Eight months have passed since the electoral defeat, and the Peronist party still struggles to present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling power. This is a reality acknowledged by leaders discussing the party’s future, as they grapple with how to pull it out of the crisis triggered by the loss to Javier Milei.
The most glaring obstacle is the lack of leadership. An experienced Peronist points out that, for the first time, the party must learn to navigate without a majority in either chamber of the legislature and with weakened territorial power, having lost several provinces. Some remaining governors are left pleading for assistance from the Casa Rosada.
Cristina Kirchner’s name often emerges in conversations. Some argue she is the only potential leader, not just due to her ability to command, but also because few other leaders are willing to step up. Others, however, continually seek to diminish her role.
This situation frustrates authoritarian figures.
Professional and critical journalism is essential for democracy, which is why it bothers those who see themselves as the guardians of the truth.
A prominent Kirchnerist responds to the bleak state of this faction within the Peronist party. He remarks that they are frequently written off, yet insists that this is not the moment for them to fade away. The Kirchnerist presence often surfaces only through their leader’s appearances, particularly during internal power struggles, especially in Buenos Aires province.
A recent poll conducted by the Aresco consultancy highlights the precarious situation. It measures political affinity and reveals that those identifying as Kirchnerists are at historically low levels, akin to the worst crises faced by the party. Among respondents, only 14.8% expressed closeness to this group, while 19.4% identified as non-Kirchnerist Peronists. The news is even worse for the opposition, where only 7.9% identify as supporters of Macri and 5.9% as radicals. A significant number, 25.6%, have shifted to La Libertad Avanza.
Several voices are increasingly calling for the exclusion of Kirchnerism from future plans, while others believe it should still be part of the framework but not in a leading role. A city leader clarifies that the former group includes those like the “Sabag Montiel” supporters, who envision a future without Kirchnerism, particularly those in Buenos Aires now led by Jorge Ferraresi.
He emphasizes that in the City, unity is crucial, and Kirchnerism must recognize that there is now a real opportunity to unseat Macri’s leadership. To achieve this, discussions are underway with various factions currently outside of the Unión por la Patria coalition, highlighting the need for immediate gestures to build alliances. A prevailing question among them is whether CFK’s faction would allow someone other than Mariano Recalde to take the top spot on a Senate list.
While some perceive the former vice president as increasingly confined by La Cámpora, her private meetings seem aimed at broadening the coalition. She reportedly dines with various governors on a weekly basis, expanding her outreach beyond just Peronists.
What if Kirchner does not lead? Potential successors are not easily identifiable. One interviewee firmly dismisses Sergio Massa as a candidate for leadership, citing his contradictory statements on election day when he distanced himself from the party despite having the support of over 40% of voters.
Currently, there isn’t a clear frontrunner to step into the Peronist leadership role. Ricardo Quintela, governor of La Rioja, seems eager but has been advised that to rejuvenate the party, he must first alter his approach.
“Since no one else is stepping up, someone who is acceptable to everyone and could buy us some time is Lucía Corpacci,” acknowledges a leader who understands that the path to reigniting enthusiasm within the Peronist party is still a long and challenging one.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/politica/peronismo-sin-nombres-falta-de-liderazgos-y-la-figura-de-cfk.phtml
