Voters express frustration ahead of Argentina primary election
Al JazeeraAug 03, 2023
Argentina: Shock Win Called for Javier Milei in Presidential Primaries
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The Facts
Freedom Advances leader and libertarian lawmaker Javier Milei delivered a blow to Argentina's political establishment on Sunday, when he emerged as the most popular candidate in a key primary vote ahead of the October 22 presidential election.
With 97 percent of the ballot counted as of Monday morning, Milei held a lead just short of two-points over the combined vote of the Together for Change opposition bloc and a lead of more than two-points over the ruling left-wing Unity for the Homeland alliance.
The Spin
Right narrative
Argentina has entered into its worst economic crisis in two decades under the Alberto Fernández presidency, as inflation has surpassed 100 percent and economic activity has stagnated, so it's no surprise that the outgoing leader gave up reelection ahead of a strong defeat. Only the pro-business opposition can offer Argentines hope for better days.
Left narrative
It's certain that Fernández's plans for reelection were abandoned due to his low approval ratings, but Sergio Massa is not cannon fodder in the face of an imminent electoral defeat. The Peronist presidential hopeful is a moderate business-friendly politician that may yet garner support from the center and the left, especially as he will compete against far-right rivals.
