BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The famous Colón Theater in Argentina became the battleground for both support and opposition towards the right-wing presidential candidate on the eve of Sunday’s runoff election.
On Friday evening, the audience gathered in the renowned opera house to watch a performance of “Madama Butterfly,” but soon the attention shifted towards Javier Milei, the presidential candidate, seated in the front row with his girlfriend. A group of attendees began hurling insults at him, chanting phrases like “Milei, trash, you are the dictatorship!” The incident was captured in videos shared on social media. Milei has been criticized for downplaying Argentina’s military rule and holding controversial views on various issues.
Some videos also captured orchestra musicians playing the “Peronist March,” the anthem of Milei’s opponent, Economy Minister Sergio Massa’s political party.
However, there were also attendees who applauded Milei and requested photos with him, as shown in videos reposted by Milei on social media platforms.
Journalist Luis Novaresio, who witnessed the events in the theater, commented in a television interview, “I’ve never seen the Colón like this.” He dismissed earlier reports suggesting that Milei had been asked to leave, clarifying that Milei stayed until the end of the opera.
Milei, an avowed admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been vocal about his disdain for the perceived corruption in Argentina’s political class. He aims to reduce the size of the state and tackle the triple-digit inflation that has escalated during Massa’s tenure.
However, Milei’s unorthodox views have garnered passionate opposition, with critics portraying him as a threat to democracy. Massa has warned voters that electing Milei would lead to the dismantling of public education, healthcare, consumer subsidies, and welfare programs. Milei has denied these claims.
Both candidates have entered a campaign blackout period, prohibiting them from further campaigning until after the Sunday vote. Milei’s appearance at the Colón Theater, whether deliberate or coincidental, placed him in the spotlight on a grand stage, with many attendees sharing videos of the incident on social media.
Milei expressed his thoughts on the situation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “What a beautiful work Madama Butterfly,” followed by laughter emojis.
