Milei vetoes judicial candidate; Bullrich opposes, offers resignation

President Javier Milei's decision to veto María Verónica Michelli's judicial candidacy has ignited a political firestorm, threatening to alienate allies in the Senate. Michelli's nomination was reportedly blocked because she is the sister-in-law of Hugo Alconada Mon, a journalist who has investigated the "$LIBRA" case.

The move sent shockwaves through the ruling La Libertad Avanza bloc in the Senate. Senator Patricia Bullrich, the head of the officialist senators, publicly defied the Casa Rosada's order to reject Michelli's nomination. She announced her opposition on social media, stating she would vote against the removal of Michelli's nomination from consideration.

Bullrich informed her fellow senators of her stance just minutes before her public announcement. She also conveyed to President Milei that "an electorate needs republican gestures" and that vetoing a candidate due to a family member, particularly a journalist, would not aid in rebuilding the party's image or voter base. This sentiment was interpreted by some as a veiled criticism of the administration's handling of other controversies.

Although Bullrich's conversation with Milei was reportedly calm, it was tense enough for her to offer her resignation as bloc leader, an offer the president rejected. There are currently no indications that Bullrich will step down from her leadership position. She is expected to reconvene with her bloc on Wednesday after a trip to Mendoza.