Macri vs. Macri: Pro leader hesitant on cousin's re-election plan for Buenos Aires

A significant rift appears to be widening between Mauricio Macri, the founder of the Pro party, and his cousin Jorge Macri, the current head of government for the city of Buenos Aires. Mauricio Macri is reportedly expressing doubts about his cousin's plan for re-election in 2027 and is considering alternative candidates to secure the party's control over the capital, a key stronghold for Pro for nearly two decades.

This internal conflict comes despite Jorge Macri's recent announcement of his intention to seek re-election. Sources within the Pro party suggest that Mauricio Macri believes his cousin's candidacy might not guarantee victory, citing a lack of improvement in Jorge Macri's public image and administration approval ratings. The former president is also reportedly unconvinced by Jorge Macri's recent shift towards a tougher stance on security and order, or his attempts to align with the libertarian La Libertad Avanza party.

The tension between the two leaders is not new. Disagreements over team appointments and governance strategies have been evident since Jorge Macri took office. The friction intensified following a significant electoral setback in May 2023, where Pro finished third in the city elections, behind La Libertad Avanza and the Peronist front. This defeat reportedly caused considerable distress to Mauricio Macri and exacerbated his dissatisfaction with his cousin's leadership.

Efforts by intermediaries, such as Daniel Angelici, to mediate between the Macri cousins have so far failed to reconcile their differences. Mauricio Macri's camp is reportedly analyzing the situation closely, with a qualified source indicating that while the goal is for Pro to continue governing the city, the candidate for 2027 is yet to be determined. This internal division within the Pro party could have significant implications for the upcoming elections in Buenos Aires.