Leftist challenger topples president as economy reels
BUENOS AIRES — Conservative President Mauricio Macri conceded defeat in Argentina’s election Sunday night, paving the way for the country’s Peronist centerleft to return to power under Alberto Fernandez as frustrated voters rejected the incumbent’s handling of a bruising economic crisis that has sunk many into poverty.
The result would mark a dramatic return to high office of former President Cristina Fernandez, Alberto Fernandez’s vice presidential running mate, former boss and what critics say might be the power behind his throne. The two are not related.
Macri told supports at his headquarters that he had called Fernandez to congratulate him.
“We need an orderly transition that will bring tranquility to all Argentines, because the most important thing is the wellbeing of all Argentines,” Macri said.
Authorities said Fernandez has 47.83% of the votes compared to 40.66% for Macri, with 91.21% percent of the votes counted. He needs 45% support, or 40% support with a 10 percentage point lead, over the nearest rival to avoid a runoff vote on Nov. 24.
Macri was elected president in 2015 promising to jumpstart the country’s economy. Argentines rejected at the time a successor chosen by expresident Fernandez, who along with her late husband dominated Argentina’s political scene for 12 years and rewrote its social contract. But the divisive former leader, who embodies Argentina’s enduring cycle of hope and despair, appears back.
Thousands of their supporters crowded outside their campaign headquarters in a jubilant celebration waving skyblue and white Argentine flags.
“I’m so happy. We were waiting for this change for a long time. We’re tired of everything that has been happening,” said supporter Juan Jose De Antonio, 46. “Some of us live a different reality from those suffering hunger, but when you have a friend who lost a job, a neighbor who can’t make ends meet, it hits you.”
As polls closed Alberto Fernandez embraced his girlfriend as friends cheered. He then greeted sympathizers who gathered outside the gate of his apartment chanting: “Alberto presidente!”
Sunday’s largely peaceful election was dominated by concerns over rising poverty, a sharp depreciation of the currency and one of the world’s highest inflation rates. Voters seemed to have rejected austerity measures that Macri insisted were needed to revive Argentina’s struggling economy.