Peronists Scramble to Forge Unity Alliance in Buenos Aires
Argentina’s Peronist movement faces a critical juncture as factions convene this Saturday in Merlo to solidify a new alliance. The aim: to register an electoral front by next Wednesday for the Buenos Aires province elections.
Key Development
As the deadline looms, deep-seated distrust complicates the path to unity, with some factions preparing backup plans should the main alliance fail. One mayor close to the right movement to the future noted the situation is delicate, hoping it will ultimately bring clarity to the political landscape. The movement’s leader stated, “We are all going to reach 9 with different folders,” indicating that some will pursue unity while also hedging their bets.
Sources close to Governor Axel Kicillof claim to have secured the necessary endorsements to register their own alliance. The significance of these moves will become clear after Saturday’s Congress, revealing the true extent of commitment to a unified front.
Location Dispute Resolved
Even the location of the Congress became a point of contention, with Fernando Espinoza initially pushing for it to be held in La Matanza. Ultimately, a consensus was reached to hold it in Merlo. The hybrid format of the meeting will include both in-person and virtual participation from key leaders. Máximo Kirchner, as president of the Buenos Aires PJ, will be present. The Massa Renovating Front will dispatch its provincial congressmen.
Sticking Points Remain
One unresolved issue revolves around the appointment of proxies, who have final review of lists before they go to electoral justice. The right movement to the future seeks its own representation, envisioning a system of “crossed proxies” requiring mutual authorization. Some are downplaying this idea, asserting that the Congress will not delve into such specifics.
Doubts Persist About Unity
Despite the expressed desire for a common front, skepticism remains. “We would like to think of a common closure, but the situation is complicated,” admitted a mayor aligned with the right movement to the future. Other participating forces are equally wary.
Mayors Hold the Pen
“If there is agreement, nobody gets unmarked: the mayors send and assemble,” a communal leader involved in the negotiations stated. This underscores the significant role of mayors in shaping candidacies, especially with the absence of primary elections.
Rejection of Collector Lists
The use of collector lists to manage local competitions has faced opposition. The right movement to the future has firmly rejected the concept, closing off that avenue for resolving internal disputes. Governor Axel Kicillof holds the key, as he would need to authorize such lists via decree.
Looking Ahead
Following Sunday’s talks in La Plata, a small working group will focus on agreeing on candidacies, balancing both the upcoming September election and the October national elections. Axel Kicillof’s group will focus on the Buenos Aires assembly, while Máximo Kirchner and Sergio Massa will focus on the national stage. As the deadline for registering electoral fronts approaches, the Peronist movement faces a critical test of its ability to unite.
Kirchnerism’s Strategy
For Kirchnerism, building a united front is crucial to counter Javier Milei in Congress, a strategy emphasized by Cristina Kirchner before her conviction. The registration deadline looms next Wednesday, and the subsequent ten days will be crucial for finalizing candidacies and list compositions.
Speculation on Candidates
Speculation about a potential candidacy for Máximo Kirchner has waned recently. Some within the MDF believe he will instead focus on building political influence to support another leader, potentially Verónica Magario, for a prominent role. According to a recent report, third-party and independent candidates are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections, potentially influencing the final outcome by as much as 15% Source: IFES.
