Peronism Shows United Front Amidst Shadow of Milei Presidency
A year since Javier Milei’s surprise victory, Argentina’s Peronist movement showcased a united front at a significant summit in Moreno, Buenos Aires. The meeting, aimed at forging a united strategy against Milei’s government, saw key figures from various Peronist factions come together, seeking to overcome internal divisions and present a cohesive alternative.
Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof, a prominent figure within the movement, laid out plans to prevent the privatization of Aerolíneas Argentinas, a move he believes would cause significant economic harm. Kicillof, who worked as the airline’s financial manager during Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s presidency, argued that the airline, despite not generating immediate profits, significantly boosts tourism and creates thousands of jobs. He suggested a collaboration with franchise partners, including Eduardo Eurnekian, owner of Aeropuertos 2000, to ensure the airline’s continued operation.
Kicillof’s position contrasts sharply with Economy Minister Luis “Toto” Caputo, who dismissed the airline’s value, stating, “Nothing surprising. Public companies = trusts = public works = political funding.” The governor’s forthright approach reflects a growing frustration within Peronist ranks over Milei’s policies, which they perceive as lacking vision and damaging to the nation’s economic stability.
The summit in Moreno, which brought together leaders from various Peronist factions, demonstrated a unified front against Milei’s government. It also served as a platform to discuss strategies for the upcoming 2025 legislative elections. While the meeting concluded with expressions of unity, the path forward for Peronism remains complex.
The party faces internal disagreements over electoral strategy, particularly regarding the possibility of a single-slate candidacy for Buenos Aires province. La Cámpora, a faction led by Máximo Kirchner, son of former President Cristina Kirchner, favors a unified approach to ensure maximum representation and prevent votes being split between Peronist candidates.
They argue that a divided Peronism would struggle to defeat Milei in the crucial province. However, the Front for Renewal, led by Sergio Massa, suggests a more nuanced approach, advocating for a single ballot for national offices, while allowing for traditional voting in provincial and municipal elections. Kicillof has yet to declare a position on this issue.
The Governor, who enjoys strong support within the province, stressed the need for unity, seeking to carve a space for himself as a “shield and network” against Milei’s unconventional policies. He urged fellow Peronists to support his efforts to secure provincial rights and ensure budgetary allocations for the Buenos Aires region.
Massa, who has maintained a relatively low profile since stepping down as Economy Minister, emphasized the need for internal cohesion and a shared vision for the future. This summit marked his first official participation in a Peronist gathering since the formation of his own faction, the Renaicimiento Front, reflecting his desire to reintegrate into the movement.
The event culminated with an impassioned speech by Andrés “Cuervo” Larroque, Kicillof’s Minister of Community Development. Larroque defended the Buenos Aires government against what he perceived as attacks from the national government, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Kicillof and former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in securing the province’s prosperity. This show of support by Larroque underscored the increasingly central role Kicillof plays within Peronism, suggesting he may become a key player in their quest to regain national
Is the Peronist resurgence driven by a genuine revival of their ideology or a temporary reaction to Javier Milei’s libertarian policies? [[1](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenzomontanari/2023/11/20/javier-milei-and-the-new-libertarian-revolution-in-argentina/)]
We’ve seen Peronists rally together, showing a strong united front against Milei. But can this unity last, and more importantly, can it translate into tangible political victories? Does this newfound comradery signal a resurgence for peronism, or are they merely reacting to Milei’s policies?
