Kicillof wins key Buenos Aires vote, challenging Milei’s political standing
Argentina’s political landscape shifted sharply this weekend as Axel Kicillof secured a decisive win in Buenos Aires Province, dealing a major setback to President Javier Milei’s government.
With nearly 47% of the vote, Kicillof’s Peronist coalition Fuerza Patria beat La Libertad Avanza by more than 13 points, cementing control of the country’s most populous province, home to almost 40% of Argentina’s electorate. The vote, held separately from the national calendar, underscores Milei’s declining support amid mounting corruption scandals, unpopular austerity measures, and a deepening economic crisis.
The reaction from financial markets was swift: stocks fell 12%, the peso slid 5%, and government bonds dropped 4% following news of the defeat.
Kicillof’s gamble to hold a separate provincial vote—despite internal Peronist pushback—proved strategically successful, solidifying his influence within the movement and elevating him as a potential presidential contender for 2027.
In his victory speech, Kicillof thanked supporters, criticised Milei’s administration, and pledged that Buenos Aires Province would act as “a shield and a safety net to defend the people”, calling on the president to “change course” in the wake of the results.
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This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
