Buenos Aires Governor Weighs Splitting Elections, Potentially Jeopardizing Presidential Ambitions
Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof is considering a move that could reshape the political landscape of Argentina: separating provincial elections from the national schedule. This decision, while potentially advantageous for his political position within the province, carries risks that could impact his aspirations for the presidency, according to reports.
Kicillof, who has served as Governor of Buenos Aires Province since 2019, is navigating a complex political situation as he contemplates a potential bid for the nation’s highest office. The move to decouple the elections comes amidst debate over his potential re-election within the province.
The stakes are particularly high given the significance of Buenos Aires Province, which is home to nearly 40% of Argentina’s population. Upcoming elections in the province, scheduled for September 5, 2025, are being viewed as a crucial test of President Javier Milei’s administration and its radical economic policies. A strong showing by Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) coalition could embolden him to accelerate his plans for privatization and dollarization, while a victory for the Peronist opposition, led by Kicillof, would represent a significant challenge to Milei’s agenda.
Recent polling suggests a tight race. While Milei’s party achieved an unexpected victory in Buenos Aires city elections earlier in the year, ending the dominance of Mauricio Macri’s PRO dynasty, the LLA coalition has faced headwinds. A corruption scandal involving allegations of kickbacks in medicine procurement, linked to Milei’s sister, has shaken public confidence.
Kicillof has positioned himself as a defender of social programs threatened by Milei’s austerity measures. He served as Argentina’s Minister of Economy from 2013 to 2015 under the presidency of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and was instrumental in the 2012 renationalization of YPF. He is known as a firm believer in Keynesian economics and has a long career as a professor of Economic Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires.
The potential for splitting the elections is also occurring against a backdrop of discussions regarding re-election limits and potential constitutional reforms within the province. Some political figures are questioning the possibility of indefinite re-elections for local officials, raising concerns about the concentration of power.
Alejandro Dichiara, a Peronist leader, has publicly opposed the idea of indefinite re-election for mayors, signaling a potential internal debate within the Peronist coalition regarding this issue.
The Argentine Senate recently approved a labor overhaul considered crucial to Milei’s economic reforms, despite protests from labor unions. This legislative victory for the president underscores the ongoing power struggle between his administration and the opposition.
As Kicillof weighs his options, the political maneuvering in Buenos Aires Province is being closely watched both domestically and internationally. The outcome of the provincial elections, and Kicillof’s strategic decisions, will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Argentina’s future.
