The Next Presidential Showdown: Unraveling Argentina’s 2023 Electoral Landscape

Explainer: Who’s Who in Argentina‘s 2023 Presidential Race?

Introduction

Argentina‘s upcoming presidential election on October 22 has generated significant interest and speculation due to the presence of three major contenders: Patricia Bullrich, Sergio Massa, and Javier Milei. These candidates, who hail from diverse political backgrounds, have emerged as formidable contenders in a country where presidential races traditionally involve just two candidates. This unusual political landscape reflects the economic crisis plaguing Argentina, which has led to widespread dissatisfaction with the current government and a desire for fresh approaches to address the country’s challenges.

The Candidates

Javier Milei

Javier Milei, running with the Liberty Advances coalition, has gained significant traction in the polls. As an economist and federal deputy for Buenos Aires, Milei has positioned himself as the primary voice for Argentina‘s far right and a proponent of libertarianism. His most notable proposal is dollarization, which involves replacing the Argentine peso with the U.S. dollar. However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and potential consequences of this plan. Milei has also advocated for government spending cuts and the reduction of state institutions. Socially conservative, he opposes reproductive rights, sex education, and climate change beliefs. Milei’s unconventional and controversial ideas have resonated with a segment of Argentina‘s population, particularly young voters who are discontent with the country’s economic conditions.

Approval: 44.2%

Disapproval: 48.5%

Sergio Massa

Sergio Massa, a member of the ruling Peronist coalition known as Union for the Homeland, presents himself as a moderate and unity candidate. Serving as an economy minister since August 2022, Massa aims to bridge political factions within his government and distance himself from the current government’s leadership, which has been marred by low approval ratings and corruption allegations. Despite criticism from his rivals regarding his stewardship of the economy, Massa has unveiled new economic efforts aimed at improving food security, providing credit to small and medium-sized businesses, and introducing a national digital currency. While some of his policies have garnered support, Massa faces the challenge of defending his past actions while offering a vision for a better future.

Approval: 34.4%

Disapproval: 60.0%

Patricia Bullrich

Patricia Bullrich, representing the opposition United for Change coalition, has placed crime at the center of her campaign. As a former security minister, she responds to a perceived rise in insecurity in Argentina, despite figures indicating that crime rates were no better during her tenure. Bullrich advocates for a tough-on-crime approach, which includes deploying federal forces to drug trafficking hotspots, establishing a special criminal intelligence police, and building a state-of-the-art prison for drug traffickers. She has also criticized Argentina‘s economic policies and proposed spending reductions, the removal of currency controls, and a review of the country’s tax and fiscal laws. Instead of dollarization, Bullrich suggests a system where Argentine pesos and U.S. dollars are both legal tender, linked by a complementary exchange rate.

Approval: 36.7%

Disapproval: 55.1%

Economic Crisis and Public Sentiment

Argentina‘s economic troubles have shaped the political landscape leading up to the presidential election. The country is grappling with annual inflation over 120 percent and a poverty rate of 40 percent. Public dissatisfaction with the current government is evidenced by a September CB Consultora poll that shows a disapproval rating of 75 percent. Against this backdrop, the emergence of three major candidates from diverse political backgrounds reflects a desire for fresh approaches and a drastic response to the country’s economic conditions.

Philosophical Discussion: Different Approaches to Economic Crisis

The diversity of proposals presented by the major candidates reflects the broader philosophical debate over how to address an economic crisis. Milei, with his calls for dollarization and government spending cuts, represents a more radical free-market approach. His ideas are aligned with libertarian principles, emphasizing individual freedoms and limited government intervention. On the other hand, Massa and Bullrich advocate for a more interventionist approach, with Massa proposing targeted economic measures and Bullrich emphasizing the need for a tough-on-crime strategy. These differing proposals highlight the tension between competing ideologies and the challenges of finding a balance between economic stability and social welfare in times of crisis.

Advice for Voters

As Argentina‘s voters weigh their options in the upcoming presidential election, it is crucial to consider not only the candidates’ policy proposals but also their track records and ability to implement their plans effectively. Voters should critically assess the feasibility and potential consequences of each candidate’s proposals, keeping in mind the complexities of addressing an economic crisis. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate each candidate’s ability to build coalitions and bring together different political factions to effectively govern and navigate the political landscape. By engaging in a thoughtful and informed decision-making process, voters can contribute to shaping Argentina‘s future and overcoming the current economic challenges facing the country.