Peronist leaders are accelerating talks to build a broad coalition to challenge President Javier Milei ahead of the October 2027 vote. Axel Kicillof is leading discussions that could include parties opposed to Milei, who has cut inflation but pursued strict austerity. Polls show a close race, and while internal Peronist divisions complicate alliance-building, the shared aim of ousting Milei may drive cooperation.
Peronists Move To Forge Broad Anti‑Milei Coalition As Support Slips
Argentina's President Javier Milei speaks at Yeshiva University in Manhattan, in New York City, U.S., March 9, 2026. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo
May 27 (Reuters) — Senior figures within Argentina's Peronist movement are stepping up efforts to build a wide-ranging coalition to challenge President Javier Milei in next year's presidential election, seeking to capitalize on a recent dip in his popularity.
Axel Kicillof, governor of Buenos Aires province and head of the Peronist Justicialista party there, told Reuters that discussions are underway to form a Peronist coalition that could include politicians from parties opposed to Milei. Milei has overseen a sharp reduction in previously staggering inflation while pursuing sweeping austerity measures.
The Peronist bloc's loss in October's midterm elections — which many voters interpreted as a mandate for Milei's economic overhaul — exposed fractures within the movement and raised questions about how its competing leaders could coordinate a comeback.
Milei Faces A Tough Challenge
Recent polls suggest Milei could be vulnerable in a reelection bid. A May survey by Opina Argentina put Milei's La Libertad Avanza party in a technical tie with the Peronist camp, while polling firm Trespuntozero found 42% of respondents would definitely or possibly vote for Axel Kicillof versus 34% for Milei.
Opina Argentina also reports that 39% of voters now have a positive view of Milei, down from an approval level of around 53% about a year ago. His standing has been weakened by government corruption scandals and by wages and purchasing power that have lagged behind inflation.
Peronism remains closely associated with former president and opposition leader Cristina Kirchner, who is serving a six-year sentence at her Buenos Aires home on corruption charges. Critics say heavy public spending under her administration contributed to Argentina's long-running inflationary pressures, which continued under Alberto Fernández's presidency.
Talks to assemble a Peronist coalition could be complicated by competing factions that range from center-left to center-right. Still, the shared objective of unseating Milei may provide an incentive for rivals to set aside differences and unite behind a common ticket.
'The desire to beat Milei could act as an incentive for all actors to set aside some of their interests and come together in a coalition,' said Facundo Nejamkis of Opina Argentina.
Potential opposition contenders include Axel Kicillof and Sergio Massa, a former economy minister aligned with Peronism who lost the 2023 presidential race to Milei. Campaigning for the October 2027 presidential election is expected to kick off in August, after the World Cup and Argentina's winter holidays.
(Reporting by Nicolás Misculin; Writing by Leila Miller; Editing by Rod Nickel)
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