Javier Milei’s Victory Dethrones Macri in Buenos Aires City Election

Javier Milei triumphs in Buenos Aires City, defeating Mauricio Macri’s PRO bloc. His top candidate, Manuel Adorni, achieved a spectacular victory, signaling a potential shift ahead of the midterm elections. The election results reflect a divided right and a resurgent left wing, particularly with Peronist candidate Leandro Santoro securing second place. This outcome raises questions about political alliances and strategies for the upcoming elections.

Javier Milei, a prominent libertarian figure in Argentina, has successfully dethroned former President Mauricio Macri’s influence in Buenos Aires City. This recent victory in a City Hall election is a significant blow to Macri’s Republican Proposal (PRO) bloc, which has held sway in the capital for over two decades, just ahead of critical midterm elections.

In a surprising turn of events, Milei’s top candidate, Manuel Adorni, achieved a resounding victory, securing 30.1 percent of the votes—significantly outpacing Macri’s pick, Silvia Lospennato, who garnered only 15.9 percent of the ballots. This election is pivotal, with implications for national sentiments as the country gears up for midterm elections in October.

Joaquín Bagues, Managing Director of Grit Capital Group, noted, “The PRO’s third-place finish confirms that the party can no longer lay claim to being Argentina’s agent of change.” On this occasion, the Peronist candidate Leandro Santoro emerged in second place with 27.4 percent of votes, reflecting a unified left-wing presence that capitalized on a divided electorate.

Interestingly, the elections focused on replacing half of Buenos Aires’ legislative body, but they quickly became a battleground between Milei and Macri. With tensions escalating between the two right-leaning factions, Peronists have benefited from an unusual turnout, indicating a shift in voter dynamics. Pollster Mariel Fornoni remarked, “They put their best players in because they know they can’t lose.”

Despite Macri’s earlier push for a united front, Milei opted to pursue his campaign independently. Many political analysts suggest that this independence may enhance Milei’s standing in the midterms, potentially facilitating coalition-building in Congress come October. Such a shift could result in legislators switching allegiance toward Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party as he negotiates from a strengthened position.

Macri himself has been a critical ally for Milei since the latter’s surprising electoral success in 2023. Following Milei’s loss in the initial round of voting, it was Macri who facilitated a reconciliation meeting to unite their votes, which ultimately triumphed in the subsequent round. However, recent developments have unveiled friction, as Macri assumed a cooperative role, while Milei appears to contest Macri’s decrementing influence.

Political analyst Alejandro Catterberg provides insight into their relationship, stating, “Macri believed that the extreme institutional weakness of the La Libertad Avanza government would lead to a sort of co-governance with him. The government believes that Macri and his party are politically worn out.”

Consultations and clandestine deals have characterized the lead-up to this election. Notably, Milei accused Macri of colluding with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to undermine him. Conversely, the accusations were returned with Macri suggesting that Milei’s proposed anti-corruption legislation floundered due to the current administration’s influence.

As the political chess game unfolds, Adorni has initiated policy changes aimed at appealing to the voters, notably cutting tariffs on imported mobile phones, effectively lowering exorbitant costs for consumers. However, potential controversies loom, as rumors of further economic regulatory changes might stir criticism. Adorni has pledged to resign from his governmental position just before commencing his duties in City Hall, indicating the intent to focus entirely on his new role.

In summary, Javier Milei’s electoral triumph in Buenos Aires City signifies a notable shift in Argentine politics, particularly ahead of upcoming midterm elections. His victory over Mauricio Macri’s forces illustrates the fractured nature of the right and the rising influence of the Peronists. As political maneuvering continues, analysts are watching closely to see how these developments will reshape alliances and power dynamics in the lead-up to the critical October elections.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar