Macri positions himself for 2027 challenge against Milei

Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri is emerging as a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential elections, aiming to challenge the current administration led by Javier Milei. Despite facing low approval ratings and a significant number of his party's members aligning with Milei's far-right government, Macri's allies are actively preparing for his potential return to the political forefront.

Macri recently convened a meeting of legislators from the PRO party, which he founded. While he did not explicitly declare his candidacy, close associates indicated that preparations are underway. Laura Alonso, a PRO legislator in Buenos Aires and a staunch supporter of Macri, stated that the party "will have a presidential candidate, and Macri could be it, because he is the best the party has to offer Argentina." She added that the "Macri signal" has been activated nationwide, with the PRO mobilizing for the 2027 elections.

A recent poll by Atlas Intel and Bloomberg revealed that Macri has a 69% negative image and only 22% positive image among over 4,000 respondents. In comparison, President Milei has a 61% negative and 38% positive image, while former President Cristina Fernández has a 55% negative and 39% positive image. Alonso acknowledged these figures but believes they present an opportunity for the PRO to "work on the next step for change in Argentina."

The PRO's proposed "next step" aims to differentiate itself from Milei's ultra-right agenda, despite their alliance in the 2023 elections. The party seeks to offer a distinct path, particularly in economic policy, focusing on building a model that benefits all Argentines after the current period of "effort and sacrifice." This strategy aims to present a "second phase of change" distinct from Milei's policies.