Javier Milei, the newly elected far-right Argentine president, received a major setback on Tuesday (Feb 6) as his&nbsp;labour reforms package&nbsp;was blocked from advancing in the parliament and sent back for a rewrite.&nbsp;

According to reports, Milei's&nbsp;La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, which controls only a small number of seats in the Congress, pulled the bill and&nbsp;obtained the adjournment of the session.

The move was necessitated after&nbsp;opposition lawmakers went on a rejection spree, culling several crucial proposals at an article-by-article vote.&nbsp;

After the setback, LLA said it would send the bill back to committees for further debate.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Oscar Zago, leader of the ruling party faction called out the governors for their betrayals.&nbsp;

“Betrayal will be costly and [LLA] will not allow the governors to extort the people to maintain their privileges,” the coalition wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).&nbsp;

Notably, the opposition towards the bill continued even as the LLA dramatically scaled back on its previous version - removing&nbsp;more than two-thirds of its original 664 articles, to win over centrist lawmakers.

Despite the omissions, the new bill still included measures such as giving the nod to privatise two dozen state companies,&nbsp;strengthening penalties for road-blocking protests and relaxing some environmental protections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-who-is-javier-milei-argentinas-president-elect-660904">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is Javier Milei, Argentina's president-elect?</a>

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After the setback, Milei, who is currently on a trip to Israel, issued a fiery response.&nbsp;

"Our government program was voted by 56 per cent of Argentines and we are not willing to negotiate it with those who destroyed the country," Milei posted.

"We know that it will not be easy to change a system in which politicians have enriched themselves at the expense of Argentines,"&nbsp;he added.

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LA CASTA CONTRA EL PUEBLO 
 
La casta se puso en contra del cambio que los argentinos votamos en las urnas. 
 
Sabemos que no va a ser fácil cambiar un sistema donde los políticos se hicieron ricos a costa de los argentinos que se levantan todos los días a trabajar. 
 
Nuestro programa…
— Javier Milei (@JMilei) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMilei/status/1755009359061344268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Argentine president had earlier rationalised his decision saying the labour reforms were aimed at deregulating the South American country's&nbsp;economy which has been in a rut.

<h2>Milei's unexpected win</h2>

Milei managed a political upset in November last year by clinching Argentina's presidential run-off elections. Milei's campaign was marked by unconventional tactics, including wielding a chainsaw on the trail.&nbsp;

His economic proposals, notably the bold idea of "detonating" the central bank and endorsing the US dollar as the official currency, struck a chord with voters disillusioned with traditional politics and desperate for a transformative approach.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentinas-new-far-right-president-ditches-brics-to-support-us-and-israel-674880" target="_blank">Also read | Argentina’s new far-right President Javier Milei ditches BRICS to ‘support US and Israel’</a>

While Milei's win resonated with a significant portion of the electorate frustrated with economic hardships, critics remain sceptical of his untested leadership and unconventional policy proposals.

After taking office in December, Milei has undertaken some drastic policy changes that include labour reforms as well as pulling out of the BRICS grouping.

(With inputs from agencies)

Javier Milei, the newly elected far-right Argentine president, received a major setback on Tuesday (Feb 6) as his labour reforms package was blocked from advancing in the parliament and sent back for a rewrite.

Javier Milei, the newly elected far-right Argentine president, received a major setback on Tuesday (Feb 6) as his labour reforms package was blocked from advancing in the parliament and sent back for a rewrite. According to reports, Milei's La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, which controls only a small number of seats in the Congress, pulled the bill and obtained the adjournment of the session. The move was necessitated after opposition lawmakers went on a rejection spree, culling several crucial proposals at an article-by-article vote. After the setback, LLA said it would send the bill back to committees for further debate. Meanwhile, Oscar Zago, leader of the ruling party faction called out the governors for their betrayals. “Betrayal will be costly and [LLA] will not allow the governors to extort the people to maintain their privileges,” the coalition wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). Notably, the opposition towards the bill continued even as the LLA dramatically scaled back on its previous version - removing more than two-thirds of its original 664 articles, to win over centrist lawmakers. Despite the omissions, the new bill still included measures such as giving the nod to privatise two dozen state companies, strengthening penalties for road-blocking protests and relaxing some environmental protections. Watch | Gravitas: Who is Javier Milei, Argentina's president-elect? After the setback, Milei, who is currently on a trip to Israel, issued a fiery response. "Our government program was voted by 56 per cent of Argentines and we are not willing to negotiate it with those who destroyed the country," Milei posted. "We know that it will not be easy to change a system in which politicians have enriched themselves at the expense of Argentines," he added. LA CASTA CONTRA EL PUEBLO La casta se puso en contra del cambio que los argentinos votamos en las urnas. Sabemos que no va a ser fácil cambiar un sistema donde los políticos se hicieron ricos a costa de los argentinos que se levantan todos los días a trabajar. Nuestro programa… — Javier Milei (@JMilei) February 6, 2024 × The Argentine president had earlier rationalised his decision saying the labour reforms were aimed at deregulating the South American country's economy which has been in a rut. Milei's unexpected win Milei managed a political upset in November last year by clinching Argentina's presidential run-off elections. Milei's campaign was marked by unconventional tactics, including wielding a chainsaw on the trail. His economic proposals, notably the bold idea of "detonating" the central bank and endorsing the US dollar as the official currency, struck a chord with voters disillusioned with traditional politics and desperate for a transformative approach. Also read | Argentina’s new far-right President Javier Milei ditches BRICS to ‘support US and Israel’ While Milei's win resonated with a significant portion of the electorate frustrated with economic hardships, critics remain sceptical of his untested leadership and unconventional policy proposals. After taking office in December, Milei has undertaken some drastic policy changes that include labour reforms as well as pulling out of the BRICS grouping. (With inputs from agencies)

