Fernández seeks exit from crisis with Cabinet reshuffle

• President drawing up new Cabinet in bid to overcome schism with CFK • Communications & Press Secretary Juan Pablo Biondi resigns post • Government set to unveil raft to new measures to attract voters

After an extraordinary week in which the ruling coalition’s internal conflicts were laid bare for all to see, President Alberto Fernández was huddling with advisers last night, discussing his next move with a close circle of trusted officials.

According to widespread reports, the Peronist leader was in the process of drawing up a new Cabinet in a attempt to put a lid on the political crisis that has gripped his government. Despite previously resisting attempts to force him into a reshuffle before the November midterms, his objections seems to have been overcome after six days of rumours, recriminations – and a fierce attack from his own vice-president.

The Peronist leader, who immediately came under pressure following the heavy loss suffered by Frente de Todos in last Sunday’s PASO primaries, has spent much of this week assessing how to salvage the ruling coalition. He now intends to construct a new Cabinet representing all the sectors of Frente de Todos, with consensus said to be key.