Title: Centrist Finance Minister Sergio Massa Advances to the Runoff against Far-Right Populist Javier Milei in Argentina’s Presidential Election
Date: Mon 23 Oct 2023
In a surprising turn of events, Argentina’s centrist finance minister Sergio Massa has emerged victorious in the first round of the country’s presidential election, defeating the eccentric far-right populist Javier Milei. Milei, often compared to political figures such as Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Boris Johnson, had hoped for a sensational outright victory but fell short.
With 97% of the votes counted, Massa secured 36.6% of the 26.3 million votes cast, while Milei came in second with 30%. The conservative former security minister, Patricia Bullrich, finished third with approximately 23.8%. As neither candidate reached the required threshold of 45% or over 40% with a 10-point lead, Massa and Milei will now face off in a runoff on November 19.
Addressing his supporters, Massa promised to lead a national unity government that would mark a new phase in Argentina’s political history, emphasizing his commitment to working tirelessly to protect the country. Milei, on the other hand, urged his followers to celebrate the historic achievement of reaching the runoff, highlighting the widespread desire for change among two-thirds of the country’s population.
The outcome of the election has left Argentina on the brink of uncertainty, economic turbulence, and a wave of disinformation in the lead-up to the showdown between Massa and Milei. The libertarian economist Milei, who entered the political arena in 2021, has advocated for abolishing the central bank and adopting an isolationist approach towards key trading partners, China and Brazil. Milei’s success in mobilizing right-wing voters, including those who previously supported Bullrich, could pose a challenge for Massa in securing victory.
Prominent figures from South America’s extreme-right, including Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, had traveled to Argentina to support Milei, hoping for a boost to their movement after Bolsonaro’s defeat. Conversely, left-wing figures had backed Massa’s campaign in an effort to counter Milei’s rise, drawing on their success in helping former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeat Bolsonaro in the 2022 election.
The Massa campaign sought to highlight the potential risks associated with Milei’s radical ideas, such as legalizing the sale of human organs and the potential for economic collapse. Meanwhile, Milei’s supporters outside his hotel expressed disappointment, some even alleging electoral fraud, mirroring the claims made by Bolsonaro’s supporters after he lost the 2022 election.
As Argentina braces for a crucial runoff in November, the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. Will Massa be able to maintain his lead and secure victory, or will Milei’s insurgent campaign gather momentum? The second round will undoubtedly shape the future course of Argentina’s political landscape.