Bullrich contradicts Santilli over disability budget cuts

Senator Patricia Bullrich publicly contradicted Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli regarding the 2027 budget's disability provisions. Bullrich denied Santilli's claim that she left a Tuesday political coordination meeting before disability cuts were discussed, stating she was present for the budget talks. She added that Lower House Speaker Martín Menem also remained unaware of the specific changes until the bill was filed.

Bullrich described the disability cuts as a potential provocation and said she had been negotiating the issue with the opposition. She argued the modifications were inserted after the political meeting without her knowledge. The senator insisted she does not seek conflict with Santilli but demanded internal honesty.

“That is a lie. When the budget was discussed, I was there.”

The dispute erupted after the executive branch submitted the budget bill near the midnight deadline. Several libertarian legislators said they were also surprised by the disability chapter. President Javier Milei is traveling to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaving the internal tension unresolved.

Sources close to Bullrich said her public criticism aims to force a policy change. She was filmed working while playing a song by singer Lali Espósito, a previous target of Milei's criticism, in what was seen as a provocative gesture. The government canceled Monday's cabinet meeting so Milei could focus on his UN speech.

Bullrich recalled that disability funding triggered a major governance crisis in 2025. She urged building consensus so government bills become law rather than stalling in Congress. The senator pledged to arrive early and stay until the end of the next political coordination meeting.