Amid electoral tension, the surprise embrace between Macri and Caputo
The dinner organized by the Freedom Foundation offered an unexpected twist last night amid the political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. Mauricio Macri and Santiago Caputo , protagonists of a relationship marked by strategic differences in recent months , greeted each other with a cordial gesture that contrasted with the atmosphere prior to the event.
The presidential advisor, a key figure in Javier Milei 's entourage, arrived at the hall minutes before nine at night, cigarette in hand, without stopping for the photojournalists seeking to capture his image. He was led directly to the main hall, where the more than 120 guests and the former president, accompanied by his wife Juliana Awada , were already present.
At first, there was no interaction between Macri and Caputo, which raised concerns about a possible snub. However, the script suddenly changed: Caputo approached, extended his hand to the former president, and received a hug, accompanied by a few words in his ear that brought a smile to the advisor's face.
The gesture was later echoed by Cristian Ritondo , one of the PRO leaders most supportive of the idea of an alliance with La Libertad Avanza in the province of Buenos Aires. He also exchanged a warm greeting with him.
Meanwhile, Manuel Adorni —presidential spokesperson and candidate for Buenos Aires City legislator—sat at a table near Macri's. He spent a few minutes alone until he was greeted by Caputo with another hug. By then, Macri was already moving between the tables, exchanging greetings with several of those present.
During the evening, representatives of the ruling party garnered much of the attention. Adorni and Representative Alberto Benegas Lynch were the ones to speak, with speeches focused on supporting Javier Milei's administration. "The President stood right here, at this lectern, and anticipated what was going to happen, and it happened. Contrary to the majority of opinion makers, the objectives were not only achieved but exceeded," Adorni stated.
The presidential spokesman added: "The President also said that inflation would be below five percent. Today, inflation has its death certificate signed." And he closed with a forceful message: "Milei kept her promise with her way of doing politics. We Argentines have decided that if we don't go all out, change will be truncated."
He also took aim at Kirchnerism, which he described as "a gang of criminals in retreat," and warned: "We cannot give them even a millimeter of leeway, and we cannot talk to anyone who doesn't want to talk. Freedom is not negotiable."
Javier Milei did not attend the dinner, citing his recent trip to the Vatican for Pope Francis ' funeral. However, he returned to the country on Sunday and that same day participated in an event where he honored Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto .
Macri, one of the evening's speakers, also delivered his message: "Argentina can be the first country to cure itself of populism; that's what those of us here believe, and we are facing a great opportunity."
Among the attendees were names such as Nicolás Massot , Carlos Maslaton , Diana Mondino , Ramiro Marra , Federico Pinedo , Emilio Apud and Silvana Giudici , among others.
