Argentine President Javier Milei was attacked with stones while campaigning near Buenos Aires, as protests erupted over corruption allegations involving his sister, Karina Milei. The far-right leader was unharmed after his motorcade came under fire from demonstrators throwing plants, rocks and bottles in Lomas de Zamora, 20km south of the capital.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni confirmed on social media that Milei sustained no injuries and was quickly whisked from the scene by security. Scuffles later broke out between supporters and opponents of the libertarian president, who posted a photo of a stone flying above his head with the caption: 'Civilisation or barbarism. Kirchnerismo never again.'
The attack occurred amid a deepening corruption scandal that has dominated Argentina's news agenda. Leaked audio recordings allegedly show a former government official, Diego Spagnuolo, discussing bribes linked to medicine purchases for disabled people, claiming Karina Milei pocketed 3% from each contract. The president has denied the allegations, calling them lies and vowing to take Spagnuolo to court.
Justice Minister Patricia Bullrich blamed supporters of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for the stone-throwing, while others linked it to the corruption scandal. Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof, a Kirchner ally, later called Milei a 'fraudster' and 'liar' without mentioning the attack.
The scandal poses a significant threat to Milei ahead of provincial elections in Buenos Aires on 7 September and national elections on 26 October, which will test his support since taking office in December 2023. Political analyst Lara Goyburu noted that the allegations could affect voter turnout as they resemble the 'old-fashioned corruption' Milei had promised to fight.
