The World Today
The province of Corrientes elected its governor, and the election day served as a clear demonstration of the political clout that Radicalism still holds. With 72 percent turnout, well above the average recorded in other Argentine provinces during the year, the electorate gave overwhelming support to the candidate led by Juan Pablo Valdés. The mayor of Ituzaingó, brother of current governor Gustavo Valdés, obtained 51.7 percent of the votes and secured the leadership of the provincial executive branch.
The result confirmed the ruling party's strategy of maintaining the Vamos Corrientes seal and reinforcing the continuity of the Radical administration. The performance exceeded the legal requirements, as the 45 percent was enough to secure the governorship. The difference achieved allowed the ruling party to project itself with authority onto the national stage.
In second place was Peronism, led by Martín Acuña, who barely secured 20 percent of the vote, a record insufficient for the polarization he sought. Third was Ricardo Colombi, who had shared the ticket with the Valdés in the previous election, with 16 percent. Further behind, with 9 percent, was Lisandro Almirón, a local leader of the La Libertad Avanza party.
The setback for Javier Milei's party was evident. Governor Gustavo Valdés himself had maintained contact with the national ruling party, but negotiations fell short. Karina Milei's visit to Corrientes ultimately sealed the possibility of an agreement, as she hoped to impose names on the top spots on the list. The rupture resulted in the Radical Party running alone and consolidating a landslide victory, while the Libertarians were relegated to fourth place.
The election took place amid a tense national political climate. The Argentine government is facing a case for alleged bribery in the disability sector, with audio recordings implicating officials and leading to investigations into the Casa Rosada due to suspicions of hidden microphones. The case disrupted the official agenda and fueled doubts about the transparency of contracts with drug supplier companies.
At the same time, the economy is showing signs of stagnation, with a mere 0.6 percent annual growth. The Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) is seeking to contain the crisis and is preparing for the final week of the campaign in the province of Buenos Aires , a key district where the ruling party needs to demonstrate strength. Javier Milei, for his part, confirmed a trip to the United States right in the final stretch of the campaign, a decision that has raised internal questions.
The result in Corrientes, combined with the poor performance of the Libertarian Party and a weakened Peronism, creates a scenario that will be closely watched throughout Uruguay and the region. For the Radical Party, Juan Pablo Valdés' victory represents a reaffirmation of provincial power and a message for national politics .
