The president’s phrase Javier Mileiaddressed to the head of the Buenos Aires Government, Jorge Macri, “Don’t get in our way”set off alarms within the Pro. What for some is another expression in the disruptive style of the libertarian leader, for the party founded by Mauricio Macri is a symptom of a “climate of verbal violence and political ruptures” that, as they point out , “threatens the foundations of a democratic culture.”
From the Pro they warn that La Libertad Avanza (LLA) “does not seek to consolidate alliances”but to destroy its main competitor in the discourse of change. They are convinced that the real enemy is not Kirchnerism, with which LLA maintains strategic discursive confrontations but private agreements, but Pro himself.
This strategy includes positioning Kirchnerism as a comfortable antagonist in the province of Buenos Aires, allowing Milei to maintain Axel Kicillof as a dialectical target while avoiding management commitments in the Buenos Aires territory.
Agreements with Kirchnerism
In the Pro they interpret recent LLA movements as a demonstration of their political pragmatism. The elimination of the PASO, for example, which would have Kirchnerist support, would favor a scenario where “the pen” by Karina Milei be decisive in defining lists of candidates. Furthermore, the possible approval of Ariel Lijo’s document in the Senate, which the Pro opposes, reinforces the perception of a tactical understanding between LLA and Kirchnerism.
In this context, the Pro cannot wait and must adjust his strategy. Jorge Macri, aware of the challenge, seeks to reposition the party in its historic Buenos Aires bastion. To do this, he resorted to Antoni Gutiérrez-Rubípolitical strategist with a progressive profile who has already worked with Peronist figures, such as Cristina Kirchner and Sergio Massa.
Jorge Macri’s plan
Jorge Macri’s move has several fronts. First, decided to municipalize the campaign in the City of Buenos Airesseparating it from the national dynamic to protect itself from a possible “violet wave” that drags the local electorate towards LLA. This decision, although controversial within the Pro, shows its intention to maintain control in a key district.
In parallel, Macri is betting on a renewed narrative, with tax relief measures and promises of reforms that shrink the State, seeking to compete directly with Milei’s speech. The designation of Laura Alonso as institutional spokesperson and the changes in the cabinet, such as the displacement of Nestor Grindettipoint to a rejuvenation of the party image.
Furthermore, the visual renewal of the Pro porteño, with a new logo and a more modern communication approach, marks the beginning of a campaign in “fast forward mode”according to those close to Jorge Macri.
Mauricio and the surprises
The Pro’s final strategy will be outlined this week in a key meeting that will include the Pro himself. Mauricio Macriwho returns from Cumelen. There his participation as a candidate could be announced, a move that would give a strong boost to the party. However, the appearance of a disruptive figure such as Marcos Galperinfounder of Mercado Libre, who has intensified his public presence and seems willing to assume a more active political role.
Galperín, who is already a neighbor of Macri in Cumelén, is emerging as a potential counterweight to Milei due to his incendiary style on social networks, similar to that of international figures such as Elon Musk. His incursion could reconfigure the landscape, especially if he manages to connect with sectors of the electorate disenchanted with traditional options.
Milei’s game
While the Pro tries to consolidate its ranks, Milei advances in the political field. The transfer of Diego Valenzuela, mayor of Tres de Febrero, and the incorporation of Diego Kravetz to the AFI, are examples of his “talent hunting” strategy within the opposition arch. In that same sense, they seek to tempt the mayor of San Isidro, Ramon Lanusclose to Patricia Bullrichto add more names to their ranks (they also point to the Mar del Plata Guillermo Montenegro).
The tension between both spaces not only redefines the opposition dynamics, but also highlights an ideological and electoral battle that will mark the legislative elections. While LLA seeks to consolidate itself as the new axis of anti-Kirchnerism, The Pro is committed to resisting in its Buenos Aires bastion and recovering its national weight.
What is at stake is not only the leadership of the right, but also the ability of both spaces to articulate a credible governance proposal (Javier Milei’s speech this week in Davos was for many of the “piantavotos” themselves) in the face of a country in crisis. The next move on the board will define much more than a choice.
by RN
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