Javier Milei Secures Win in Buenos Aires City, Undermines Macri’s Control

Javier Milei won the Buenos Aires City Hall election, defeating former ally Mauricio Macri. Manuel Adorni, from Milei’s party, secured 30.1% of the votes, while Macri’s candidate only got 15.9%. This result weakens Macri’s long-held influence and emboldens the Peronist movement. The upcoming midterm elections may further shift the political balance as Milei asserts his position on the right.

In a significant political shift, Javier Milei triumphed over Maurico Macri’s long-standing establishment in Buenos Aires City, underscoring his rising influence on the Argentine right just months ahead of crucial midterm elections. Milei’s party secured a decisive win in a City Hall election, marking a notable defeat for Macri, whose party has maintained governance in Buenos Aires for the past two decades.

Manuel Adorni, Milei’s leading candidate and chief spokesperson, achieved a remarkable 30.1 percent of the vote, far surpassing Macri’s candidate, Silvia Lospennato, who garnered only 15.9 percent, ranking her party third. With over 98 percent of ballots counted, this outcome raises questions about the PRO party’s claim to be Argentina’s leading agent for change, as stated by Joaquín Bagues of Grit Capital Group.

The electoral battle created an unexpected opportunity for the Peronist movement, represented by Leandro Santoro, who finished second with 27.4 percent. The results are pivotal as they will influence how many candidates from each party move into City Hall come December. The election, which aimed to fill half of Buenos Aires’ 60 legislative seats, revealed deep divisions between Milei and Macri’s factions, interestingly benefitting the left.

Pollster Mariel Fornoni noted, “They put their best players in because they know they can’t lose,” referring to Santoro’s solid standing in the polls leading to the election. Macri had been advocating for a unified electoral front but Milei’s decision to split from that plan suggests he is keen on asserting his popularity—especially given the upcoming October elections, where unity might be more crucial against the Peronists.

After Milei’s successful run in 2023, Macri had played a vital role in his ascent, particularly backing Milei in crucial moments, including a strategic dinner to bolster support for the outsider. However, analysts indicate there is a rift forming between the two since Milei’s election. Political analyst Alejandro Catterberg pointed to a growing disagreement on how power is balanced, with Milei’s party seeing Macri’s leadership as waning.

Milei’s moment seems to be here, as he continues to maneuver strategically ahead of the vote. Interestingly, recent political dramas have surfaced, including allegations of a pact between Macri and former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner aimed at discrediting Milei. In response, Adorni proposed significant policy changes in the City, such as reducing tariffs on imported mobile phones, which could enhance Milei’s appeal among voters.

In a final twist, Adorni planned further economic announcements but paused amid accusations that he was using his government role for electoral gains. However, he remains committed to stepping down before taking office to uphold his integrity during this transitional period.

The victory of Javier Milei in Buenos Aires City signals a shift in the political landscape, diminishing Mauricio Macri’s longstanding influence and indicating potential changes ahead for Argentina’s right-wing parties. As these dynamics unfold against the backdrop of the upcoming midterm elections, Milei’s decisions and the responses from established parties will be critical in shaping the future of governance in Argentina.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar