Argentinian Politician Suffers Heart Attack In Middle Of Televised Debate, Country’s Ex-Health Minister Performs CPR

A 66-year-old Argentinian political candidate died Oct. 16 after he suffered a heart attack in the middle of a televised debate.

Hernán Damiani, a candidate for the Radical Civic Union Party (UCR), collapsed mid-debate due to a heart attack, according to The Jerusalem Post. Dr. Walter Villalba, previously the country’s health minister, happened to be in the studio at the time of the incident and performed CPR and first aid. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a free weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)

Damiani later passed away at the Ramon Madariaga Hospital, just over a week before Argentina’s elections on Oct. 26. The candidate was pursuing office in the province of Misiones, the outlet reported.

Con dolor despedimos a un gran militante y dirigente de Misiones, Hernán Damiani. Falleció ayer mientras defendía sus ideas en un debate. Fue legislador prov. y diputado Nacional, con gran protagonismo contra los embates del menemismo en los 90. Acompañamos a su familia y amigos. pic.twitter.com/i0qKksMuCw

— Unión Cívica Radical (@UCRNacional) October 16, 2025

“With sorrow, we bid farewell to a great activist and leader from Misiones, Hernán Damiani. He passed away yesterday while defending his ideas in a debate. He was a provincial legislator and national deputy, with significant prominence in opposing the attacks of Menemism in the 90s. We stand with his family and friends,” the UCR party said in a statement.

Argentina, under the leadership of libertarian President Javier Milei, has been teetering on the brink of political and economic instability. While the country appeared stable in July, with inflation easing and GDP on the rise, it now finds itself in a dicey economic situation.

In early September, Milei’s political party suffered a major electoral setback. Crucial legislative midterm elections are fast approaching on Oct. 26, which could make or break his project to dismantle and unwind decades of socialist policies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that the Trump administration has inked a $20 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina’s central bank, Politico reported. The move, discussed for weeks prior, is intended to bolster the country’s floundering economy. The bailout will likely become a political lifeline for Milei in the upcoming elections. (RELATED: Trump Official’s Leaked Text Message Accidentally Reveals A Disaster In The Making)

Just days after President Trump backed the bailout and had a meeting with Milei, the Argentinian president performed in a rock concert to promote his new book.