In a surprising turn of events, Argentina is poised for a run-off vote in the upcoming presidential election. Economy Minister Sergio Massa, representing the ruling Peronist coalition, has outperformed expectations, leading with 36.6 percent of the votes against far-right libertarian candidate Javier Milei, who secured 30 percent. The run-off election, scheduled for next month, will determine the country’s new leader, set to take office on December 10.
This outcome has caught many off guard, given the widespread dissatisfaction among voters regarding the nation’s economic state. Argentina has been grappling with a staggering 140 percent inflation rate and a 40 percent poverty rate, fueling public discontent.
Javier Milei, an unconventional economist and self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist,” initially led in the polls, capitalizing on public frustration over decades of economic decline and soaring prices. Milei, aged 53 and leader of the Liberty Advances party, has promised radical economic reforms, including a 15 percent reduction in public spending, abolishing the central bank, and adopting the US dollar as Argentina’s currency. He has also taken conservative stances on social issues, opposing abortion, sex education, and challenging prevailing views on climate change.
Massa, on the other hand, countered Milei’s proposals by emphasizing their potential impact on people’s wallets. Massa’s campaign highlighted income tax cuts for a significant portion of the population as a solution to address economic concerns.
To secure an outright victory in Sunday’s vote, a candidate needed more than 45 percent of the vote or 40 percent with a 10-point lead. With a voter turnout of approximately 74 percent, higher than the August primaries but slightly lower than the 81 percent seen in the last general election, the stage is now set for a closely watched run-off election in Argentina. Stay tuned for more updates as the country navigates this pivotal moment in its political landscape.
