Milei’s government seeks to extend the Malvinas issue to change the political climate

“TMAP!”, Javier Milei tweeted in celebration after three major global oil-services and equipment companies announced they would not participate in projects in the Malvinas following sanctions his government said it plans to impose on unauthorized activity there.

Inside the government, the Malvinas strategy is being treated as more than a foreign-policy announcement. Officials believe it has reopened political space for Milei after a period dominated by bad news for the Casa Rosada. The plan was designed by adviser Santiago Caputo, who has repeatedly regained influence in the president’s decision-making despite predictions that his role had diminished.

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TMAP!

The issue also interrupted a growing rapprochement between dialogue-oriented sectors and the opposition’s harder wings. That movement had become visible during debate over the Private Property Inviolability Law, which Kirchnerism and the left successfully recast as the “Foreignization of Land Law.” The debate revived conversations among Peronist governors, Sergio Massa and political figures close to Cristina Kirchner, a development that had seemed unlikely until recently.

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The national address was forceful and permeated everywhere. Javier’s long-standing position became clear. Let them say whatever they want, but let them say something.

Government figures feared the issue could become a turning point similar to the pension reform pushed by Mauricio Macri in December 2017. In their view, that debate helped create the Frente de Todos by activating Peronism’s pragmatic side and temporarily covering over differences that later erupted in government. Cristina Kirchner’s flexibility in approving dozens of judicial nominations, including Pablo Yadarola’s appointment to the strategically important Federal Court of Comodoro Py, also drew attention.

Even officials who initially questioned Milei’s decision to make a national broadcast about the Malvinas now want the subject to dominate public discussion. One political source said the address had “permeated everywhere” and made Milei’s position clear. Another acknowledged uncertainty over how long the effect would last, but hoped it could continue for several weeks while the government sought to escape what it described as a bubble of negativity and prevent its opponents from uniting.

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I don’t know how long it will last, but I hope we can extend it for several weeks.