A senior figure in Argentina's ruling La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party has publicly questioned whether the party will form an electoral alliance with the PRO in the city of Buenos Aires, according to multiple Argentine media reports on Sunday.
Pilar Ramírez, speaking at a live event, said it was unclear if the two parties would even share a common project for the city, as reported by TN. Her comments, echoed by Clarin, suggest LLA may run its own candidate in the capital rather than join forces with the PRO, the party led by former president Mauricio Macri.
Ramírez also criticized Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri while praising Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, according to El Cronista. She reportedly renewed her attacks on Vice President Victoria Villarruel, signaling internal tensions within the ruling coalition.
The uncertainty comes as reports indicate LLA has been sounding out Diego Santilli, a prominent PRO figure, as a potential candidate for the Buenos Aires mayoral race, according to Ambito. That move has reportedly caused alarm within the PRO, which sees Santilli as one of its own.
Despite the friction, La Nación reported that PRO and LLA legislators are converging in the city legislature and exploring a possible electoral agreement. This suggests that while public statements cast doubt on a pact, behind-the-scenes negotiations may still be underway.
The Buenos Aires race is shaping up to be a key test of the relationship between President Javier Milei's party and the PRO, its main ally in national government. With Ramírez openly questioning the alliance, the coming weeks will likely determine whether the two parties can bridge their differences or compete against each other in the city's next election.
