Peronist Movement Gains Ground in Buenos Aires Province Elections
The opposition Peronist movement scored a significant victory in Buenos Aires Province on Sunday, dealing a setback to the administration of President Javier Milei. The results of regional elections in Argentina’s most populous province indicate a strong showing for the Peronist coalition, Fuerza Patria, and a more challenging path forward for Milei’s La Libertad Avanza alliance.
With 82.2 percent of polling stations reporting, Fuerza Patria secured 46.93 percent of the vote, establishing a lead of over 13 percentage points over Milei’s alliance, which garnered 33.86 percent. The results were closely monitored by political analysts and market observers seeking an early assessment of Milei’s political strength and the potential for his proposed reforms.
The outcome in Buenos Aires Province is particularly noteworthy given its economic and electoral weight. The province accounts for more than 30 percent of Argentina’s GDP and represents 40 percent of the national electorate. This makes the vote for local lawmakers and councillors a crucial indicator ahead of the upcoming midterm national elections on October 26.
The victory for Fuerza Patria was led by Governor Axel Kicillof, a prominent figure within the Peronist movement. The results are seen as a resurgence for Peronism after a period of political turbulence and a shock win for Milei in the presidential election last year. According to Reuters, the win represents a “blow for Milei.”
The election also revealed internal divisions within the Peronist movement itself. Disputes over candidate lists were resolved by the Partido Justicialista, resulting in the exclusion of Tigre Mayor Julio Zamora’s slate and leaving only the candidacy of Luis Samyn Duco, backed by Sergio Massa, intact. Similarly, a contested race unfolded in Morón between incumbent Lucas Ghi and former mayor Martín Sabbatella, both representing Nuevo Encuentro but running on separate Peronist lists.
The elections took place against a backdrop of economic challenges and political uncertainty in Argentina. The Milei administration has been pursuing a series of austerity measures and reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, but these policies have faced resistance from labor unions and opposition parties. The administration was also recently shaken by a corruption scandal at the ANDIS national disability agency, involving individuals close to the President, including his sister and chief-of-staff, Karina Milei.
Somos Buenos Aires, a group comprised of candidates from the Unión Cívica Radical, Cívica Coalición, and the Partido Socialista, secured 5.41 percent of the vote, while the left-wing Frente de Izquierda y de los Trabajadores received 4.37 percent. Voter turnout was reported at 63 percent.
The results in Buenos Aires Province are likely to influence the political dynamics leading up to the midterm elections. Analysts suggest that the Peronist victory could embolden the opposition to challenge Milei’s agenda more forcefully in Congress and across the country. The Economist reported that Argentina’s presidential election delivered a surprise result, and these recent regional elections continue that trend.
The legislative elections in Buenos Aires Province were not only a test of Milei’s popularity but also a gauge of the public’s appetite for his radical economic policies. The outcome suggests that a significant portion of the electorate remains skeptical of his approach and continues to support the traditional Peronist movement.
