Lost Another Day: The 2026 Moment Revealed on El Trece’s YouTube

A leaked video featuring Argentine socialite Jesica Cirio accepting large U.S. dollar bills in a private meeting has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition leader Mario Pergolini calling it “another lost day” for the government in a scathing YouTube address Monday. The 22-minute recording, posted by Canal 13 (El Trece), shows Cirio—wife of former Buenos Aires mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta—handling cash in what Pergolini described as “a clear case of corruption.”

Pergolini, leading the opposition Juntos por el Cambio coalition, accused President Javier Milei’s administration of failing to investigate the video despite its public release. “This is not just about dollars—it’s about the credibility of institutions,” Pergolini said in the video, which has already amassed over 1.2 million views. The opposition has demanded a congressional probe, framing the incident as evidence of systemic graft under Milei’s economic liberalization policies.

What Does the Video Show?

The footage, obtained by El Trece and aired June 22, depicts Cirio in an undisclosed location receiving stacks of $100 bills from an unidentified man. Pergolini’s commentary suggests the transaction may be tied to Cirio’s ties to Rodríguez Larreta, a key figure in Milei’s governing coalition. While the video does not explicitly name the donor or purpose, Pergolini implied it could link to Cirio’s role in a 2023 real estate scandal involving public land sales in Buenos Aires.

Cirio has not publicly addressed the video. A source close to Rodríguez Larreta told Ámbito Financiero the matter was “being analyzed,” but no official statement has been issued. Milei’s press office declined to comment on the video’s authenticity or its implications, citing ongoing legal reviews.

Why Is This a Political Crisis?

The timing of the leak is politically explosive. Milei’s administration faces a June 27 deadline to present a new austerity plan to Congress, with opposition lawmakers already demanding his resignation over economic mismanagement. Pergolini’s attack frames the video as proof of “corruption under the radar” during Milei’s deregulation push, echoing similar scandals that toppled previous governments, including Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s 2015 ouster.

Analysts at Clarín note the video’s release coincides with a drop in Milei’s approval ratings, now at 32%—down from 45% in April—according to a Management & Fit poll conducted June 15–20. Pergolini’s rhetoric mirrors that of 2001 protest movements, when cash-for-influence scandals fueled mass demonstrations. Legal experts at La Nación warn the video could trigger new investigations under Argentina’s anti-corruption laws, though prosecutions often stall without direct evidence of criminal intent.

How Is the Government Responding?

Milei’s team has not directly referenced the video, but government sources told Infobae they are coordinating with federal prosecutors to assess whether the footage violates campaign finance laws. The Anti-Corruption Office (OAIC) confirmed it had received the video for review but declined to specify next steps. “We treat all allegations with due diligence,” OAIC spokesperson María Laura Carreras stated in a written response.

Opposition lawmakers have filed a formal request with the National Audit Office (SIGEN) to audit Cirio’s financial disclosures. If approved, the review could take weeks, delaying any potential legal action. Meanwhile, social media campaigns using #DólaresParaJesica have trended in Argentina, with critics accusing the government of protecting allies. Milei’s allies in Congress, however, have dismissed the video as “political noise,” arguing it lacks context.

What Happens Next?

Three key developments will shape the fallout:

1. Legal Review: The OAIC’s decision—expected within 10 days—will determine whether the video sparks a formal investigation. If prosecutors find probable cause, Cirio could face questioning under Argentina’s Law 27.401, which criminalizes illicit enrichment.
2. Congressional Probe: Juntos por el Cambio has pledged to introduce a resolution calling for Milei’s impeachment if no action is taken. Success hinges on securing 129 votes in the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies, a threshold Milei’s coalition currently holds but could lose amid infighting.
3. Public Pressure: Protests are likely if the government fails to act. In 2018, similar leaks triggered weeks of demonstrations that forced then-President Mauricio Macri to reshuffle his cabinet. Milei’s approval ratings suggest even smaller-scale unrest could erode his support.

For now, the video remains the most concrete evidence in a political climate where trust in institutions is already at historic lows. Pergolini’s call for “transparency or resignation” reflects broader frustration with Milei’s economic reforms, which have left 40% of Argentines in poverty, per the INDEC agency’s latest data.

Updates will follow as new details emerge from legal or congressional channels.