Argentina: Pro BRICS candidate wins first round Presidential vote

Sergio Massa, the Minister of Economy for Argentina who was nominated by the ruling Union for the Homeland coalition, and Libertarian MP Javier Miley (Freedom Comes Party) have progressed to the second round of the presidential election.

The National Electoral Chamber released data indicating that after processing 82% of the ballots, Massa received 36.11% of the votes, while “Freedom Comes” member Miley received 30.35%.

The Former Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich placed third (23.69%, opposition coalition "Together for Change"), followed by the Governor of Cordoba Province Juan Schiaretti (7.18%) in fourth. Far-left politician Miriam Bregman completed the top five (2.64%).

The presidential election's second round is scheduled for November 19.

Javier Miley proposes a scaled-back approach to government intervention, calling for the abolition of the central bank, the replacement of the national currency with the US dollar and a significant reduction in public spending, according to TASS. Miley declared that he has no intention of developing relationships with China, Brazil, or the Russian Federation, but he does not aim to interfere with private enterprise in their dealings with these countries. The politician considers the United States and Israel as his top allies. The populace supports the current government policies and pledges to focus on job creation and the growth of the national industries, including the oil and gas sector.

Sergio Massa on the other hand is a strong advocate for Argentina as part of the BRICS and closer trade ties with the other member states.