Argentina's Government Negotiates with PJ to Suspend PASO Primaries, Considers State Funding for Party Elections | Clarín (AR)

Argentina's government is actively engaging in negotiations with the Justicialist Party (PJ) to potentially suspend the Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries (PASO) and explore state funding for internal party elections. This initiative signals a move towards reforming the electoral system, with discussions occurring across various political factions.

Sources indicate that representatives from La Libertad Avanza (LLA) and the PRO party have held meetings, while estranged leaders of the opposition PJ, including the Kirchnerist faction and non-aligned governors, have also engaged in dialogue. The central theme of these confidential discussions is the reform of the electoral system, specifically the elimination of the PASO and changes to campaign financing. Both the ruling party and the PJ see potential for agreement on these issues.

The libertarian bloc has opened the door for these discussions, with the PJ viewing the PASO and campaign funding as key points for negotiation. Although internal divisions within the PJ persist, territorial leaders are keen on retaining the possibility of selecting their presidential candidates through internal party contests, a practice not seen since Carlos Menem's era.

Simultaneously, libertarian leaders have accepted the resumption of dialogue between President Javier Milei and former President Mauricio Macri, leading to meetings between formerly allied figures. While no definitive agreements have been reached, the potential for a cross-party accord on a new electoral law is progressing. This negotiation involves key figures like Juan Manuel Olmos, the head of the National Audit Office, who is working to build parliamentary consensus for the core aspects of the proposed reforms.