Máximo Kirchner cede el PJ Bonaerense a Kicillof si él asume la presidencia

A power struggle is unfolding within the Partido Justicialista (PJ) in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Deputy Máximo Kirchner appears willing to step aside from the party’s presidency if Governor Axel Kicillof assumes the role directly. This development comes after Kicillof convened a meeting with key intendentes (mayors) from the Movimiento Derecho al Futuro (MdF).

Internal Dynamics and Potential Shifts

According to sources close to Kirchner’s political circle, the logic is that if Kicillof’s faction, known as the “axelismo,” seeks to lead the party politically, then Kicillof himself should be president. A collaborator within the Kirchnerist leadership stated, “If the logic of axelismo is that they have to have the political leadership of the party, then the most logical thing is that the president of the party is Kicillof himself.”

The Magario Factor

The meeting in La Plata, the provincial capital, resulted in the reaffirmation of Vice Governor Verónica Magario as the MdF’s candidate for the PJ presidency, with lists closing on February 8th. Those present included prominent intendentes such as Mario Secco (Ensenada), Jorge Ferraresi (Avellaneda), Fernando Espinoza (La Matanza), Lucas Ghi (Morón), Mariano Cascallares (Almirante Brown), Andrés Watson (Florencio Varela), and Pablo Descalzo (Ituzaingó). Also in attendance were Julio Pereyra and Alberto Descalzo, long-standing figures in the Buenos Aires Peronist movement.

Did You Know? The meeting between Kicillof and the intendentes included an asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue.

While some participants indicated support for Magario’s candidacy, other sources within the MdF suggested the meeting focused on Kicillof’s “national framework” for 2027. However, the Kirchnerist faction views this as a maneuver to solidify Magario’s position and displace Máximo Kirchner.

A Climate of Distrust

This interpretation has fueled existing distrust within the Buenos Aires Peronist movement. Kirchner’s allies responded by suggesting they would agree to Kicillof as party president, mirroring the practice of governors leading their provincial party structures. “If the president of the party is Kicillof, we will agree, as happens with the governors who are presidents of the provincial parties,” they stated.

Expert Insight: The willingness of Máximo Kirchner to potentially cede the PJ presidency underscores the delicate balance of power within the Peronist movement and the ongoing negotiation between different factions as they position themselves for future electoral contests.

What Could Happen Next

The coming weeks are likely to see continued negotiations and maneuvering as the February 8th deadline for finalizing candidate lists approaches. Kicillof could indeed assume the presidency of the PJ, potentially consolidating his influence within the province. Alternatively, Magario could emerge as the candidate, representing a victory for Kicillof’s faction while allowing Kirchner to avoid a direct confrontation. A further possibility is a continued stalemate, marked by ongoing distrust and potentially hindering the party’s ability to present a unified front.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Movimiento Derecho al Futuro (MdF)?

The Movimiento Derecho al Futuro (MdF) is a political movement within the Partido Justicialista (PJ) in the province of Buenos Aires, associated with Governor Axel Kicillof.

Who are the “barones del conurbano”?

Julio Pereyra and Alberto Descalzo are described as “barones del conurbano,” meaning they are long-standing, influential leaders within the Peronist movement in the densely populated areas surrounding Buenos Aires, with a history dating back to the 1990s.

What is the significance of the February 8th date?

February 8th is the deadline for closing candidate lists for the Partido Justicialista (PJ) in the province of Buenos Aires.

How will these internal dynamics affect the broader political landscape in Buenos Aires province?