In a surprising turn of events during his recent visit to Argentina's presidential palace, Javier Milei, the radical libertarian leader, was not accompanied by his vice-president or partner. Instead, his sister, Karina, emerged as a significant presence, leading many analysts to consider her the true power behind his political throne.
Throughout the electoral campaign, often referred to as "El Jefe" or the male boss, Karina would precede her brother on stage, introducing him to the crowd. Beyond being a master of ceremonies, she reportedly manages his schedule, controls access to the leader, and even influences his choice of attire, according to the unauthorized biography "El Loco" by Juan Luis González.
Karina, known as "Kari" to her brother, played a pivotal role in shaping the political movement that garnered nearly 56% of the total votes in the election. She contributed ideas that boosted Milei's popularity, such as the unconventional move of raffling his salary as a member of parliament.
Carolina Barry, a political science researcher, emphasized that Karina's influence extends far beyond politics, overseeing various aspects of Milei's life. From stage lighting to dietary choices and interactions with business figures, her impact is comparable to influential figures like Eva Perón, transcending traditional political structures.
Unlike Eva Perón, who became a public face of the Peronist project, Karina Milei maintains a low public profile. Graduating with a degree in public relations, she initially had successful businesses, including a cake shop, before organizing her brother's public agenda a decade ago.
As president, Milei abolished a ban on appointing relatives to government positions, leading to Karina becoming the general secretary of the presidency. Some observers already view her as a de facto co-president, handling responsibilities such as developing public policy, speechwriting, and managing civil society relations.
Melisa Tatiana Slep, a political analyst, notes that Karina's decision to keep a low public profile is strategic. Organizing everything behind the scenes allows her to avoid public scrutiny effectively.
Karina is part of a group of influential women in key positions within the Milei administration, including Vice-President Victoria Villarruel, Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich, economist Diana Mondino, and journalist Sandra Pettovello. This diverse lineup reflects a departure from traditional political expectations.
Questions loom about the dynamics between Karina Milei and other ministers, with Villarruel, once instrumental to Milei's victory, assuming a less prominent role. The Milei family's disruptive politics, breaking traditional molds in a largely conservative country, raises uncertainties about the government's future actions and potential consequences.
In the words of Carolina Barry, predicting the future is challenging, as extreme measures may lead to unforeseen outcomes in the coming months, potentially causing significant societal impact.