Last Sunday, October 22nd, the ruling party’s formula unfortunately emerged victorious in Argentina. This is both disconcerting and painful for the Argentine people. In response, the two strongest opposition factions decided to unite.
Their goal is to defend freedom against a violent Kirchnerism that disregards the country’s institutions. Almost immediately, the day after the election, the formula of Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri, along with former President Mauricio Macri, expressed their support for La Libertad Avanza, the movement led by Javier Milei. This union is significant not only in terms of combining electoral forces but also as Argentina’s last chance over the next four years to defend its institutions and the freedom of its citizens against an increasingly violent Peronism.
In the week following the election, Argentines have suffered from fuel shortages, with a presidential candidate blaming the opposition for the crisis, despite him being the current Minister of Economy. Meanwhile, 60% of children are below the poverty line, and inflation is above 130% annually. In any other country, it would be unimaginable for someone responsible for such a situation to have a chance at becoming president. But in Argentina, demagoguery and electoral violence can lead to this. As always, electoral fraud in some parts of the country was staggering, with some polling stations recording 100% of the votes for Massa after being scrutinized, which is statistically impossible.
Fortunately, heading into the runoff, liberalism has the support of the third most-voted force, with which it shares values and ideas. We hope that by joining forces, we can face the violence perpetrated by Peronism, both in the campaign and in protecting the people’s votes. The structure and experience of Juntos por el Cambio, combined with the determination and ideas of La Libertad Avanza, can create a different, more enriched, and above all, prosperous Argentina. Personally, I hope that as we approach the runoff, well-intentioned Argentines will choose to break free from the state paternalism that has plagued us for so long and opt for a freer option that leads us down the path of liberty. This path includes a stable economy, a secure country with strong and respected institutions, and, as much as possible, where the principles of the republic guide our nation rather than the corruption and impunity that currently do.
Over the past four years, we have experienced assaults on our rights of all kinds, from lacking access to public services during the pandemic, food shortages, or quotas to purchase essentials, to having to wait in long lines to refuel. Now, we face the choice of defending our freedom or continuing to be subjected to this. I hope that Argentines seize this opportunity against populism and do not let demagoguery and fear overshadow the ideas that can lead our nation to prosperity. I celebrate the united opposition against the enemy that is Kirchnerism because it is a choice between defending our freedom or continuing to be overwhelmed by a corrupt force that tramples on our most basic rights.