Argentina President Milei Faces Corruption Scandal Involving Sister Amid Election Outlook

Argentina's President Javier Milei is embroiled in a significant corruption scandal involving his sister Karina Milei, who allegedly received kickbacks from contracts linked to the National Disability Agency (ANDIS). Audio recordings released by the streaming channel Carnaval feature former ANDIS director Diego Spagnuolo, a close ally and former lawyer of Milei, accusing Karina of pocketing 3% from pharmaceutical contracts and orchestrating a bribery scheme involving supplier price inflation and money funneled to the presidency. Despite initially denying the recordings, Spagnuolo later admitted their authenticity and was dismissed from his position. Milei has publicly defended his sister amid growing criticism, calling the scandal a political operation against his administration, which faces heightened scrutiny ahead of key legislative elections. The scandal has sparked widespread political debate and criticism, including from former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, as well as highlighting internal government resignations linked to low salaries and alleged corruption. This controversy marks the most damaging blow to Milei’s administration since taking office, threatening its stability and public support.