Victoria Villarruel: The Political Career and Ideology of Argentina's Vice President
Victoria Eugenia Villarruel is a prominent Argentine politician, lawyer, and activist who currently serves as the 38th Vice President of Argentina. Assuming office on December 10, 2023, alongside President Javier Milei, Villarruel represents a conservative and right-wing nationalist shift in Argentine governance. Her path to the vice presidency was paved by years of legal activism and a controversial approach to Argentina's historical narrative regarding state terrorism and guerrilla warfare.
Key Facts
- Current Role: 38th Vice President of Argentina (since December 10, 2023).
- Political Affiliation: La Libertad Avanza coalition and the Democratic Party (since 2022).
- Professional Background: Lawyer, writer, and founder of the Center for Legal Studies on Terrorism and its Victims (CELTYV).
- Legislative Experience: Served as a National Deputy for the City of Buenos Aires from 2021 to 2023.
- Education: Alumna of the University of Buenos Aires and the National Technological University.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born on April 13, 1975, in Buenos Aires, Villarruel grew up in a family with strong ties to the military. Her father was a high-ranking member of the Argentine Army, and her grandfather, a historian for the Argentine Navy, reportedly survived four guerrilla bombings. This background heavily influenced her later political and social views.
Beyond her degrees in law and technology, Villarruel sought specialized training in security. In 2008, she completed a course in Inter-Agency Coordination and Combating Terrorism at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, a U.S. Department of Defense institution located at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
Activism and Historical Revisionism
Villarruel's entry into public life began in the early 2000s through media and grassroots activism. She hosted a radio show called Proyecto Verdad and collaborated with groups such as Memoria Completa and the Association of Relatives and Friends of Political Prisoners of Argentina (AFyAPPA). Through these organizations, she advocated for the release of individuals convicted of crimes against humanity during the National Reorganization Process (the military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983).
In 2003, she founded the Center for Legal Studies on Terrorism and its Victims (CELTYV), a civil association she continues to chair. Her work focuses on documenting civilian victims of guerrilla terrorism. In her 2014 book, Los otros muertos, she argues that the majority of guerrilla crimes occurred between 1973 and 1976, during the democratic period preceding the military coup.
These views have led to significant friction with human rights organizations. Villarruel has been accused of state terrorism denial, though she denies these claims, stating she does not support the National Reorganization Process itself but rather seeks to recognize the victims of subversive terrorism.
Rise to Political Power
Villarruel's formal political ascent began in 2021 when she was elected as a National Deputy for the City of Buenos Aires. Initially running as an independent, she joined the conservative Democratic Party in 2022 and aligned herself with the La Libertad Avanza coalition led by Javier Milei.
During the 2023 general election, she served as Milei's running mate. Her campaign was marked by intense debates where she disputed the official estimate of 30,000 disappeared or killed during the Dirty War and defended certain military figures. Despite the controversy, the ticket won the presidency with 55.69% of the vote in the second round.
The Vice Presidency and Internal Conflict
As Vice President, Villarruel presides over the Senate. However, her tenure has been marked by growing tension with President Milei. The conflict peaked in July 2025 over fiscal austerity measures; after the Senate passed proposals to increase disability allowances and pensions—measures Milei opposed—the President publicly labeled her a "traitor" and "stupid" on social media. Villarruel responded by telling the President to "grow up," leading to a strained professional relationship.
Social and Religious Positions
Villarruel's political identity is deeply rooted in her traditional Catholic faith, specifically her association with the Society of Saint Pius X. Consequently, she strongly opposes abortion and euthanasia. While she supports civil unions for same-sex couples, she remains opposed to same-sex marriage.
Summary of Political and Electoral History
| Election Year | Office | Coalition/Party | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | National Deputy | La Libertad Avanza | 313,808 (17.04%) | Elected |
| 2023 (Round 1) | Vice President | La Libertad Avanza | 8,034,990 (29.99%) | Round 2 |
| 2023 (Round 2) | Vice President | La Libertad Avanza | 14,476,462 (55.69%) | Elected |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CELTYV?
CELTYV is the Center for Legal Studies on Terrorism and its Victims, a civil association founded and chaired by Victoria Villarruel to document and provide legal support for victims of guerrilla terrorism in Argentina.
What is Villarruel's stance on the Argentine military dictatorship?
Villarruel denies accusations of supporting the National Reorganization Process. However, she disputes the official number of victims of the Dirty War and argues that terrorism was prevalent during the democratic government between 1973 and 1976.
How does Villarruel's relationship with Javier Milei stand?
The relationship is currently strained and avoidant, following a public dispute in July 2025 regarding Senate-approved increases for pensions and disability allowances.
What are her views on social issues?
Influenced by her traditional Catholic faith, she opposes abortion and euthanasia. She supports civil unions but opposes same-sex marriage.
Which languages does Victoria Villarruel speak?
In addition to her native Spanish, she is conversational in English and Japanese.