Argentina’s Milei rushed to safety after convoy pelted with rocks

Argentine President Javier Milei was moved to safety after protesters threw rocks and bottles at his convoy while campaigning for mid-term elections.

Milei was standing in the back of a vehicle moving along the streets of Lomas de Zamora in Buenos Aires, when at least one rock hit the bonnet. Other items were seen being thrown over Milei’s head before he was driven away.

Scuffles broke out between supporters and opponents of the president, with one of his supporters suffering from injured ribs, according to AFP news agency.

Afterwards, Milei posted a picture of himself with his thumbs up, and accused the opposition of violence. His spokesman Manuel Adorni said no one had been injured.

Milei was later seen being escorted into a black vehicle with tinted windows, as he was asked by local press to comment on what had happened.

The president was with his chief of staff and sister Karina Milei during the incident.

He had been campaigning for October mid-term elections, greeting his supporters and signing books, before he was pelted with objects.

Milei’s office claimed those who threw the missiles were supporters of the opposition.

Lomas de Zamora is traditionally known to be a stronghold of the Peronist opposition.

Local elections take place in Buenos Aires province on 7 September and midterm elections being on 26 October, both of which give Milei a chance to expand his power in opposition areas.