Eduardo Duhalde, who led Argentina from 2002 to 2003, has once again stirred the political waters with sharp remarks that challenge both the ruling party and the opposition. In an exclusive interview with Ámbito published on August 17, 2026, the veteran politician offered a bleak diagnosis of the country's traditional parties, backed a surprising presidential candidate, and hinted at the possibility of political proscription.
For international readers, it's key to understand that Peronism (justicialismo) is Argentina's largest political movement, a broad coalition of labor unions, provincial leaders, and diverse factions—historically dominant but currently fractured. The PASO (Primarias Abiertas, Simultáneas y Obligatorias) are mandatory open primaries held before general elections, a system that may be abolished by the current government.
'I See Peronism in Bad Shape'
Duhalde didn't mince words: "I see Peronism badly. I see all parties badly, including the government's party," he said. He argued that "people don't want to vote for political parties" because they are angry—they feel parties haven't improved their lives when in power. To address this, he promoted his new initiative, the Movimiento Productivo Argentino (MPA), a political movement that draws from Radical and Peronist traditions. "We are building the MPA with radical and justicialist tools," he explained, emphasizing its core mission: "a program to end structural corruption."
Why Does This Matter?
Argentina faces a crucial presidential election in 2027. With a fragmented opposition and a libertarian government led by Javier Milei, the political landscape is volatile. Duhalde's comments reflect deep uncertainty about the future of traditional politics in the country.
Kicillof: A Surprising Endorsement
When asked about potential candidates for 2027, Duhalde expressed strong support for Axel Kicillof, the governor of Buenos Aires province. "Kicillof seems to me an honest man, and obviously the government keeps him on a short leash, but I like him as a candidate," he said. Duhalde acknowledged that Kicillof leads in polls, though he cautioned that "between polls and reality there is often a long gap."
He compared the potential internal rivalry to the 2005 showdown between Cristina Kirchner and his own wife, Hilda 'Chiche' Duhalde, but noted that "no phenomena are identical over time." On Cristina Kirchner's role, he was blunt: "I don't see her having many chances to help in her current situation" and predicted her influence will only shrink. He also stated his belief that she is effectively "proscribed"—a term meaning legally or politically barred from running—though he didn't provide evidence.
PASO: Internal Race or Conciliation?
Regarding the future of primaries, Duhalde said: "We don't know if we'll have internal elections because the government is threatening to eliminate the PASO, so we must be prepared for both: an internal contest or a conciliation." However, he was pessimistic about the party's chances regardless: "Even if the party unites, I don't see it having the possibility to win. People don't want to vote for parties."
Province vs. Nation
The former governor of Buenos Aires believes that winning the province—Argentina's largest electoral district—is more feasible than winning the presidency. "Yes, I think so," he replied. During a recent four-day trip to Bahía Blanca, he said crowds filled venues and people were eager to hear his alternative vision.
He also mentioned Ricardo Quintela, governor of La Rioja, as a possible contender, but insisted that polls place Kicillof far ahead.
Criticism of Milei's Government
Duhalde didn't spare President Javier Milei: "It's a confrontational government; I believe in unity and getting along." While acknowledging that "no government does everything right or wrong," he stressed that "I want this man to change; if he doesn't, the country will get worse." He attributed Milei's 2023 victory to "a lack of serious alternatives"—a triumph he called "undeniable."
When asked about economic recovery, he expressed hope that capable economists exist, though he declined to name them.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 11, 2026 | Peronist leaders (Kicillof, Massa, Máximo Kirchner) meet at Hotel Emperador |
| April 22, 2026 | Bill to eliminate PASO submitted to the Senate |
| August 17, 2026 | Duhalde interview published by Ámbito |
| August 19, 2026 | New Peronist summit planned, with Monzó and Pichetto |
These statements come amid intense political maneuvering, with both the ruling coalition and opposition searching for strategies ahead of the 2027 elections. Duhalde, who turns 85 in 2026, has ruled out being a candidate himself, but his influence and analysis continue to shape the debate.