Milei Blames 'Conspiracy' for Arrest of Ex-Advisor in Bolivia

Argentine President Javier Milei has sought to distance himself from Fernando Cerimedo, a former communications strategist and advisor who is currently detained in Bolivia on charges of attempted femicide. Cerimedo, who has also advised other Latin American leaders, was accused of attacking his ex-partner, Nadia Beller, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. A local court has ordered him to remain in preventive detention for 180 days.

Milei stated that Cerimedo is no longer affiliated with his political movement and has had no ties since 2023. However, official records indicate Cerimedo visited the presidential palace in Buenos Aires at least 13 times since Milei took office in December 2023, with the last identified visit occurring in June 2024. Milei's administration has also been linked to La Derecha Diario, a media outlet founded by Cerimedo, which is described as a source of ultra-right disinformation in the region.

Adding a layer of political intrigue, President Milei suggested that Cerimedo's arrest might be part of a broader regional conspiracy. He alluded to involvement from figures such as Marcela Pagano and Franco Bindi, former Bolivian President Evo Morales, "castrochavismo" (a term often used to criticize leftist regimes), and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Milei accused the Brazilian government of orchestrating an "anti-Argentine campaign" and interfering in regional electoral processes.

The dispute between Milei and Lula da Silva has intensified diplomatic tensions between Argentina and Brazil. Milei's accusations against Lula follow a significant diplomatic crisis triggered by Milei's public insults towards the Brazilian president. Milei characterized the alleged network as a "band of castrochavista criminals" operating throughout the region.