Far-right candidate Milei dominates Argentina's primary election

author: FutureCar Staff    

A far-right populist candidate has caused a major upset in Argentina's political landscape by emerging as the top vote-getter in a primary election to select nominees for the upcoming presidential elections in October. With approximately 90 percent of the ballots counted, libertarian economist Javier Milei secured 30.5 percent of the vote, surpassing initial predictions. The main conservative opposition bloc trailed behind with 28 percent, while the ruling Peronist coalition came in third with 27 percent.

This outcome serves as a sharp rebuke to both the center-left Peronist coalition and the main conservative opposition bloc, as the nation grapples with economic woes such as a 116 percent inflation rate and a cost-of-living crisis that has pushed 40 percent of the population into poverty. Milei, in a confident speech following the results, declared his party as the true opposition, emphasizing the need for change and rejecting the failed policies of the past.

The primary elections are mandatory for most adults and provide a clear indication of the frontrunner for the presidency in the general election on October 22. The widespread discontent among Argentines, fueled by the ongoing economic crisis, has led to disillusionment with the main political parties. This discontent has created an opportunity for Milei, who gained support by advocating for the replacement of the Argentine peso with the United States dollar.

Milei, a 52-year-old politician, has expressed admiration for former US President Donald Trump and has called for the abolition of Argentina's Central Bank. He has also made controversial statements, denying climate change, criticizing sex education as a threat to the family, and expressing a desire to ease restrictions on gun ownership.

The atmosphere at Milei's electoral headquarters in Buenos Aires was jubilant, with party leaders and supporters optimistic about their candidate's prospects in the lead-up to the October elections. The sentiment among his supporters is one of seeking change and leaving behind the current state of affairs.

Political consulting firm director Mariel Fornoni noted that the election results reflect the general fatigue with the political establishment and the lack of effective solutions provided by those in power. Fornoni criticized the focus on internal dynamics within political groups instead of addressing the needs of the people.

In the main opposition coalition, Together for Change, there is also a noticeable shift towards the right, as former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich decisively defeated a more centrist contender. Bullrich expressed her willingness to collaborate with her competitor in order to bring about significant change in Argentina, leaving corruption behind and paving the way for austerity.

The governing coalition, Union for the Homeland, suffered a blow from voters due to the poor state of the economy, finishing in third place in terms of total votes. Economy Minister Sergio Massa, as expected, became the coalition's presidential candidate after easily defeating leftist Juan Grabois. Massa urged his supporters to rally together and turn the election around in the remaining 60 days.

The voter turnout for the primary elections was below 70 percent, the lowest since their introduction over a decade ago. The winner of the October elections, or more likely a November run-off, will face significant challenges in rebuilding foreign reserves, boosting exports, controlling inflation, and unraveling complex currency controls.

Some citizens, like merchant Jorge Boloco, believe that Argentina needs a clear path towards the future, but no party has provided a convincing way forward. Others, like teacher Maria Fernanda Medina, have grown skeptical of politicians' ability to bring about real change after years of economic crises. Despite the disillusionment, Medina still holds onto a glimmer of hope, acknowledging that complete despair is not an option.

FutureCar Staff