence through fiscal discipline and $30 billion in IMF-backed reserves, preventing the peso collapses that typically follow Argentine political scandals.

Technical indicators paint a grim picture across markets. The MERVAL broke below crucial 2 million point support with heavy volume while the RSI indicator neared oversold territory at 30.



Moving averages turned bearish as the 50-day line crossed below the 200-day average. The corruption allegations strike at Milei's core brand as an anti-establishment outsider who vowed to drain Argentina's corruption swamp.

The disability agency scandal proves especially toxic because it exploits society's most vulnerable citizens while Milei implements harsh austerity measures.

Energy giant YPF led stock declines, dropping 0.7% despite remaining Argentina's largest company. Banking stocks suffered broad losses with Galicia down 4.1% and BBVA Argentina falling 2.6%. Only aluminum producer Aluar posted weekly gains at 1.8%.

Milei's economic achievements hang in the balance after cutting monthly inflation from 25% to under 3% while posting Argentina's first fiscal surplus in over a decade.

The economy grew 5.8% in May, prompting the World Bank to raise 2025 forecasts to 5.5%, Latin America's highest. The president's combative style, which energized supporters, creates new vulnerabilities amid scandal.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich blamed Russian intelligence operations, though Moscow denied involvement. Opposition lawmakers demand congressional testimony while preparing to override Milei's disability spending veto.

September 7 elections in Buenos Aires province, home to 40% of Argentina's population, will signal broader voter sentiment. Recent polls show Milei's approval dropping below 40% from earlier peaks above 60%.

The traditional Peronist stronghold could deliver a devastating blow to his reform agenda. International investors reduced Argentine exposure as risk premiums widened. The scandal threatens crucial privatization bills and labor reforms in Congress.

Foreign investment, already disappointing at under $1 billion in Milei's first year, faces further pressure from governance concerns that could derail Argentina's economic recovery.

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