In a radio interview, former Argentine Economy Minister Hernán Lacunza officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential elections, revealing he has discussed the bid with Mauricio Macri and over a dozen PRO party leaders. He criticized the current government and proposed replacing the 'chainsaw' with a 'cement mixer' to focus on construction and consensus.

Hernán Lacunza, who served as Argentina's Minister of Economy during the final months of Mauricio Macri's presidency, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential race. In an interview with Ignacio Ortelli on Esta Mañana for Radio Rivadavia on August 20, 2026, Lacunza declared: 'My will is to be President of the Nation.' He also revealed that he had spoken with former President Mauricio Macri about three months ago, as well as with more than a dozen senior PRO party leaders.

A Collective Project, Not a Solo Venture

Lacunza stressed that his candidacy is not a personal adventure: 'I don't believe in individual adventures; I believe in party and organizational proposals.' He made it clear that he will not join any electoral list unless the PRO party runs with an independent candidate, because 'things must be done differently.'

The economist, who also served as Minister of Finance in Buenos Aires Province, took a swipe at the current ruling alliance La Libertad Avanza: 'The PRO and the government do not share the same way of doing politics.' His signature slogan captures his vision: Argentina needs 'to replace the chainsaw with a cement mixer'—a direct critique of President Javier Milei's famous austerity policy, emphasizing the need for construction and consensus.

Criticism of the Government and Policy Proposals

Lacunza argued that the country is entering 'a phase where a different style of leadership is needed—reforms that this government could not, did not know how, or did not want to implement.' He called for a more 'inclusive, consensual policy that requires working with other actors, including the provinces.' Among his key proposals are a comprehensive tax reform and an overhaul of public spending systems that would involve cooperation between the national government, provinces, and municipalities.

He also rejected the argument that one should not propose something better for fear that something worse might win: 'That is a political weakness, and from a philosophical and intellectual standpoint, it is quite poor.'

PRO Internal Dynamics

When asked about internal differences within the PRO, Lacunza acknowledged their existence but remained firm: 'Some PRO leaders think another alternative is better—welcome, but I am going to move forward.'

With this announcement, Lacunza positions himself as one of the PRO's early pre-candidates for 2027. The political landscape is already heating up, with internal debates about a potential alliance with La Libertad Avanza still unresolved.

Background: Who is Hernán Lacunza?

Lacunza is an economist with a long career in public service. He served as Minister of Economy of Argentina from August to December 2019, replacing Nicolás Dujovne. He was also Minister of Finance of Buenos Aires Province under Governor María Eugenia Vidal. Known for his pragmatic and consensus-driven approach, he has been a vocal critic of the current government's confrontational style.

For further details, you can listen to the full interview on Radio Rivadavia and read extended coverage at LU17.