The Government received the envoys of Mauricio Macri and activates a dialogue table with Pro towards 2027

The Argentine government hosted representatives of former President Mauricio Macri and activated a dialogue table with his political party, PRO, aiming toward the 2027 elections. The meeting took place at the Casa Rosada on Monday, following a telephone call between Karina Milei and President Javier Milei. Two key figures from PRO, Fernando de Andreis and Cristian Ritondo, arrived shortly before noon to meet with officials from La Libertad Avanza. The discussion focused primarily on legislative priorities, though the potential for an electoral alliance between La Libertad Avanza and PRO was also mentioned during the two-hour session. The attendees included the head of cabinet, Diego Santilli, and the undersecretary of Institutional Management, Eduardo “Lule” Menem. Shortly after the meeting began, President of the Chamber of Deputies, Martín Menem, joined them to support the executive’s initiatives. A government statement praised the meeting as a positive step towards collaboration, emphasizing the need to prevent Argentina from falling back into populist governance. It noted that future meetings will occur every 15 days and that both parties reviewed upcoming legislative agendas to advance necessary reforms. Martín Menem described the meeting as very positive and a crucial first step in building joint work. He called it a “motor” for Argentina's transformation and acknowledged that the discussions extended beyond legislation to include planning for cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections. Ritondo highlighted the recognition of Macri by government officials and stated that the PRO would not obstruct efforts, noting that there were differing views within the party regarding the suspension of the Provincial Autonomy Elections (PASO). Despite the optimistic tone, mutual distrust persists between the parties. Before the meeting, both sides claimed the initiative came from the other. Representatives near Karina Milei said that Macri had initiated contact, while those close to Macri asserted that several calls had been made to De Andreis to discuss matters. The lack of clarity over who initiated the dialogue reflects ongoing tensions. Some sources suggest that the meeting aimed to rebuild trust after years of unfulfilled promises, particularly referencing past disputes such as the appointment of Manuel Adorni as Milei’s chief of staff, which upset Macri. In Buenos Aires Province, Santilli is advancing his candidacy for governor with the backing of Ritondo, both convinced of their chances. However, internal divisions remain, especially since La Libertad Avanza and PRO ran separate lists in May’s local elections. While they later joined forces in October for national deputy elections in Buenos Aires, tensions continue. The provincial leadership of Santilli has gained momentum, supported by Ritondo, but this does not fully resolve the broader political dynamics. The negotiations also involve strategic considerations, including the retention of Buenos Aires City as a stronghold for the alliance. There is a clear understanding that maintaining control of the capital is essential for both parties. Additionally, the issue of whether to suspend the PASO elections remains contentious, with Karina Milei and Lule Menem strongly advocating for their removal. This position conflicts with some members of PRO, leading to internal debate. Beyond immediate concerns, the parties have discussed long-term goals, such as economic reforms and fiscal policies. The government is keen to push forward with the reform of the Central Bank and the second phase of the Innocence Tax Law. These proposals are seen as critical for stabilizing the economy and ensuring sustainable growth. Both De Andreis and Ritondo expressed openness to greater interaction between the parties, suggesting that shared projects could help solidify the alliance. De Andreis has suggested that Jorge Macri should lead the list in Buenos Aires City and that Diego Santilli should run in the province. He emphasized that these candidates belong to the PRO and should be considered for leadership roles. His comments reflect a desire to align internal factions and present a unified front. Meanwhile, he hinted at the possibility of closer ties with La Libertad Avanza, stating that a successful partnership could bring Macri and Milei together. As the dialogue continues, the focus remains on achieving consensus on key issues such as the PASO elections and the 2027 budget. With the upcoming months being pivotal for shaping the political landscape, the success of this alliance will depend on how effectively the parties can navigate their differences and build a cohesive strategy for the future.