Opposition figures in Argentina are moving to form a unified front against President Javier Milei as his public support continues to decline ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof, who leads the Peronist Justicialista party in his province, confirmed to Reuters that discussions are ongoing to create a Peronist alliance. The coalition could potentially bring together politicians from various parties who oppose Milei’s economic policies, despite his success in curbing severe inflation through widespread budget cuts.
The Peronist movement suffered a significant setback in October’s midterm elections, where voters endorsed Milei’s ambitious economic reform agenda. That loss highlighted deep divisions within the opposition and raised serious questions about its ability to mount an effective challenge going forward.
While Milei has indicated plans to seek re-election, the opposition has yet to name its standard-bearer. Potential candidates include Kicillof and Sergio Massa, a former economy minister with Peronist ties who lost the 2023 presidential race to Milei.
Recent survey data suggests Milei could face a difficult path to a second term. A May survey by Opina Argentina found Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party essentially tied with Peronist forces. Separate polling by Trespuntozero indicates 42% of voters would definitely or possibly support Kicillof, while only 34% expressed similar sentiment for Milei.
The Peronist movement remains closely linked to opposition figure Cristina Kirchner, the former president currently under house arrest in Buenos Aires while serving a six-year corruption sentence. During her administration, extensive government spending was cited as a driver of rising inflation, a problem that continued under President Alberto Fernández’s tenure when she served as vice president.
Current approval numbers show Milei at 39% positive ratings according to Opina Argentina, a sharp drop from 53% over a year ago. His standing has been damaged by government corruption controversies and declining purchasing power that hasn’t kept pace with inflation. Kicillof holds a slight edge at 43% approval, while Massa registers 33%.
Building a unified Peronist coalition may prove challenging given tensions between factions that span from center-left to center-right ideologies. However, the shared goal of defeating Milei could “act as an incentive for all actors to set aside some of their interests and come together in a coalition,” according to Facundo Nejamkis of Opina Argentina.
Campaign activities for the October 2027 presidential election are anticipated to begin in August, following the World Cup and local winter break period.
