Argentine conservative Patricia Bullrich, who was previously seen as the frontrunner in the country’s presidential election, is now relying on her promises of economic stability and a tough-on-crime platform to stay in the race. She finds herself caught between the ruling Peronist bloc and a surprise far-right candidate who has gained much of her expected support, as voters express anger towards the political status quo.
Bullrich, a 67-year-old former security minister and graduate in political science, has emphasized her moderate credentials in an effort to close the gap in polls leading up to the October 22 vote. Although she currently ranks third in a tight race among the top three candidates, she still has a chance to make it to the second round.
Discussing her candidacy for the Together for Change coalition, Bullrich declared to Reuters that “You have to have a backbone to govern this country,” and emphasized her courage, determination, and clarity of ideas. She has proposed a dual peso-dollar monetary system, zero deficit, loosening of capital controls, focus on education, and strong security measures as solutions to address Argentina’s triple-digit inflation, high poverty rate, and looming recession.
Bullrich is facing competition from the front-runner libertarian economist Javier Milei, who offers more extreme policies, and economy minister Sergio Massa. Despite the historical unreliability of polls, Bullrich still has a chance to make it to the second round.
Bullrich’s political journey began in the Peronist Youth in the 1970s, but she distanced herself from the Peronists and served as the labor minister during the centrist government of Fernando de la Rua. In 2015, she joined the main conservative bloc and eventually became the security minister under President Mauricio Macri. This diverse political background brings both strengths and challenges to her candidacy.
Cristian Ritondo, a candidate for the lower house of Congress on Bullrich’s list, described her as a hardworking leader with a strong sense of political decisiveness and organizing abilities. Maria Alejandra Ferreyra, a childhood friend of Bullrich and a lower house candidate, praised her as a “born leader” open to different ideas.
The Together for Change coalition, previously considered a strong contender, faced a setback in the open primary elections in August when Milei unexpectedly secured first place. Despite this, Bullrich’s security credentials and stable persona continue to resonate with voters. Ana Balcarce, a professor at the University of Avellaneda and Lomas de Zamora, cited Bullrich’s sensible, balanced, and rational approach and the strong political machinery of the conservative coalition as reasons for support.
Bullrich acknowledged that win or lose, the coalition will remain a strong political force with 10-11 governors and a significant presence in Congress. However, she does face criticism for her association with Macri, who is blamed for agreeing to a $57 billion IMF loan program that has caused ongoing struggles for Argentina.
In response to these concerns, Facundo Martinez Maino, a member of Bullrich’s economic team, assured that they have learned from past mistakes and would avoid taking on new IMF debt if elected. Instead, they would follow a pragmatic and doable program. Some voters, such as retiree Patricia Amalia Rojas, support Bullrich for her tough stance on gangs and crime, believing that her experience and reputation will deter criminals.
Overall, Bullrich remains determined, emphasizing her strengths and promising to bring stability and security to Argentina, while facing tough competition and criticisms related to past economic policies.
(Reporting by Eliana Raszewski and Lucila Sigal; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Marguerita Choy)
