Kicillof wins key Buenos Aires vote, challenging Milei’s political standing
Argentina’s political landscape shifted sharply this weekend as Axel Kicillof secured a decisive win in Buenos Aires Province, dealing a major setback to President Javier Milei’s government.
With nearly 47% of the vote, Kicillof’s Peronist coalition Fuerza Patria beat La Libertad Avanza by more than 13 points, cementing control of the country’s most populous province, home to almost 40% of Argentina’s electorate. The vote, held separately from the national calendar, underscores Milei’s declining support amid mounting corruption scandals, unpopular austerity measures, and a deepening economic crisis.
The reaction from financial markets was swift: stocks fell 12%, the peso slid 5%, and government bonds dropped 4% following news of the defeat.
Kicillof’s gamble to hold a separate provincial vote—despite internal Peronist pushback—proved strategically successful, solidifying his influence within the movement and elevating him as a potential presidential contender for 2027.
In his victory speech, Kicillof thanked supporters, criticised Milei’s administration, and pledged that Buenos Aires Province would act as “a shield and a safety net to defend the people”, calling on the president to “change course” in the wake of the results.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
