Victoria Villarruel, the Vice President of Argentina, has publicly criticized Javier Milei's libertarian economic model, emphasizing that it leads to an unhealthy dependence on foreign countries, notably China, for essential goods. Her remarks come in the wake of the government's approval of a labor reform project, which she sees as a step away from protecting domestic industries. Villarruel points out that the indiscriminate trade opening promoted by Milei's La Libertad Avanza coalition threatens to deepen existing economic and social emergencies in Argentina.

Villarruel's critique gained additional weight with the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court to overturn tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on imports, a move she argues undermines domestic production policies. The Vice President is warning that without a strong industrial base, Argentina risks vulnerability to external economic pressures and a loss of self-sufficiency. This situation could exacerbate the challenges faced by local businesses already struggling in a competitive global marketplace.

As these debates unfold, Villarruel's stance illustrates a significant ideological rift within Argentina's political landscape, especially concerning economic strategies to stimulate growth while ensuring national interests are safeguarded. Her criticisms of Milei's approach reflect broader concerns about the implications of free trade and reliance on larger economies, prompting discussions about sustainable economic practices for Argentina's future.