Argentine President Milei's sweeping reform bill stalled in Congress in a major setback

Voting for the presidential election in Argentina started on Sunday (Nov 19) as voters sought a solution to the triple-digit inflation and rising poverty. This election is a battle between embattled Economy Minister Sergio Massa and the libertarian outsider Javier Milei.

Voting for the presidential election in Argentina started on Sunday (Nov 19) as voters sought a solution to the triple-digit inflation and rising poverty. This election is a battle between embattled Economy Minister Sergio Massa and the libertarian outsider Javier Milei. The two leaders represent starkly different futures for Argentina. According to a report by the news agency AFP, polls showed Milei holds a slight advantage over Massa. Irrespective of whoever wins, the election will shape the South American country's political landscape, its economic roadmap, trade in grains, lithium, and hydrocarbons, and its global ties. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Julio Burdman, director of the consultancy Observatorio Electoral said that the election will mark a profound rupture in the system of political representation. "I think all the political forces as we have known them are going to be transformed," Burdman added. New president will take office on Dec 10 The new president will take office on Dec 10. Massa, 51, is a seasoned politician seeking to convince citizens to trust him despite his performance as economy minister which saw Argentina's annual inflation hit a high of 143 per cent. Milei, on the other hand, has vowed to halt Argentina's unbridled spending, ditch the peso for the US dollar, and "dynamite" the central bank. An economist by profession, Milei, 53, is a political newcomer who stunned observers by surging to the front of the electoral race just months ago, AFP reported. His rants against traditional political parties in the country that have failed to halt decades of economic decline have fired up voters tired of the status quo. Speaking to AFP, taxi driver Daniel Ayala rooted for Milei and said he was "tired of the corruption" of the ruling Peronist coalition -which Massa represents. The political newcomer previously said he was going to ditch those ministries entirely and was in favour of making it easier to carry guns and even sell human organs. In the run-up to the election, Massa sought to distance himself from outgoing President Alberto Fernandez and his Vice President Cristina Kirchner, who was last year convicted of fraud. AFP reported that the economy minister has portrayed himself as the calm, statesmanlike opposite of Milei. However, he was accused by analysts of abusing state resources to boost his electoral chances. This included using ads to warn that transport prices would increase under Milei as well as slashing income taxes for almost the whole population and granting cash payouts to millions. (With inputs from agencies)

Argentina presidential run-off polling starts as voters seek respite from inflation, rising poverty

Javier Milei was a dark horse in the Argentinian presidential race just a month ago. But his surprise victory along with his nemesis Sergio Massa has catapulted him to a central position in Argentina politics. In the first round of polls on October 22, Massa got 37 per cent votes while Milei garnered 30 per cent. Both will now contest against each other in the run-off elections next month.

Milei has a colourful image. The 53-year-old is a former rock musician and has often become a lightning rod for the anger of the voters. But he has public support. He stunned political pundits by finishing on top in the August primaries.

<h2>Javier Milei career</h2>

Milei joined politics just a few years ago. He claimed he did so after a 'calling from God'. Before that, he was an economist working in media and business.

He has also worked for Eduardo Eurnekian, one of Argentina's richest business leaders. Eurnekian became an early supporter of Milei's campaign but later withdrew support saying that Milei shows signs of becoming a dictator.

