Buenos Aires Times: Argentina’s Peronists argue over candidate ahead of elections
In Argentina, internal disputes among Peronists may complicate the selection of a candidate for next year’s presidential election. The author of the Buenos Aires Times article believes that the weakening of President Javier Milei’s position could open a path to victory for the opposition, but conflicts between factions are hindering this.
Kicillof and the electoral nomination
The publication names Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof as one of the possible candidates. He previously served as economy minister in the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and was also nominated twice for governor with her support.
In the author’s view, the very prospect of Kicillof’s successful participation in the election could heighten investor concerns and pressure on the Argentine peso. The publication also notes that Kicillof has not yet publicly announced his candidacy, while his team has not explained how Peronist policies would differ from their previous period in power.
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Conflict with the Kirchners
Kicillof’s relations with Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her son Máximo Kirchner are deteriorating, according to the Buenos Aires Times. During a rally near Fernández de Kirchner’s apartment, timed to mark the fourth anniversary of the assassination attempt against her, Máximo Kirchner said that she would fight for her political rights. Participants in the rally also chanted slogans against the governor.
The publication notes that Fernández de Kirchner is under house arrest and barred from running for office. The author names former Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who was the Peronists’ candidate in the 2023 presidential election, as another contender for the nomination. In the author’s view, Massa could unite rival factions, although some polls describe him as a more convenient opponent for Milei.
The author links the Peronists’ internal conflicts to the problems of the previous government of Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. He also believes that Milei has lost a significant share of public support and that even a victory in a tight election may not be enough to restore it.
