PASO 2023: Argentina chooses its candidates for the presidency in the midst of the economic crisis

In the midst of an economic crisis and with a dose of skepticism, Argentines vote this Sunday in primary elections to define their candidates for the presidential October, an uncertain process in which the polls still do not show a favorite to succeed Alberto Fernandez.

The official alliance Union for the Fatherland (Peronism) aligned itself with the nomination of the Minister of Economy, Sergio Massaa 51-year-old lawyer who cultivates good relations with those in power, be it businessmen, unions or the International Monetary Fund.

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In an almost testimonial way, he challenges it John Graboisa leader of the social movements close to the Pope Francisco that tries to reflect the left wing of Peronism.

In the opposition coalition Together for Change (center-right) a real struggle is taking place between the mayor of Buenos Aires, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta (57 years old), and the former Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich (67), two figures between moderation and intransigence who throughout the campaign have exalted their differences.

“It is an open-ended election and that result will define the new electoral scenario. Rodríguez Larreta attracts a non-politicized voter, Patricia Bullrich is the opposite”, commented to AFP the political scientist Carlos Fara.

After years immersed in polarization, which they baptized “crack”, for Argentines this election will be the first without the former presidents Cristina Kirchner and Mauricio Macritutelary figures of the ruling party and the opposition.

The event takes place from 08:00 local time (11:00 GMT) to 18:00 (21:00 GMT). In the city of Buenos Aireswhere electronic voting is used, technical problems have delayed the vote.

More to the right

As a novel phenomenon appears the libertarian and far-right javier mileia 52-year-old economist who intends to establish himself as a third national force with an aggressive discourse against what he calls the “political caste”.

Facundo Cardozo, a 27-year-old sales executive, thinks things are so bad that Milei’s proposal is the best. “You have to break what is assembled and then put the pieces together again and start over”.

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In the 2021 legislative elections, his first election, the party Freedom Advances de Milei was the third force with the most votes in the city of Buenos Aires, with 17%.

Miley “It is a reflection of the disenchantment that has caused many voters to disbelieve in political parties”, he opined Juan NegriProfessor of Political Science at Torcuato di Tella University.

“After the failure of the government of Mauricio Macri (2015-19), many have turned towards a more radical rightNegri opined.

For analysts, the electorate’s frustration with both the Juntos por el Cambio government and the current Peronist government make this the most uncertain election in recent times.

The crisis

Although they have almost always lived in an economy in crisis, Argentines are currently suffering the worst indicators in 30 years: interannual inflation is 115%, one of the highest in the world, poverty reaches 40% of the population of more than 45 million people, and the local currency, the peso, is devaluing at an increasingly rapid pace (17% in the last month).

“I want the next government to encourage young people to stay in the country. Argentina It is a very beautiful country, but we must recover the values ​​of education and work“, said Mariana Lopeza 45-year-old nutritionist who went to vote with her 8-year-old daughter.

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Argentina is the third largest economy Latin America and a major global food exporter. At the same time, it has to comply with an agreement for 44,000 million dollars with the International Monetary Fund.

“Argentina has been in economic decline for more than 10 years, in a crisis that is slowly worsening. There is a growing disaffection of the electorate in a country that had clear political identities. This year’s is a key election because of the voters’ need for change, but also because of the politicians’ need to change.”Negri said.

In these elections, more than 35 million people are eligible to vote, who will also elect the candidates for the partial legislative elections that renew part of Congress, for the mayoralty of the capital and for the governorship of the province of Buenos Aires.

Source: Elcomercio

jack

I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.