Argentina's Macri chooses opposition figure as running mate
Jun 11, 2019
Argentine President Mauricio Macri says he is choosing the leader of the largest opposition bloc in the Senate as his running mate in October's presidential election
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine President Mauricio Macri said Tuesday that he is choosing the leader of the largest opposition bloc in the Senate as his running mate in October's presidential election.
Macri said on Twitter that he chose Peronist Sen. Miguel Angel Pichetto because Argentina will "need to build agreements."
The conservative president is seeking re-election amid a recession, a devaluation of the currency and an inflation rate that at around 50% is one of the world's highest. The economic crisis has fueled labor protests against Macri and dented his approval ratings.
His main challenge will come from leftist former President Cristina Fernández, who surprised Argentines last month when she announced that she would try to return to power by running as vice president on the ticket with a former chief of staff, Alberto Fernández.
Pichetto was allied with Fernández during her 2007-2015 administration, but has since broken with her and headed a more moderate opposition faction within the always fractious Peronist party.
"I'm not going back to the past," Pichetto told local media earlier Tuesday. "A victory by Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández is a return to the past."
Cristina Fernández is known for her populism and unorthodox economic policies. While her supporters believe she led Argentina out of an economic crisis, others blame her for creating conditions that led to the country's current turmoil.
Macri is credited with returning Argentina to global credit markets for the first time since its worst economic crisis in 2001-2002, but he has failed on promises to curb inflation and end poverty. After a sharp depreciation of Argentina's currency, he was also forced to seek a record $56 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund to try to tame the crisis.
More News
Trump Offers Putin Economic Relief in Hopes That Russia Will Return the Favor
The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in next month’s elections.
How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France
Demonstrations across the country turned violent, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.
M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash
Commercials promoting a gambling platform and endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?
Weak Links Start to Show in A.I. Borrowing
Debt trouble at CoreWeave, Oracle and SoftBank raises questions about whether there are broader problems with the data center build-out.
The Reporter Who Exposed Elizabeth Holmes on Nathan Fielder’s Documentary
Ms. Holmes handed the makers of “You Can See Everything” — and the rest of the world — a microscope with which to observe and dissect her lies.
Can Cereal Be Healthy? Big Companies Are Trying.
As more Americans turn away from the snap, crackle and sugar, the industry is trying to capitalize on our current obsession with wellness.
Low-cost clinic helps pet owners with vet bills
RSPCA Medway West launches its clinic for the pets of people with low incomes.
States Are Stepping Up as the New Antitrust Enforcers
With the Trump administration taking a relaxed approach, attorneys general around the country have ramped up their scrutiny of mergers.
Corporate Tax Revenue Falls Even as Profits Soar Under Trump
The annual decline was about $70 billion. Companies are writing off billions in A.I. investments, taking advantage of tax cuts that President Trump signed into law.
It’s Time to Shop Medicare, and This Year, It’s Extra Important
Be sure to read your mail this fall — big changes to prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage provider networks are coming, and could cost you more.
Weak Links Start to Show in A.I. Borrowing
Debt trouble at CoreWeave, Oracle and SoftBank raises questions about whether there is broader trouble with the data center build-out.
Call for more food funding due to high living cost
Deputy Louise Doublet does not think the cost of living was considered in the ending of a trial.