“`html
If anything was evident on Sunday night in Argentina, it is the deep internal crisis that Kirchnerism is experiencing. The once-mighty Peronist movement, which thought it could easily clinch a victory in Buenos Aires after the provincial elections on September 7, is now left reeling. Just one hour prior to the results, they were confidently trumpeting their triumph, only to be blindsided by Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos’ announcement of the stunning victory for Javier Milei and his party, La Libertad Avanza.
Hours later, the news broke that Kirchnerism had also suffered an unexpected blow in Buenos Aires, its historical stronghold. Governor Axel Kicillof was left in a state of shock as the party’s support plummeted, losing a staggering 14 points in just a couple of months. The result prompted an onslaught of internal criticisms, revealing a rift within the party that is growing by the day.
Seats Lost, Power Shaken
In this politically charged atmosphere, Kirchnerism secured 44 seats in Congress, while Milei’s coalition claimed 46. This means that starting December 10, a date that marks a shift in Parliamentary power dynamics, the ruling party will dominate with more than 107 seats compared to Kirchnerism’s 98.
At their rally, Kirchnerist leaders displayed faces long gone of confidence — replaced instead with pure disappointment. Máximo Kirchner’s contemptuous glance at Kicillof during the post-election speech was emblematic of the party’s crushing defeat. This raised eyebrows, drawing attention to the fractures developing within the movement.
The Infamous Power Struggle
A fierce leadership battle is erupting between former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Kicillof. Their longstanding disagreement over the strategy for the elections has now come to a head, as Kicillof defended the doomed decision to hold local and national elections separately. Cristina, claiming moral high ground, insists that this division directly cost Kirchnerism votes and support.
“Fuerza Patria held the same votes in October, so the split did not produce a loss of our vote,” Kicillof argued defensively on national television. However, his desperation is palpable as many within the party are unwilling to forgive such a catastrophic outcome.
Massive Decline in Support
The post-election speeches heralding victory have all but crumbled, revealing a significant loss of support in Kirchnerism. Their grand celebrations planned for Sunday night evaporated into thin air when the disappointing results rolled in.
Notably, Cristina’s ambitions to re-enter the race have been dashed due to her house arrest stemming from corruption convictions. The surreal moment when she chose to dance at her balcony, rather than address the concerns of her distraught supporters, has left many questioning her judgment and loyalty to the people.
A Dwindling Legacy
The anniversary of Néstor Kirchner’s death, a date usually filled with reverence by the party, passed largely unnoticed. The mood represented a depressing shift away from the once-devoted base. The staggering low voter turnout of only 67% serves as a rude awakening for Kirchnerism, showcasing the public’s growing disenchantment with politics altogether.
While Javier Milei has expertly captured the anti-Kirchnerist vote with his “Freedom Moves Forward or Argentina Moves Back” slogan, the reality remains that many who cast their ballots against Kirchnerism did so driven by fear of a return to the party’s scandal-ridden past.
Fuerza Patria on the Brink of Collapse
Rumors are swirling that some Kirchner legislators may abandon their posts in Congress and seek allegiances with other political parties. The internal dysfunction of Fuerza Patria, coupled with their recent failures, signifies that in the run-up to December, a shift away from Kirchnerism may be imminent.
As Minister Luis Caputo declared, “If we want to graduate from a serious country, the alternative cannot be Kirchnerism.” His pointed remarks highlight a major reckoning for those aligned with the discredited movement.
“`
Leave a Reply