THE DEPRESSED AND THE WORRIED

If it were not because of the dire consequences, one could really define Argentine politics as a first-rate tragicomedy written by a drunken psychiatrist!

At this point we have two main contending forces trying to win the next general elections, one suffering a severe depression, the other suffering from different worries. The depression is affecting the government forces, ever since the walloping in the primary polls, whilst the worries afflict the opposition even though it came through this trial with flying colours.

The backers of Juntos para el Cambio, and investors of all sorts, went from cautious optimism before the primaries to deep pessimism the day after and, in general, feel that way even now. The leaders of the Frente de Todos – faced with severe differences of opinion between its backers – have to worry daily to keep their balancing-act in place, so as not to lose votes from anyone of its sides.

My personal opinion is that those who immediately yelled “Game over” for Juntos came out too early with this conviction. It’s a fact that many, many of those who backed it originally are very angry because of the lousy way the economy has been run over the last three-and-a-half years, but the defining question is whether they will repeat their protest vote when the real election day arrives. For many it will be what weighs most, this anger or their bad memories of the Kirchner days. One thing is for sure and this is that Juntos can only win if it drops its depression and goes into the electoral battle feeling that “Yes, we can” win. Although they are the underdog at this moment, they are still a good way away from losing!

As for Frente de Todos, it’s obvious that they are perfectly aware that the tables could be turned, and proof of this is the fact that this time they have shown no signs of the triumphalism so usual when they score a victory. Add to this their difficulty in controlling the outbursts from their more radical backers, which could scare away the undecided voters they so much need. In other words, they have their worries and are being very cautious not to fall from the highwire. Although they are the frontrunners at this moment, they are still a good way away from winning!

Conclusion: Both sides need sober psychiatrists to help them through the coming weeks, because this game is definitely not over! Harry Ingham City