Harsh exchange between Bullrich and Villarruel over Senate session and land law

Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel and the head of the libertarian bloc in the Senate, Patricia Bullrich, engaged in a sharp exchange of messages on Wednesday, following Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The dispute centered on a planned Senate session to discuss a controversial bill.

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How are we going to have a session after we almost won the World Cup?

Villarruel reportedly sought to postpone the session, which was scheduled to address a bill that would remove restrictions on foreign land ownership. This legislation has faced resistance from both opposition parties and some allies. Bullrich, a key figure in the libertarian bloc, opposed the postponement.

The WhatsApp exchange quickly escalated. Villarruel initially suggested that celebrating the World Cup win should take precedence over a session discussing what she termed a law to "sell the country." She argued that senators should celebrate with their families rather than vote on "an outrageous law" concerning land sales.

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To celebrate it.

Bullrich countered, stating that for her bloc, "changing the country is the challenge," implying development rather than selling assets. Villarruel retorted that the country was not being developed but was instead seeing small businesses close daily, accusing Bullrich's side of being out of touch with the economic struggles of ordinary Argentines. Bullrich defended her position, asserting that Argentines want to "progress, not be populist, poor."

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To sell the country.

The argument intensified with Villarruel accusing Bullrich's bloc of wanting to "give away" the country and questioning her integrity. Bullrich responded by suggesting Villarruel resign if she disagreed with the government's direction. The exchange highlighted a significant rift within the ruling coalition regarding economic policy and national development.

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For you. For us, changing the country is the challenge.