Hernán Lacunza: ‘If the government keeps going like this, Kirchnerism will win’

Hernán Lacunza warned that Argentina could return Kirchnerism to power in 2027 if the government continues on its current course. “If the government keeps going like this, Kirchnerism will win,” the former economy minister said in an interview with Carlos Pagni on LN+’s Odisea Argentina.

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If the government keeps going like this, Kirchnerism will win.

Lacunza, who has expressed interest in running for president, said the differences between Pro and the governing La Libertad Avanza extend beyond economics. “Pro and La Libertad Avanza are not the same,” he said. The government believes stability must come before growth, a view he said was correct. But Pro’s position is that stability cannot last without growth because it could “sink socially and politically.”

He also criticized what he described as the ruling party’s rhetorical style. In his view, its supporters polarize debates into black and white and respond to criticism with insults. He said that when someone points to rising loan defaults, the response is to accuse them of wanting to turn on the money-printing press. Lacunza argued that the state should act as a traffic light that prevents problems.

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Pro and La Libertad Avanza are not the same.

The former minister said a “dogmatic or fanatical approach” within the government frightened him. Lowering inflation from 200% to 30% may be possible, he said, but reducing it from 30% to zero is more difficult and carries social and electoral risks. He proposed a center-right alternative that would open markets while reacting when 30,000 companies face difficulties or employment falls.

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There has to be a center-right option that opens the market but at the same time raises the alarm if 30,000 companies are in trouble or employment falls.

Lacunza said Pro remains an opposition party and is not co-governing with La Libertad Avanza. He described the party as a system of values, a team and a direction, while acknowledging internal disagreements, including with Cristian Ritondo. He argued that ideological competition could strengthen Pro and said an independent candidacy would be the best way to rebuild the party and Argentina. Asked about Diego Santilli’s status in Pro, he compared it to holding a Racing Club membership while serving as an official at rival club Independiente.

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I am afraid it will end badly. It is important to recognize the nuances.