Argentina's presidential runoff: Economy minister and anti-establishment upstart compete for moderate voters

Argentina's economy minister and the anti-establishment upstart he faces in a presidential runoff next month began competing Monday to shore up the moderate voters they need.

Argentines go to the polls on November 19 to choose between two very different candidates in a presidential runoff.

Economy Minister Sergio Massa and anti-establishment upstart Javier Milei

Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who represents the ruling Peronist party, and anti-establishment upstart Javier Milei, an economist and freshman lawmaker, will compete for the presidency in a runoff election on November 19. Massa earned almost seven points more than Milei in Sunday's vote, but most polls had shown Massa slightly trailing, as voters had been expected to punish him for triple-digit inflation that has eaten away at purchasing power and boosted poverty.

Milei's fiery rhetoric and radical proposals

Milei's fiery rhetoric and radical proposals — like slashing subsidies that benefit a large swathe of the population and replacing the local currency with the dollar — galvanized die-hard supporters, but cost him support among more moderate voters. Massa, on the other hand, showed his Peronist party's power to mobilize Argentine voters. Peronism, a nebulous political movement named after former President Juan Domingo Perón that has both left- and right-wing factions but broadly believes in social justice and workers rights, has been a dominant force and in this election cycle emerged as the only viable left-leaning option for voters.

Right-wing votes were divided

Right-wing votes were divided between Milei, former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich of the main opposition coalition, and another candidate, Cordoba provinces Gov. Juan Schiaretti. Bullrich finished third in the field of five candidates, and the runoff will be decided by where her voters ultimately migrate. She said in her concession speech Sunday night that she wouldn't congratulate Massa on his victory because he was part of "Argentinas worst government,” and that that her coalition would never support "the mafias that have destroyed this country.” She stopped short of endorsing Milei, however.

Can Milei win over Bullrich's voters?

During the campaign, Milei harshly criticized Bullrich as part of the entrenched elite that required purging, but he sought to appeal to her voters in a radio interview on Monday, suggesting that they should focus on the bigger picture. "Everyone who wants to change Argentina, who wants to embrace the ideas of freedom, are welcome,” Milei said. "Its not a matter of labels; its a matter of who wants to be on this side.” Massa had started his own outreach the prior evening in his victory speech. "Im going to call for a government of national unity — a government of national unity built on the foundation of summoning the best individuals, regardless of their political affiliation,” he said.

Analysts are skeptical

Analysts, however, questioned whether those votes would automatically transfer to him. Some of the more progressive elements of Bullrichs coalition were already making clear Monday they would not support Milei, who has raged against the so-called "political caste”, vowed to eliminate half the government ministries and slash public spending. In the run-up to the vote, Massa focused much of his messaging on how Mileis plans would be devastating to ordinary citizens. And some analysts warned a runoff scenario may not be conducive to Mileis combative style.

The outcome of the runoff election will have significant implications for Argentina's future. Massa represents the status quo, while Milei offers a radical alternative. Voters will have to decide whether they want to continue down the path of Peronism or take a chance on Milei's untested brand of politics.