Milei represents the Libertad Avanza coalition. He rides the anti-establishment wave in Argentina.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economy-minister-sergio-massa-and-outsider-javier-milei-head-to-argentina-runoff-650136">Economy minister Sergio Massa and outsider Javier Milei head to Argentina runoff</a>

His campaigning style and showmanship often draw comparisons to former US president Donald Trump. Milei's supporters even sport baseball caps with the words 'Forces of Heaven'. This is similar to 'Make America Great Again' caps.&nbsp;

<h2>The 'El Loco' Milei</h2>

'El Loco' means 'the madman' in Spanish. Milei often attracts the moniker due to his bizarre statements.

He reportedly has five cloned dogs and loves them dearly. This sounds just fine till you get to know that he called his dogs "best strategists in the world". He uses a medium (a person claiming to have the ability to facilitate trans-species or trans-dimensional conversation) to 'talk'&nbsp;to his dogs.

<h2>What are Javier Milei's policies?</h2>

Milei has championed cutting government spending. And to drive his point home he has even appeared with a chainsaw at rallies, in the trademark 'shock-value' style of his campaigning.

With inflation in the country hitting the 138 per cent mark, Milei has been able to stoke voter anger against the political elite who are often blamed for the mismanagement.

"He has managed to reignite something that was lost in Argentine politics, which is that he offers hope," said Juan Luis Gonzalez, an Argentine journalist who wrote a book on Milei titled "El Loco" or "The Crazy One". Gonzalez was quoted by Reuters.

"In terms of political logic, I am a mistake, because what I have come to do is in fact stamp out the privileges of politicians," Milei told Reuters in an interview last year.

Milei refuses to admit that burning of fossil fuels has caused climate change.

He calls abortion 'murder' and wants to restrict access to abortion. On the other hand, he wants to make owning a gun and selling organs easier.

<h2>Javier Milei's early life and career</h2>

Milei was born on October 22, 1970 in Palermo, Buenos Aires. He was educated in Catholic schools and private universities. Information in the public domain suggests in school, he was called 'El Loco' (the madman) because of his angry outbursts and aggressively expressed rhetoric. He played amateur football.

Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-the-deal-with-argentina-presidential-elections-650842">Explained: What's the deal with Argentina presidential elections</a>

He was part of a cover band Everest. They played covers of Rolling Stones songs.

He attended the University of Belgrano and later earned two masters&nbsp;degrees.

He was a senior economist working at HSBC in Argentina. He has also served as an economist at a number of international and national government public bodies.

<h2>What do experts say about Javier Milei</h2>

Juan Luis Gonzalez, the journalist who wrote a book on Milei, says that he is 'an unstable leader for an unstable country', as quoted by Reuters.

Critics of Milei have often said that he tends to be a populist promising unrealistic solutions to complex problems. It is even said that he will not be able to implement what he is promising.

"Milei's voters are excited, some of the few going into the election with hope, but the problem is what's going to happen if there is disappointment?" said Fernando Morra, a Peronist former vice minister of economy during the current government. He was quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Javier Milei was a dark horse in the Argentinian presidential race just a month ago. But his surprise victory along with his nemesis Sergio Massa has catapulted him to a central position in Argentina politics.

