Kicillof Acknowledges 'Breaking Point' with Kirchnerism Amid Internal Party Strife

Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof is reportedly acknowledging a "breaking point" in his relationship with the Kirchnerist faction of the Justicialist Party (PJ). This comes after explicit criticisms directed at him from within the party, which his supporters view as a significant escalation. Sources close to Kicillof suggest his inner circle, comprising cabinet members and mayors, is leaning towards a more confrontational approach. They reportedly advocate for advancing the 2027 electoral timeline and asserting authority by removing officials with strong ties to Cristina Kirchner, such as Florencia Saintout and Juan Martín Mena. However, Kicillof himself appears to be opting for de-escalation. In recent meetings, discussions focused on building a "national and federal" platform around his presidential aspirations. His camp emphasized a commitment to a "propositive tone" and a program-focused agenda, stating they would let critics "talk alone" while they remain focused on their goals. Kicillof reportedly told supporters that "Our agenda is not confrontation." Yet, he subtly signaled his stance on political prisoners, stating that the "next popular government cannot have political prisoners," a category he appears to include former President Cristina Kirchner, ex-minister Julio de Vido, and activist Milagro Sala, whose judicial sentences he considers political. Despite these tensions, Kicillof's camp maintains that any direct dialogue with Cristina Kirchner requires "conditions of equality, not submission," referencing a previous tense meeting where she reportedly expressed significant displeasure.

“

We are going to continue with a propositive tone and with the view focused on a program. While they put us as enemies, we leave them talking alone.