Thu Sep 12 10:16:00 UTC 2024: ## Peronists Struggle to Find Footing Against Milei’s Popularity in Argentina

**BUENOS AIRES** – Argentina’s Peronist party, reeling from a resounding electoral defeat last year, is searching for a unifying message and leader to challenge President Javier Milei. However, the Peronists have so far failed to mount any significant opposition to Milei’s austerity-driven policies.

Milei, a libertarian outsider, swept into power last December, ending decades of Peronist dominance. Despite the economic challenges facing Argentina, including rising poverty, recession, and a crackdown on welfare programs, Milei continues to enjoy strong public support.

The Peronists, now the main opposition in Congress, are grappling with internal divisions and a lack of clear leadership. Former presidential candidate and ex-economy minister Sergio Massa, who suffered a humiliating defeat in the last election, is considered a liability due to his association with the country’s economic woes. Former President Alberto Fernandez, embroiled in legal troubles, is also seen as a weak candidate.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, a divisive figure within the party, remains influential but faces a six-year jail sentence for corruption charges. Her presence further complicates the Peronists’ efforts to find a unifying figure.

Several Peronist leaders are offering alternative approaches to Milei’s policies. Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof has criticized Milei’s austerity measures as cruel, while other figures focus on addressing rising poverty and promoting local initiatives.

However, analysts believe that the Peronists lack a cohesive strategy and are unlikely to present a unified front ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. The party’s future appears uncertain, with a sense of disarray and a lack of fresh leadership plaguing their efforts.

While Peronism has weathered turbulent times in the past, the party’s ability to regain momentum and challenge Milei’s popularity remains uncertain. The coming months will reveal whether they can overcome internal divisions and offer a viable alternative to the current government.

Read More