Argentina's Presidential Election Heads to Runoff as Economy Minister Massa Leads Populist Milei

Despite triple-digit inflation and surging poverty rates under his tenure as Economy Minister, Sergio Massa received highest votes in first round of Argentina's presidential election, outperforming far-right libertarian Javier Milei; run-off set for November 19.

Despite a struggling economy plagued by triple-digit inflation and rising poverty rates, Economy Minister Sergio Massa led the first round of Argentina's presidential election, outperforming libertarian Javier Milei due to voters’ wariness about Milei’s plans to drastically shrink the state's role.
Massa and Milei are now set to compete in a November 19 run-off after neither achieved the necessary votes to become president in the first round; former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich finished third in the competition, effectively disqualifying her from the race.
Massa's campaign strategies included warning voters against backing Milei, arguing that Milei's drastic economic plans could have catastrophic effects on social welfare programs, education, and healthcare.
Javier Milei's radical proposals for economic reform, including eliminating the Central Bank, replacing the local currency with the U.S. dollar, and slashing public spending, were characterized as extreme and dangerous, potentially contributing to his underperformance in the polls.
Despite challenges, the Argentine economy has been resilient, with stocks tied to South America’s second-largest economy showing a positive year, appearing immune to political quarrels.
Massa has called for a government of national unity, regardless of political affiliation, signifying an attempt to consolidate bipartisan support for the run-off.