On Sunday 28th June, Argentines took to the polls to vote in congressional elections that would see the “ruling couple”, Cristina and Néstor Kirchner, lose majorities in both houses and set the stage for a shift of power in the country.
In an attempt to build political capital distinct from his wife’s sagging approval ratings, Néstor ran in powerful Buenos Aires Province. After losing to billionaire businessman, Francisco de Narváez, Nestor has since stepped down as leader of the Kirchners’ party, Frente para la Victoria.
Narváez’s Unión-PRO, an alliance party formed with Buenos Aires mayor Mauricio Macri, came out on top, setting the stage for a tight electoral race in the presidential elections in 2011.
The Argentina Independent took to the street to ask the citizens of Buenos Aires what they think about the turn of events and what they think it means for Argentina in the future.
Osvaldo Scocchera, Worker, 57, Devoto
I think that the vote yesterday was damaging for Kirchner, who handled the situation very poorly, just like the last time. But fine. The people have the right and they chose another direction. If you want one deputy now so another won’t have a large majority, that’s fine. And for another thing, they didn’t know anything. This only recently happened and now we have to see what happens. I voted for the Unión-PRO party for the women who’s with Macri (Michetti). But, fine, we have to see what happens.
Laura Contreras, 34, Marketing, Capital Federal
I think it’s a fraud. I know people at schools who study the elections and studied the way people spoiled the ballots in favor of Frente para la Victoria, with Kirchner, who was the one who was supposed to change everything, regarding socialism. I don’t know who is most popular however; I don’t know what is possible. If Macri carries out what he promised, he will surely win [the presidential elections].
Carlos Ogas, 34, Building Caretaker, Boedo
For me, all of the politicians are the same. There isn’t one who will bring any new projects. People only vote because it’s obligatory. Look, out of all the talkers, you can only select one. I voted for Gabriela Michetti but I think I chose her mostly for her name and not for her party. I don’t think she’ll change Argentina because the thing that you have to change the most is public safety. Year after year, crime gets worse, so it’s the same with every politician.
Marina Negri, 18, Student, Avellaneda
It could be an advance but it can also be a step backwards. It depends on the people and their point of view. It was my first vote. I voted for the Radicals. I live in the province [Buenos Aires Province] so that fits with me. The politicians have to fix a lot, but primarily the issue of poverty. I hope that those who win bring a solution. It depends on the party- they all talk and promise but then afterwards do not follow through.
Gonzalo David, 19, Student, Quilmes
For me, De Narváez is a fake. A lot of people voted for him because they were influenced by the program Show Match and a lot of people came to idolize his persona and voted for him based on that while being ignorant to the politics. He’s a businessman who’s going to cripple Argentina. I didn’t like him and that’s why I voted for Néstor Kirchner and Frente para la Victoria because he did many things for the people. We have a bit more security than before [due to Kirchner].
Photos by Thomas Locke Hobbs