Macri and Milei Forge Alliance Ahead of Midterm Elections
Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri met with current President Javier Milei at the Olivos Residence on Friday to formulate a joint strategy ahead of the upcoming midterm elections on October 26, reports 24brussels.
This meeting marks a significant endorsement of Milei’s policies as his administration faces dwindling support amidst rising corruption scandals. Congressman José Luis Espert, who has acknowledged receiving US$200,000 from drug trafficker Fred Machado, stated he would continue his reelection campaign despite ongoing media scrutiny.
Macri and Milei resumed direct discussions for the first time in over a year. Macri’s support was crucial in the 2023 runoff against Peronist candidate Sergio Massa, emphasizing the political weight of their collaboration.
Describing their nearly two-hour meeting as “very fruitful,” both leaders agreed to “work together, starting on October 27.” Their primary objective will be to “build the necessary consensus” to implement essential structural reforms in Argentina, including changes to labor, tax, and pension systems.
This strategic alignment arises in response to Milei’s recent legislative challenges, underscoring the ruling party’s eroding backing in Congress after the Senate rejected several presidential vetoes.
Milei’s administration is now looking to Macri to help align and maintain the loyalty of the PRO party’s blocs in Congress to advance the legislative goals of Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) coalition. Despite potential electoral advantages, securing this support is pivotal for enacting significant reforms.
The revitalized dialogue between Macri and Milei is reportedly influenced by advocacy from U.S. President Donald Trump’s team, as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), both emphasizing the necessity for the sitting president to foster political consensus to ensure governance and bolster his economic strategy.
