Argentine UCR faction demands bloc unity, opposes PASO elimination

A significant segment of Argentina's Radical Civic Union (UCR) is expressing deep concern over the party's declining national competitiveness. Seven prominent leaders convened recently to strategize for 2027, diagnosing the UCR's current weakness as a result of legislative fragmentation in the lower house and internal party divisions. They are calling for their representatives to unite their blocs and, crucially, to reject the proposed elimination of the open, simultaneous primary elections (PASO).

“

We are concerned because radicalism is not going through its best moment.

Ernesto Sanz, a former national committee president and one of the meeting's organizers, stated, "We are concerned because radicalism is not going through its best moment." The group, which also includes former bloc leader Mario Negri and ex-officials Walter Ceballos and Adolfo Stubrin, has been meeting periodically for two years to analyze the performance of Javier Milei's government. Their focus has increasingly shifted to the UCR's internal fragmentation, particularly the split between those aligned with the ruling La Libertad Avanza (LLA) coalition and those supporting opposition factions.

Walter Ceballos pointed out the party's struggles, noting, "Before the elections, the National Convention did not meet, and this had an exiguous result." He added, "The UCR has the lowest representation in its history, and now, it is also divided into three blocs" in the Chamber of Deputies. This fragmentation includes a bloc aligned with the national party leadership, a distinct radical bloc, and the solo bloc of Karina Banfi, who collaborates closely with the PRO party.

“

Before the elections, the National Convention did not meet, and this had an exiguous result. The UCR has the lowest representation in its history, and now, it is also divided into three blocs.

The leaders believe the UCR cannot afford to enter the 2027 elections in such a fragmented state. The recent meeting, attended by around 140 representatives, resulted in a consensus to push for reunification within Congress. While the UCR maintains a unified bloc in the Senate, the party faction hopes to replicate this cohesion in the Chamber of Deputies. They argue that "freedom of action is the worst thing that can happen to a national party like the UCR" and that reversing these divisions is essential to "recover the party's organic relevance and competitiveness" by establishing a common agenda.

“

freedom of action is the worst thing that can happen to a national party like the UCR.