Argentine President Milei Faces Criminal Complaint Over Tax Evasion Remarks

Former Judge Eduardo Freiler has filed a criminal complaint against Argentine President Javier Milei for calling tax evaders "heroes" during his appearance at the Llao Llao Forum in Bariloche. Freiler accused Milei of "apology of crime" and "instigation to commit a crime" for his controversial remarks.

The complaint comes amid nationwide protests against Milei's proposed budget cuts to public education, which have seen hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and workers take to the streets in one of the largest demonstrations in the last 20 years of Argentine democracy. The opposition has united behind the protests, with human rights activists also filing a request to impeach Milei "for the poor performance of his duties and possible commission of crimes."

Why this matters: Milei's comments and policies have triggered a major political crisis in Argentina, with the education protests representing a significant challenge to his presidency. The criminal complaint and impeachment request emphasize the growing opposition to Milei's controversial stances and governance style.

Milei, who took office in December 2023, has faced criticism for his hardline economic policies and confrontational approach. His remarks at the Llao Llao Forum, where he praised tax evaders as "heroes," have further fueled the backlash against his administration.

The nationwide education protests have brought together a broad coalition of students, educators, unions, and civil society groups opposed to Milei's proposed austerity measures. Demonstrators have denounced the budget cuts as an attack on public education and social rights.

In response to the criminal complaint, a spokesperson for the president's office dismissed the accusations as "politically motivated" and insisted that Milei's comments at the forum were taken out of context. However, opposition leaders have seized on the remarks as evidence of Milei's disregard for the rule of law and the country's institutions.

As the protests continue to gain momentum, with further demonstrations planned in the coming days, the political pressure on Milei is intensifying. The criminal complaint filed by Freiler and the impeachment request by human rights activists underscore the growing legal challenges facing the embattled president. With his approval ratings plummeting and calls for his resignation mounting, Milei finds himself increasingly isolated just months into his term.

Key Takeaways

• Former judge files criminal complaint against Pres. Milei for praising tax evaders
• Nationwide protests against Milei's proposed budget cuts to public education
• Opposition seeks to impeach Milei for "poor performance" and "possible crimes"
• Milei faces backlash over hardline economic policies and confrontational approach
• Milei's approval ratings plummet as political pressure and legal challenges mount