Tensions Flare Between Milei and Villarruel Amidst Gendarme Detention Crisis
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The already strained relationship between Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei and his running mate, Victoria Villarruel, has reached a new boiling point following the detention of an Argentine gendarme in Venezuela.A recent social media post by Milei highlighted the growing rift within the libertarian power structure, further exposing deep divisions within the campaign.
The controversy ignited after Villarruel responded too a question about the detained gendarme, Nahuel Gallo, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She stated, “I would never have authorized a gendarme to go to Venezuela. What is happening is the sadly obvious outcome, but since I am not from the Security area, I have no opinion on the sanctions and actions that should be taken.” while Villarruel later deleted the post,her comments drew a sharp rebuke from Security Minister Patricia Bullrich,a key ally of Milei.Bullrich retorted, “It is indeed shameful that he uses Nahuel Gallo to gather likes.”
This latest exchange marks a meaningful escalation in the ongoing feud between Milei and Villarruel. Last week,tensions soared when Villarruel called a Senate session to dismiss Edgardo Kueider,a move that,while initially appealing to Kirchnerism,ultimately garnered support even from within Milei’s own La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party. Milei, who was in Italy visiting Giorgia Meloni, criticized Villarruel’s actions, stating that she should have been focused on executive duties rather than presiding over the Senate. This action placed Villarruel in a arduous position and ultimately led to the senator’s imprisonment.
The situation underscores the internal challenges facing Milei’s campaign as the Argentine presidential election approaches. The public spat between Milei and villarruel raises questions about the stability and cohesion of their political alliance, perhaps impacting their electoral prospects. The ongoing saga of the detained gendarme serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape and its potential to exacerbate domestic political divisions.
Argentine Gendarme’s Detention in Venezuela fuels Political Tensions
The detention of an Argentine gendarme in Venezuela has ignited a heated political debate in Argentina, with accusations of political opportunism and concerns about the safety of the detained officer. The incident involves Nahuel Agustín Gallo, a 33-year-old gendarme from Catamarca, who was apprehended by Venezuelan security forces while attempting to enter the country.
Gallo, who was on vacation from his post at the 27th Gendarmerie Squadron in Mendoza, had traveled to Caracas to visit a relative of his partner after a mission in Colombia. He had been living in Caracas for seven months with his wife and two-year-old son.
Patricia Bullrich, a prominent figure in argentine politics, weighed in on the situation, criticizing the handling of the situation and accusing others of political maneuvering. “It is shameful that he uses Nahuel Gallo to gather likes and also delete the tweet when the impact is not what was expected,” Bullrich stated.”Argentines no longer tolerate cowardice or political opportunism,” she added.
Bullrich further criticized the lack of understanding of governmental procedures, stating, “It is clear that you speak with total ignorance of the administrative channels and mechanisms that govern within the framework of the National Gendarmerie. Travel authorization is granted thru the Personnel Directorate. That is why I ask you to inform yourself next time before issuing statements.”
Adding to the complexity, the incident has also drawn Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice president, into the fray. Villarruel, in a social media post, clarified her position, stating, “In the face of statements from some political parties that claim to represent me and my ideas, I want to express that today there is no place for ‘moderation’.I am not participating in any political activity and when I do, I will do so where the President asks me to. I am part of the space that governs our country, as its very foundation, and here I will remain defending the convictions that led us to find a common path.”
Despite Villarruel’s attempt to distance herself from the controversy, the situation remains tense. Bullrich even used the possibility to call for action on a separate issue, stating, “if you want to serve the country, As an Argentine, I ask you to take care of stopping the crazy and imminent salary increase in the Senate of the Nation. Citizens are making a heroic effort to overcome the inherited crisis and do not deserve to finance allowances of 9.5 million for any legislator.”
The Argentine National Gendarmerie (GNA) issued a statement on Sunday, confirming that they filed a criminal complaint for Gallo’s kidnapping. The statement also noted that family members were contacted immediately and all data was submitted to the relevant authorities since december 10th, when the GNA first learned of the situation. Bullrich confirmed that Gallo is currently being held in an intelligence base in Táchira, Venezuela.”We certainly know where he is,” she stated in a radio interview. She also mentioned that Gallo’s mother-in-law was contacted but couldn’t meet due to security concerns.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between Argentina and Venezuela and raises concerns about the safety of Argentine citizens traveling abroad. the ongoing political fallout underscores the deep divisions within Argentina’s political landscape.
Argentine Gendarme’s Detention in Venezuela Fuels Diplomatic tensions
A diplomatic crisis is brewing between Argentina and Venezuela following the detention of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Agustín Gallo. Gallo,who was visiting his partner and son,was apprehended by Venezuelan authorities,prompting outrage from the Argentine government and calls for his immediate release.
