Journalist Lorena Álvarez recently published an article in the magazine Panamá titled “Intimate Enemies.” In it, she argues that among the new political figures, Victoria Villarruel stands out as the most direct heir to Elisa Carrió and Cristina Kirchner, judging by how she is building her political career. Álvarez also raised doubts about Karina Milei’s ability to carve out her own political pathway, while acknowledging her unique position as both the Vice President and the First Lady. During an interview on Modo Fontevecchia, broadcast on Net TV, Radio Perfil, and Radio Amadeus, she remarked, “There’s a fine line between looking after her brother and starting to enjoy power.”
Lorena Álvarez is a seasoned journalist who currently contributes as a columnist for the digital magazine Panamá. In her column “Intimate Enemies,” she discusses what she perceives as a rekindling of a historic feud between influential women, Cristina Kirchner and Elisa Carrió. She draws parallels to the current tensions involving Vice President Victoria Villarruel and the President’s sister. Álvarez believes the political and intellectual weight of both Carrió and Kirchner is incomparable to that of the President’s sister, who has a background in Public Relations.
The role of critical and professional journalism is essential for democracy, which is why those who believe they hold the truth may find it unsettling. Álvarez concurs that it is difficult to assess Karina Milei’s true political weight because she has only made limited public appearances as the Secretary General of the Presidency. As she mentioned, both Kirchner and Carrió made significant media appearances in the same week, bringing their rivalry back into the spotlight. She emphasizes that, amongst the group of new political players, Victoria Villarruel is the most direct successor to Carrió and Kirchner.
Despite their ideological differences, Álvarez highlights that Villarruel’s eloquence and command of language set her apart. While Karina Milei is still finding her footing in a space many feel is unwanted, Villarruel has managed to stand out. According to Álvarez, Villarruel’s absence from a significant event turned into a talking point, where her post-event reappearance was more impactful than her presence would have been.
Alvarez mentions that Lacan once said, “the true presence is the presence of absence.” This reflects Villarruel’s strategy of avoiding unnecessary conflicts while still maintaining a graceful public image. The dynamics of Karina Milei’s political career remain unclear, as it is uncertain if her role is genuinely political or an extension of her role in supporting her brother.
This discussion around the inner conflicts between the sisters-in-law brings to light the evolution of their political ambitions. Historically, political disputes have influenced careers, but this situation presents a unique challenge as it includes the President’s sister. Karina Milei’s aspirations seem ambiguous, and, unlike Villarruel, it is uncertain if she aims for an individual political career or is merely working to support her brother.
While both Kirchner and Carrió have pursued and attained high political office, the paths of Karina Milei and Villarruel differ significantly. Villarruel appears to be preparing for a long-term political career, while Karina seems to struggle with her identity outside her familial connection. The article pinpoints that Karina’s surname will not suffice for her political success.
Villarruel’s public actions demonstrate a clear trajectory towards political prominence, diverging from the uncertain path of Karina. The internal dynamics of their rivalry also shed light on relationships within the government, primarily focusing on liberating nationalists and indicating a complex web of allegiances that defy classical political analysis.
Discussion of Karina Milei’s political weight raises questions about her ability to lead a political career, particularly with little visibility or public discourse surrounding her goals. In contrast, Villarruel communicates her political aspirations explicitly.
In interviews, it is suggested that Villarruel is shaping her political landscape, potentially positioning herself for a stronger role within the government, while the historical precedents indicate that vice presidents often face significant obstacles in maintaining their influence.
Moreover, the role of the President’s sister as a de facto first lady brings a unique dimension to their political landscape. Unlike previous figures, Karina occupies multiple roles—combining her duties as Vice President with a public persona reminiscent of a first lady. This complex position allows Karina to assert influence, although challenges arise with Villarruel’s assertive public presence.
As debates in the political arena continue, Villarruel’s growing visibility and strategic positioning reflect a readiness to engage politically in a way not seen from Karina Milei, leaving many intrigued about how these dynamics will unfold in the future.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/modo-fontevecchia/lorena-alvarez-victoria-villarruel-es-la-heredera-de-lilita-carrio-y-cfk-modof.phtml
