Kicillof Sidelines Máximo Kirchner: No Formal Offer, Governor Insists on Loyalist for PJ Buenos Aires Leadership

Argentina - Ekhbary News Agency

Kicillof Sidelines Máximo Kirchner: No Formal Offer, Governor Insists on Loyalist for PJ Buenos Aires Leadership

The political landscape of Buenos Aires province, Argentina's most populous and electorally decisive district, is currently dominated by an intense internal power struggle within the Partido Justicialista (PJ). At the heart of this conflict are two prominent figures: Governor Axel Kicillof and Máximo Kirchner, son of former presidents Néstor and Cristina Kirchner and a key leader of La Cámpora. Recent developments reveal a strategic clash over the presidency of the provincial PJ, with Kicillof's faction firmly rejecting what they perceive as an informal and opportunistic offer from Kirchner's camp, instead doubling down on their demand for a party leader explicitly loyal to the current provincial administration.

The intricate dance began when Máximo Kirchner's circle strategically leaked to the press a message indicating his willingness to support Governor Kicillof for the PJ Buenos Aires presidency, ostensibly to foster unity within the party. This unexpected overture, presented as a gesture of conciliation, was widely interpreted as a calculated move to break the stalemate in ongoing negotiations. However, the response from La Plata, the provincial capital, was swift and subtly dismissive. Kicillof's close allies and the Movimiento Derecho al Futuro (MDF), the political movement aligned with the governor, met the proposal with what sources described as the “elegance of silence,” effectively sidestepping the public message without direct confrontation. More importantly, they reiterated their non-negotiable condition: the party's presidency must be held by a leader who explicitly and unequivocally defends the provincial government's policies and management.

This episode underscores the deep-seated tensions and divergent strategic objectives within the broader Peronist movement in Buenos Aires. With the deadline for candidate registration for the March 15 internal elections rapidly approaching on February 8, the urgency to define the party's leadership has reached a critical point. The provincial PJ, a crucial electoral machine with over 1.1 million registered members, plays a pivotal role in shaping both provincial and national politics. Its leadership can significantly influence resource allocation, political alliances, and the party's ideological direction, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 general elections.

Days before Kirchner's public maneuver, Governor Kicillof convened a meeting with a group of mayors from the First and Third Electoral Sections—key Peronist strongholds—all affiliated with the MDF. During this gathering, these municipal leaders once again urged the governor to consider running for the provincial PJ presidency himself. “The possibility of Axel himself leading the Buenos Aires PJ was discussed,” an attendee confided to Clarín, acknowledging, however, that Kicillof's direct candidacy remains unlikely due to the demanding nature of his gubernatorial duties. Consequently, the meeting participants collectively pushed for the vice-governor, Verónica Magario, a prominent figure within the MDF, to assume the party's top role. Magario’s candidacy would ensure alignment with the governor’s agenda and provide a strong, unified front for the provincial administration.

However, the path to unity is fraught with challenges. Even within the MDF, there is an awareness that Magario's nomination might not secure universal consensus. Mariel Fernández, the influential mayor of Moreno, a key district, has already indicated her intention to gather endorsements and present her own candidacy for the PJ Buenos Aires presidency if Magario leads the MDF’s slate. This potential spoiler candidacy further complicates the internal dynamics, threatening to fragment votes and prolong the power struggle. In light of this, and in Kicillof's presence, other names, such as Julio Alak, a seasoned political figure, were reportedly considered as alternative consensus candidates, highlighting the desperate search for a unifying figure.

The message circulated by La Cámpora on Thursday night, suggesting Máximo Kirchner's willingness to concede the PJ presidency to Kicillof, was thus a surprising development. While framed as a move towards unity, it was simultaneously perceived by many as a clear attempt to exert pressure on the governor, who had not yet formally committed to leading the party. “They were losing ground and had to say something,” commented one of the MDF mayors, a strong proponent of Magario, referring to La Cámpora's perceived desperation. “They first floated Federico Otermín (Mayor of Lomas de Zamora), then tossed around Leonardo Nardini's name, which he rejected. Leadership also means listening.” This sentiment underscores the perception that Kirchner's offer was less about genuine compromise and more about tactical positioning in a fluid and competitive environment.

Sources close to Kicillof were quick to downplay Máximo Kirchner’s public overture. They maintained a consistent and firm stance: “We uphold the same principle: whoever presides over the PJ must openly and explicitly support the Governor and the public policies of the provincial government.” They left no room for ambiguity, clarifying, “The one who guarantees this for us is someone from the MDF. The specific name will be discussed later.” When pressed by Clarín about Máximo Kirchner's message, Kicillof's associates offered a dismissive shrug and a terse response: “Ask Máximo.” This non-committal reaction signals a clear refusal to engage with a proposal that did not align with their core demand for unwavering loyalty.

Despite the February 8 deadline for candidate submissions, and regardless of who ultimately registers, the Buenos Aires Peronist party retains the option of convening a congress before March 15 to formally endorse a unity slate. However, the effectiveness of such an agreement remains uncertain, particularly at the municipal level, where many districts are plagued by deeply entrenched rivalries among local leaders. Achieving genuine unity across the vast and diverse province will require overcoming significant resistance from factions defending rigid ideological positions and personal ambitions.

The ideological fault lines within Peronism were further exposed by recent statements from key figures. Florencia Saintout, a prominent member of La Cámpora and Kicillof’s own Minister of Culture, passionately advocated for a Kirchnerist leadership. “What do we want? A conservative Peronism, a Peronism that is a pet of power? Or a transformative Peronism that dares to challenge power, which isn't just Milei, but also concentrated media power, economic power? We need to discuss what we want for 2027. Personally, I want a Kirchner,” Saintout declared. She further questioned, “How is it that we are not all discussing projects, but naturally assume that Kirchner is no longer in the PJ? Máximo is much more than a name; he is Kirchner and has honored being Kirchner,” she asserted during a radio interview.

Conversely, equally strong and critical voices emerged from the MDF. Gilberto Alegre, the mayor of General Villegas and an active MDF militant, launched a scathing attack on Cristina Kirchner. “Kirchnerism is not Peronism. It is 21st-century socialism. For me, Cristina Fernández is a criminal convicted of common crimes,” Alegre stated unequivocally in an interview with Radio Actualidad in Villegas. These stark contrasts in rhetoric highlight the profound ideological chasm that threatens to undermine any efforts towards party unity, reflecting a broader struggle for the soul and direction of Peronism in a post-Kirchner era.

The intricate internal power dynamics within the Buenos Aires PJ are not merely about selecting a party president; they are a crucial battle for the party's future identity, its strategic alliances, and its electoral viability in the coming years. The outcome of this contest will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Argentina, influencing not only provincial governance but also the broader national political narrative as the country navigates its complex economic and social challenges.

Ekhbary News Agency