Hernán Lacunza Launches Pro Party Presidential Bid, Aims to Challenge Milei in 2027

Hernán Lacunza, former Minister of Treasury, is launching a bid for the presidency of the Republican Proposal (Pro) party, signaling a potential challenge to President Javier Milei's libertarian government in the 2027 elections. Lacunza stated that Mauricio Macri, the leader of Pro, has authorized his candidacy.

“

Advance.

"Advance," was Macri's response when Lacunza sought his approval for the presidential run. Lacunza believes Pro must present an electoral alternative to Milei's administration. "I see Macri and a significant part of Pro determined to confront Milei," he affirmed. Lacunza is currently assembling an advisory team and planning domestic travel to build support for his campaign.

“

I see Macri and a significant part of Pro determined to confront Milei.

Regarding Milei's economic performance, Lacunza acknowledged successes in reducing inflation to a monthly rate of 2-4% and achieving nominal predictability. He noted that Milei's government inherited a difficult economic situation and approached it with "audacity and expertise." However, Lacunza pointed to significant "red lights" or shortcomings, particularly in job creation. He argued that while stability is a key aspect of macroeconomics, growth is equally crucial, and Milei's current model exhibits uneven growth.

“

The consequence of that is that inflation has fallen to a rate of between 2% and 4% per month, depending on how much they release the exchange rate. That has been seen in the last 12 months. Nominal predictability is important. That is inflation – the supermarket cart – the dollar or the interest rate.

Lacunza highlighted that sectors like energy, mining, and agriculture are performing strongly, but manufacturing, construction, and commerce, major job creators, are lagging. This disparity affects major urban areas like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, and Tucumán. Lacunza plans to present a different economic approach, emphasizing that a comprehensive program requires consistent policies across various economic levers, not just isolated measures. He suggested that while Milei's government has focused on stability, his own approach would prioritize both stability and inclusive growth that generates sufficient employment.

“

The red light or the shadows is that it does not generate sufficient employment. When it is said that 'the macro is fine,' the government tries to limit it to stability. And macro is stability and growth. And growth, although statistically not null, is very uneven.