• Argentina's Congress has overridden President Javier Milei's vetoes on funding for public universities and pediatric healthcare.
• The Senate's decision comes ahead of crucial midterm elections on October 26, amidst Milei's declining popularity and a corruption scandal.
• Milei's austerity measures have been met with public discontent, impacting both education and health sectors.

In a significant political move, Argentina's Congress has overturned two vetoes issued by President Javier Milei, allowing increased funding for public universities and pediatric health care. Senators voted overwhelmingly to reject Milei's vetoes by margins of 59-7 and 58-7, respectively, marking a setback for his austerity-driven leadership ahead of the important midterm elections scheduled for October 26, 2025, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, Le Monde, and India Times.

This latest congressional action follows previous overrides, including a noteworthy one in September that reinstated funding for people with disabilities. The opposition-controlled Senate's decision signals widespread discontent with Milei's austerity policies, which aim to stabilize the economy but have led to increased public weariness, as highlighted by political analyst Sebastian Halperin who remarked, "There’s a sensation of disenchantment and anger with the impact of the cutbacks," according to Reuters and India Times.

As Milei fights to bolster support ahead of the midterms, his relationship with the national currency, the peso, faces challenges. The U.S. government is engaging in discussions regarding a $20 billion credit swap line, aimed at stabilizing the peso. However, market reactions have been volatile, reflecting uncertainty surrounding the extent of U.S. financial support, as stated by Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

Furthermore, the political ramifications for Milei's administration are evident, as public sentiment shifts against austerity measures that have severely affected essential services like education and healthcare. Many Argentinians expressed their approval for the veto override, with voices from the crowd celebrating outside Congress, reflecting a growing opposition to Milei's policies, according to Le Monde and India Times.