As Congress gears up to tackle hot debates such as lowering the criminal responsibility age for minors, suspending or eliminating the PASO primaries, and introducing a single ballot system in legislative and executive elections, the political spotlight is increasingly focusing on the 2025 and 2027 elections.
One key figure aiming for the center stage is former governor Juan Schiaretti. During a ceremony in Córdoba commemorating the 30th anniversary of the AMIA bombing, he delivered a highly critical speech targeting Iran and Cristina Fernández. He also reiterated his call for trials in absentia or rebellion. This address seemed less aimed at his Cordoban constituents and more at the influential political and economic elite based primarily in Buenos Aires.
Schiaretti is continuing his strategy to position himself as a national leader, which will be bolstered by new opinions on current issues that go beyond the borders of Córdoba province.
Members of his inner circle and those of his ally, Martín Llaryora, indicated that Schiaretti will serve as a “figurehead” and hinted at the possibility of his candidacy for a national deputy seat – though it’s unclear for which district – or even aiming for a higher office in 2027, an idea Schiaretti privately relishes despite public denials.
He’s actively participating in meetings with political, social, and economic leaders across various districts, and has also revived engagements with his old allies in the province, following a pause after a change in leadership.
The party referred to by Llaryora is the Cordoban party co-founded by Schiaretti and José Manuel de la Sota; its name is more of a nostalgic nod to its founders.
Familiar names have been circulating, highlighted by visits and photo ops, including figures like Martín Lousteau (national senator and UCR president), Facundo Manes (national deputy), and others such as Mendoza’s governor Alfredo Cornejo, and his colleagues from Entre Ríos, Rogelio Frigerio, and Santa Fe, Maximiliano Pullaro, all having strong relationships with Llaryora.
Notably, businesspeople, professionals, and intellectuals have joined the fold, along with some unexpected political leaders. For instance, Elisa Carrió, a long-standing representative of the ARI-Civic Coalition, recently advised members of her faction not to criticize Schiaretti or his associates. This hints at a potential alliance with the ex-governor for a national venture, a development that has left many within the Peronist camp stunned.
In the realm of speculation, Laura Sesma, a Cordoban, might be a unifying figure if she runs for national deputy on a broad ticket next year. Carrió has maintained Sesma as her main point of contact in the province since Gregorio Hernández Maqueda left ARI, dissatisfied with internal restrictions imposed by Carrió.
Hernández Maqueda is now without a party but aligned with La Libertad Avanza, though he lacks organic ties with all factions of the party in the province. Karina Milei favored deputy Gabriel Bornoroni, head of LLA’s bloc, but the faction remains tumultuous.
Looking ahead to 2027, Peronists know that next year offers limited slots for candidates to the National Chamber of Deputies. Thus, many are already strategizing for 2027, though traditional Peronists may face challenges similar to those triggered by the unexpected rises of Myrian Prunotto (vice-governor) and Javier Pretto (vice-mayor of Córdoba).
Javier Baldassi, now a free agent following the collapse of Juntos por el Cambio at the national level and the PRO’s complicated situation, is being increasingly considered by the PJ. Willing to welcome Baldassi, Llaryora is closely watching public opinion polls. Thus, a potential candidacy for mayor in 2027 isn’t out of the question.
Baldassi’s candidacy would stir things up within Peronism, which already boasts a long list of aspiring candidates with varying pedigrees. Among them is Natalia de la Sota, current national deputy, who maintains some independence but remains untroublesome to Llaryora’s faction.
José Manuel de la Sota’s daughter was sidelined in 2023 despite initial discussions about her vice-gubernatorial candidacy. The decision came abruptly, without prior notice, and an alternative to make her vice for Passerini wasn’t even discussed. Consequently, many within the PJ feel she is owed something.
Other known contenders include Héctor ‘Pichi’ Campana (who maintains high visibility and a positive image), Miguel Siciliano (head of the official legislator bloc, whose popularity soared after the PJ’s victory in Río Cuarto), and Manuel Calvo (his reputation also boosted by triumphs in ‘El Imperio’).
While it’s still early and much remains uncertain, given the limited opportunities in 2025, looking to 2027 may prove an enticing strategic move.
