- Region:
- Argentina
- Category:
- Politics
The runoff between Javier Milei and Sergio Massa has begun in the elections that define the future in Argentina
Argentina faces significant economic challenges, with an annual inflation rate of 142.7%, a poverty rate of 40.1%, and a currency gap exceeding 200%. These economic issues have influenced the polarization of the campaign, where Massa and Milei compete for the preference of a divided electorate.
Citizens of Argentina are heading to the polls in a runoff that will determine the next president of the country. The electoral contest pits two candidates with divergent political proposals and visions: Sergio Massa, representing Union for the Fatherland, and Javier Milei, the ultraliberal candidate of Freedom Advances.
Argentina faces significant economic challenges, with an annual inflation rate of 142.7%, a poverty rate of 40.1%, and a currency gap exceeding 200%. These economic issues have influenced the polarization of the campaign, where Massa and Milei compete for the preference of a divided electorate.
Massa, who previously ran for the presidency in 2015, surprised in the October general elections by winning with 36.33% of the votes and advancing to the runoff. His historical conflict with Kirchnerism and the creation of the Renewal Front, a new force within Peronism, give him a politically experienced profile.
On the other hand, Javier Milei, a candidate without political baggage and a defender of ultraliberal positions, has gained visibility through his uninhibited oratory and constant appearances on television programs. His proposal includes drastic measures such as the dollarization of the economy and the privatization of state-owned enterprises.
The electoral decision rests in the hands of an electorate divided into thirds, with a group of undecided voters that could have a crucial impact on the final outcome. According to pollsters, the undecided voters represent between 5% and 7% of the electorate.
However, the electoral atmosphere has become tense in recent weeks due to allegations of fraud by the libertarians, although these accusations have not been confirmed in court. Both political forces have adjusted their supervision schemes with more than 100,000 poll watchers for each space throughout the country.
Economically, Massa and Milei propose divergent approaches, ranging from gradualist policies to shock measures to address the necessary reforms in a stagnant economy. Additionally, the relationship with other countries, especially China and Brazil, is also at the center of the debate.
The election will reflect the old territorial dispute between the ruling party, seeking to consolidate its power in the province of Buenos Aires, and the opposition candidate, aiming to strengthen support in the central region of the country.
In this context, the election results will not only determine the next president but will also influence the formation of new coalitions to overcome challenges in Congress and provide governance to the future government (2023-2027).
The country eagerly awaits the results of this election that will shape the course of Argentina in the coming years.