President Javier Milei Requests Review of Former First Lady Fabiola Yañez’s Security Detail
In a surprising turn of events, Argentine President Javier Milei has asked Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich to file a report to the Justice Department, seeking to remove security protection from former first lady Fabiola Yañez. Yañez currently resides in Madrid.
The President made this announcement on Thursday via his X account, stating, "I’ve asked Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich to file a report to the Justice Department regarding the absurdity of maintaining security protection for the ex-first lady and former partner of the ex-president." He further emphasized, "Taxpayer money is meant to improve the lives of the population, not fund privileges for those who didn’t exhibit austerity in office."
Minister Bullrich swiftly responded, "President: I’m immediately drafting the report and sending it to the Justice Department."
The President’s request follows the recent circulation of social media images showing Yañez celebrating New Year’s Eve in an exclusive Mexican restaurant in Madrid. The video of the former first lady sparked debate and questions among social media users, with many focusing on the expensive menu and expressing concerns about her wealth and public-funded expenses, particularly her security detail.
According to LA NACION, Yañez currently has two police officers providing security, with the state covering their lodging, food, and all related expenses during their stay in Madrid.
This controversy surrounding Yañez’s security detail is not new. Days before leaving the Casa Rosada, former President Alberto Fernández modified the regulations to extend security protections abroad, without specific limits or conditions for presidents, vice presidents, and their families. However, the current government later revoked this decree, with Minister Bullrich stating on X, "The privileged lifestyle of the political class is over! We’re moving towards an austere Argentina. No more useless expenses and privileges for a few, paid for by everyone."
Despite the decree’s revocation, both Fernández and Yañez continued to benefit from the security arrangement after relocating to Madrid. The debate resurfaced recently when Yañez’s New Year’s celebration went viral, showing her dining with a couple (one Argentine, one Spanish) in a Mexican restaurant in Madrid. According to witnesses, Yañez was in good spirits and even posed for a photo with mariachi musicians performing that night. The restaurant, "La Única," is part of a group that owns several restaurants in Mexico, Colombia, and Spain.
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