Argentina’s government has launched a vigorous diplomatic campaign to secure Gallo’s release. “The Argentine Military Bishopric,in solidarity with the institution,established communication with its counterpart in Venezuela,who undertook to carry out the pertinent investigations,” a statement from the Gendarmerie explained. The statement further emphasized, “The force continues to provide all means to support the efforts being carried out by the Ministry of National Security. We demand from the Venezuelan police authorities the immediate freedom of our comrade.”
The Argentine government insists Gallo’s detention is unjustified. “Despite the strictly personal nature of his visit,he was immediately detained,without any legitimate reason and in open violation of his fundamental rights,” an official government statement declared. the executive branch is invoking humanitarian grounds to garner international support for Gallo’s release.
Adding fuel to the fire, Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei weighed in on the situation during a recent speech at the Military College.”First of all, and before starting the speech, I want to refer to the illegal kidnapping of Nahuel Gallo in venezuela,” Milei stated. He continued, “He was detained by the security forces in charge of the criminal dictator Nicolás Maduro for the sole crime of visiting his partner and son,” demanding Gallo’s “immediate release.”
Initially, Diosdado Cabello, a high-ranking official in the Maduro government, offered a justification for Gallo’s arrest, suggesting his limited funds ($500) made him suspicious. However, Cabello later shifted his narrative, claiming Gallo was part of a “plan” to extract six Venezuelan opposition figures from the Argentine embassy in Caracas, who have been seeking asylum there since March.
The situation highlights the increasingly strained relationship between Argentina and Venezuela, and raises concerns about human rights and the rule of law within Venezuela. The Argentine government’s strong response underscores the seriousness with which it views this incident and its determination to secure gallo’s safe return.
Tensions Flare Between Milei and Villarruel Amidst Gendarme Detention Crisis in Venezuela
This article explores the escalating tensions brewing within the Argentine political landscape, triggered by the detention of an Argentine gendarme in venezuela and exacerbated by conflicting statements from presidential candidate Javier Milei and his running mate Victoria Villarruel.
Gendarme Detention Sparks Political firestorm
The article centers on the detention of Nahuel Agustín Gallo, a 33-year-old Argentinian gendarme, in Venezuela. Gallo was apprehended while attempting to enter the country, igniting a political debate about the handling of the situation and raising concerns for Gallo’s safety.
Key figures:
Nahuel Agustín Gallo: The detained gendarme.
Patricia Bullrich: Powerful figure in argentine politics and a key ally of Milei, criticizing the situation and calling for action.
Victoria Villarruel: Milei’s running mate, whose initial comments triggered backlash and forced her to clarify her position.
Javier Milei: Argentine presidential candidate whose relationship with Villarruel is increasingly strained.
Milei-Villaruel Feud Intensifies
The gendarme’s detention has further exposed the already strained relationship between Milei and Villarruel.Villarruel’s initial response to the situation, which emphasized she wouldn’t have authorized the gendarme’s presence in Venezuela, drew sharp rebuke from Bullrich, who accused her of seeking political advantage.
Key takeaways:
Political Opportunism: Both Bullrich and Villarruel are accused of using the gendarme’s detention for political gain.
Lack of Cohesion: The public disagreement highlights the lack of unity within Milei’s libertarian political alliance.
Impact on Campaign: The ongoing feud raises questions about the stability and effectiveness of Milei’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Argentine presidential election.
Argentina’s Gendarmerie Seeks Justice
While the political debate rages on, the Argentine National Gendarmerie (GNA) has filed a criminal complaint for Gallo’s kidnapping. The GNA confirmed contacting Gallo’s family and submitting all relevant data to authorities since December 10th.
Key points regarding the Gendarmerie’s actions:
Formal complaint: Filing a criminal complaint against those responsible for Gallo’s detention.
Family contact: Prompt communication with Gallo’s family to offer support and keep them informed.
Openness: Providing all necessary information to the relevant authorities for a swift resolution.
Geopolitical implications
The gendarme’s detention underscores the complex and often politically charged relationship between Argentina and Venezuela.
Future Implications:
Diplomatic Pressure: Argentina might face pressure to negotiate Gallo’s release with Venezuelan authorities.
Domestic Impact: the incident could further inflame domestic political tensions,especially in the context of the upcoming elections.
* International Scrutiny: Gallo’s detention might draw international attention to the human rights situation in Venezuela, especially towards citizens of other nationalities.
The article concludes by highlighting the intricacies of the situation and emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure Gallo’s safe return and to address the underlying political tensions both domestically and internationally.
