As the nation approaches the pivotal national elections in October , political alliances are evolving rapidly. The party La Libertad Avanza , led by President Javier Milei , is actively engaging in discussions with potential allies in various provinces. With just under 24 hours left until the deadline for formal alliance submissions to electoral authorities, Milei’s party is in high-stakes negotiations, targeting both announced agreements and surprising partnerships in regions across Argentina.
This election marks a significant milestone for La Libertad Avanza as it attempts to solidify its presence across the country. The goal is not just about achieving electoral success; it also aims to strengthen its bloc in Congress during the second half of Milei’s term. Although in the previous elections Milei fielded candidates for roles such as governor and senator, he was often reliant on other local parties for endorsement, limiting his influence in certain areas.
Determined to avoid a repeat of past challenges, Milei has appointed his sister, Karina Milei , as the General Secretary of the party. Her primary task is to secure legal recognition for La Libertad Avanza in all 24 jurisdictions of Argentina, an objective she has successfully achieved.
Despite the significant progress, many party leaders have opted to form alliances with existing political forces, such as the PRO (Propuesta Republicana) and the *Radical Civic Union (UCR). This reflects a strategic move to bolster their chances in key regions. Agreements have already materialized in vital areas, including the city and province of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Chaco, while talks are progressing elsewhere as well.
In Entre Ríos , for instance, Governor Rogelio Frigerio met with representatives from the Casa Rosada to finalize the division of roles on the ballot. Meanwhile, libertarian leaders are conducting discussions with members of PRO and UCR in Córdoba, where local president Martín Llaryora poses a significant challenge to Milei’s administration.
In San Luis , the political landscape is shifting as Claudio Poggi has mentioned he will not compete with his provincial front in the national elections, leaving doors open for a potential joint list with the Casa Rosada, given the positive relationship he shares with Milei’s administration.
Historically, the local vote in these regions is significant. Interestingly, in San Luis , ruling candidates outperformed two competitors connected to a local front during the last elections. Despite their previous performances, Karina Milei had distanced herself from both candidates months before, complicating the landscape further.
Alongside her, Carlos D’Alessandro and possible candidate Alejandro Cacace have played integral roles in organizing the party’s strategy. Cacace, known as one of the “radicals with wig,” has recently joined the ruling coalition, increasing their political weight.
Looking ahead, several provinces will elect senators this year, including Río Negro , Salta , Neuquén , CABA , Tierra del Fuego , Santiago del Estero , Entre Ríos , and Chaco . Agreements have been reached primarily in regions governed by parties whose ideologies align closely with La Libertad Avanza.
Conversations are ongoing in key provinces, including Neuquén , Río Negro , and Santiago del Estero , exploring potential alliances with PRO. In Chaco , the coalition with Leandro Zdero , the radical president, debuted in local elections and appears poised to re-engage at the national scale.
Tierra del Fuego presents a complex scenario, as Agustín Coto , a libertarian shipping magnate, maintains open dialogue with macrismo. The outcome is yet to be determined, adding to the overall uncertainty.
In this province, only two deputy seats are contested: one for the Union for the Fatherland and another for Somos Fueguinos , limiting options for potential collaborators. Despite these constraints, La Libertad Avanza maintains a strong organizational presence, with Karina working closely with party leaders to bolster their chances.
In Salta , representatives from La Libertad Avanza express concerns about the PRO’s limited influence, noting that other parties have been eclipsed by Governor Gustavo Sáenz . However, the libertarian faction believes that unity under Karina Milei provides a competitive advantage, allowing them to present candidates from within their ranks without internal divisions.
At the same time, Alfredo Olmedo , a prominent Mercosur parliamentarian, aims to strengthen the party’s representation by spotlighting candidates like María Emilia Orozco , who is expected to run for senator.
On the administrative side, Carlos Zapata , aligned with Olmedo’s faction, is due for re-election, raising the stakes for his potential candidacy in future elections. Late Wednesday, it was confirmed that an electoral arrangement has been finalised in Río Negro , where a coalition of PRO and La Libertad Avanza will confront “the true enemy” represented by Kirchnerism and its provincial allies.
In areas like Santa Fe , La Rioja , La Pampa , Corrientes , Formosa , Jujuy , Chubut , Catamarca , and San Juan , La Libertad Avanza is poised for a solitary campaign, as coalition agreements have not come to fruition. As the political landscape shifts, the upcoming October elections promise to test the resilience and strategy of La Libertad Avanza and its leaders.