The government breathed a sigh of relief after Congress approved the emergency decree (DNU) on the IMF agreement. However, President Javier Milei remained highly engaged, monitoring the protest preparations from Casa Rosada, while his sister, Karina Milei, met with Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and the head of the Military House. Later in the afternoon, the President and Karina welcomed Economy Minister Luis “Toto” Caputo.

Government on High Alert Amid Political and Economic Tensions

As tensions rise due to the heated congressional debate on the IMF agreement, street protests against Milei, and financial market fluctuations, the government has adopted an increasingly active stance. Despite attempts to downplay concerns, insiders report a sense of quiet urgency within the administration.

As midday approached, Karina Milei met with Bullrich at Casa Rosada to discuss security operations with the Military House chief, Sebastián Ibáñez. Meanwhile, later in the afternoon, Luis Caputo arrived at Balcarce 50, swiftly making his way to the President’s office without addressing the press.

Following opposition criticism over police handling of violent demonstrators, Milei has reaffirmed his support for Bullrich’s security strategy. However, he has chosen to personally oversee coordination efforts this time, instead of leaving full decision-making power to the security minister, as he did during last week’s protests.

Lessons from the Pensioners’ Protest

The violent pensioners’ protest last week caught the government, if not entirely by surprise, at least with less preparation than expected. At that time, security operations were almost entirely left to Bullrich. However, after chaos erupted and criticism mounted, the administration decided to take a more hands-on approach today.

Yesterday, Santiago Caputo, Milei’s closest advisor, summoned Bullrich, intelligence chiefs, and officials from the ministries of Transportation and Justice to assess the security plan. Intelligence heads Sergio Neifert and Diego Kravetz, along with Deputy Justice Minister Sebastián Amerio, report directly to Caputo. However, Bullrich’s accountability remains with the President himself.

While Milei did not attend yesterday’s meeting, rumors suggest he joined this morning’s key security briefing, led by Karina Milei, with Bullrich and Ibáñez also in attendance.

Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Challenges

Despite the tense political and security climate, Milei kept his scheduled meetings with Israeli Ambassador Eyal Sela, Shoah Memorial Center President Dani Dayan, and Rabbi Yoni Ganger. However, uncertainty lingers over his planned trip to Israel, initially scheduled for this weekend.

Though Milei had assured DAIA (Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas) earlier this week that his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was still on, government sources now confirm that the visit has been postponed. This marks the second diplomatic trip delayed due to domestic unrest, following last week’s sudden cancellation of a visit to Chile amid violent protests and Bullrich’s security operation.

Within Casa Rosada, officials claim Kirchnerist factions are attempting to destabilize the government, even hinting at a “coup attempt”. However, they insist that the administration remains in control.

“If they throw stones, it only exposes them to the public. Whether they’re hooligans or not, they’re all ‘K’ supporters. Isn’t the Gimnasia fan club also ‘K’?” a source close to Milei remarked around midday, referring to alleged Kirchnerist-backed protesters.

Security Measures and Congressional Uncertainty

Federal police, in coordination with the Military House, erected barricades around Casa Rosada, particularly near Reconquista Street, about 100 meters from government headquarters. Authorities fear that protesters may again gather near Balcarce 50, potentially leading to violent clashes similar to last week’s incidents, when demonstrators threw stones at a memorial for pandemic victims in Plaza de Mayo.

Inside Casa Rosada, officials express greater concern over the ongoing congressional session than street protests. Earlier today, the government celebrated the smooth start of the IMF agreement debate in the lower house, but efforts to conclude the session by 3:00 PM failed. This overlap with the 5:00 PM protest start time has heightened tensions.

Further complicating matters, Kirchnerist lawmakers scheduled a special session at 7:00 PM to discuss pension fund allocations, precisely when government sources anticipate possible unrest.

Caputo’s Role in Calming Market Jitters

As debates escalated inside Congress and tensions flared with Kirchnerist lawmakers such as Máximo Kirchner, Luis Caputo arrived at Casa Rosada, walking through the Hall of Busts en route to meet with Milei and Karina. His visit came amid market turbulence, following a sharp rise in the dollar over the past 48 hours.

Although the government publicly downplayed the market volatility, insiders suggest that officials privately suspect an attempt to trigger a financial run against Milei.

To reinforce confidence, Caputo later posted a photo with Milei and Karina, signaling unity within the administration. The image was strategically timed to coincide with Congress’ approval of the IMF agreement, which passed with 129 votes in favor and 108 against—a result that provided the government with a much-needed political and economic reprieve.