Poll in CABA: Porteños bet on the continuity of Jorge Macri, who looks back at Daniel Hadad

A recent survey conducted by DC Consultores in Buenos Aires has revealed that residents continue to support the continuation of Mayor Jorge Macri’s administration, with 51.7% favoring continuity over a change in direction, according to data collected from 1,360 respondents between July 19 and 22. The margin of victory is narrower than in June, indicating a more divided electorate. The poll also highlights an emerging trend in Buenos Aires politics: Daniel Hadad, a former governor of Córdoba, is increasingly viewed as a potential challenger to Macri in the 2027 elections, with 44.8% of respondents believing he could defeat him. The survey breaks down political preferences among voters, showing that La Libertad Avanza holds the strongest support at 30.1%, followed by the PRO party with 26.7%. A smaller portion of voters, 23.4%, supports an independent center-right alternative outside these two parties. This reflects a broader shift in voter alignment, with eight out of ten residents identifying themselves as non-peronists, distributed across multiple political options rather than concentrated within a single party. Macri’s approval rating has shifted slightly, moving from a lead of 23.6 points in June to a near-tie in July, with 50.1% of respondents holding a positive view of his leadership compared to 49.9% who hold negative opinions. When asked what they expect from the city's leader, 39.9% emphasized the need for large-scale projects to boost economic recovery, while the option of strict governance, or “order absolute,” received the lowest level of support at 16.7%. In terms of management slogans, “experience, security, and planning” was the most preferred, garnering 53.5% of votes, versus just 14.4% for “firm hand, courage, zero tolerance.” On fiscal matters, the electorate does not appear eager for immediate austerity measures. Only 21.4% of respondents called for drastic tax cuts, while 46.5% favored a gradual approach to reducing financial pressure, and 32.1% supported a slow, structured reduction. Evaluations of current government performance show mixed signals: 35.4% believe the administration is working well, while 32.2% describe it as neither continuing nor changing direction, 22.8% see stagnation under the PRO, and 9.6% point to slow progress despite good intentions. Emotionally, the majority of residents feel uncertain or disillusioned, with 34.3% expressing disappointment and 24.1% reporting frustration. Only 27.9% associate their daily life in the city with relief or hope, leaving the rest split between uncertainty and dissatisfaction. When considering internal candidates for the upcoming election, 40.6% of respondents favored Patricia Bullrich, while 15.7% still back Macri. Victoria Villarruel came in second with 29.5%. Bullrich leads in perceived strength, particularly in terms of courage, with 60.1% of voters associating her with this trait, whereas Macri retains his reputation for effective governance, with 31.9% citing this as his key attribute. The survey also identifies a growing concern among voters regarding the balance between state services and fiscal responsibility. While 73.3% want to ensure the social role of the state and maintain free public services, 86.1% demand immediate tax relief for income and businesses. This tension is reflected in the perception of a viable model combining lower taxes with reduced bureaucratic structures, which 50.1% of respondents find acceptable without compromising essential services. Meanwhile, there are signs that Macri is already preparing for future challenges, with reports suggesting he is exploring potential rivals such as Bullrich. According to one source, Macri views competition as a means to elevate both himself and his opponents, stating that “the competition brings out the best in each.” This dynamic underscores the evolving landscape of Buenos Aires politics, where traditional alliances are being tested by new figures and shifting voter priorities.