Javier Milei was a dark horse in the Argentinian presidential race just a month ago. But his surprise victory along with his nemesis Sergio Massa has catapulted him to a central position in Argentina politics. In the first round of polls on October 22, Massa got 37 per cent votes while Milei garnered 30 per cent. Both will now contest against each other in the run-off elections next month. Milei has a colourful image. The 53-year-old is a former rock musician and has often become a lightning rod for the anger of the voters. But he has public support. He stunned political pundits by finishing on top in the August primaries. Javier Milei career Milei joined politics just a few years ago. He claimed he did so after a 'calling from God'. Before that, he was an economist working in media and business. He has also worked for Eduardo Eurnekian, one of Argentina's richest business leaders. Eurnekian became an early supporter of Milei's campaign but later withdrew support saying that Milei shows signs of becoming a dictator. Milei represents the Libertad Avanza coalition. He rides the anti-establishment wave in Argentina. Also Read | Economy minister Sergio Massa and outsider Javier Milei head to Argentina runoff His campaigning style and showmanship often draw comparisons to former US president Donald Trump. Milei's supporters even sport baseball caps with the words 'Forces of Heaven'. This is similar to 'Make America Great Again' caps. The 'El Loco' Milei 'El Loco' means 'the madman' in Spanish. Milei often attracts the moniker due to his bizarre statements. He reportedly has five cloned dogs and loves them dearly. This sounds just fine till you get to know that he called his dogs "best strategists in the world". He uses a medium (a person claiming to have the ability to facilitate trans-species or trans-dimensional conversation) to 'talk' to his dogs. What are Javier Milei's policies? Milei has championed cutting government spending. And to drive his point home he has even appeared with a chainsaw at rallies, in the trademark 'shock-value' style of his campaigning. With inflation in the country hitting the 138 per cent mark, Milei has been able to stoke voter anger against the political elite who are often blamed for the mismanagement. "He has managed to reignite something that was lost in Argentine politics, which is that he offers hope," said Juan Luis Gonzalez, an Argentine journalist who wrote a book on Milei titled "El Loco" or "The Crazy One". Gonzalez was quoted by Reuters. "In terms of political logic, I am a mistake, because what I have come to do is in fact stamp out the privileges of politicians," Milei told Reuters in an interview last year. Milei refuses to admit that burning of fossil fuels has caused climate change. He calls abortion 'murder' and wants to restrict access to abortion. On the other hand, he wants to make owning a gun and selling organs easier. Javier Milei's early life and career Milei was born on October 22, 1970 in Palermo, Buenos Aires. He was educated in Catholic schools and private universities. Information in the public domain suggests in school, he was called 'El Loco' (the madman) because of his angry outbursts and aggressively expressed rhetoric. He played amateur football. Read | Explained: What's the deal with Argentina presidential elections He was part of a cover band Everest. They played covers of Rolling Stones songs. He attended the University of Belgrano and later earned two masters degrees. He was a senior economist working at HSBC in Argentina. He has also served as an economist at a number of international and national government public bodies. What do experts say about Javier Milei Juan Luis Gonzalez, the journalist who wrote a book on Milei, says that he is 'an unstable leader for an unstable country', as quoted by Reuters. Critics of Milei have often said that he tends to be a populist promising unrealistic solutions to complex problems. It is even said that he will not be able to implement what he is promising. "Milei's voters are excited, some of the few going into the election with hope, but the problem is what's going to happen if there is disappointment?" said Fernando Morra, a Peronist former vice minister of economy during the current government. He was quoted by Reuters. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Who is Javier Milei, the Argentinian presidential hopeful who calls his dogs 'strategists'?

During an election year in Argentina, it can be difficult to concentrate on anything other than economics. The severe financial prognosis has once again dominated this year's presidential campaign, with an annual inflation rate that has surpassed 138 percent and a currency that has experienced a sharp decline in value.

Argentina elections: Javier Milei fails to win first round of presidential election

Argentina's Peronists soar in election to seal run-off with radical Milei

Argentine president Alberto Fernandez will face a litmus test today as the country is set for a mid-term poll. The results could see the center-left party lose its majority status.

Argentina: Rift brewing between moderate Peronists and Hardliners

Peronist candidate Alberto Fernandez won Argentina's presidential election in the first round on Sunday, official results showed, bringing to an end the crisis-plagued rule of market-friendly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauricio-macri-suffers-crushing-defeat-in-key-argentina-primaries-242365">incumbent Mauricio Macri</a>.&nbsp;

Fernandez, a 60-year-old law professor, had 47.36 per cent of the votes -- crossing the threshold for outright victory -- after 75 per cent of the votes had been counted, with center-right incumbent Mauricio Macri trailing at 41.22 per cent.&nbsp;

To win outright, Fernandez required 45 per cent, or 40 per cent with a 10 point margin over his nearest rival.

His win also caps a remarkable political comeback for his running mate, ex-president Cristina Kirchner, who will be his vice-president.

Thousands of ecstatic Fernandez supporters cheered and danced outside his Frente de Todos party headquarters in Buenos Aires.

"It's a great day for Argentina," a smiling Fernandez told reporters after exit polls and his own party's tallies, had given him victory.

Macri, 60, whose popularity has fallen sharply in the last year as Argentina battled recession and market turmoil, said after he voted that competing "visions of the future are at stake" in the vote.

The interior ministry said turnout in Sunday's general election was over 80 per cent after a campaign dominated by the crippling economic crisis affecting Latin America's second-biggest economy.

Macri had called for a massive turnout, which analysts saw as his main hope of closing a large opinion poll deficit on Fernandez and forcing a second round.

Fernandez vowed to end sharp divisions between his Peronist movement and supporters of the business-friendly incumbent.

"The days of 'Us' and 'Them' are over," the moustachioed leftist leader said after voting in the swanky Puerto Madero neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. "We are in an enormous crisis. Everyone has to take responsibility for what's ahead."

The election comes amid high tensions in the region, with massive protests in neighbouring Chile and Bolivia, as well as recent unrest over inequality in Ecuador.&nbsp;

Voter Maria Marta Rosauer, 54, said she would give Macri "another vote of confidence."

"I voted with the conviction and the certainty that he did things well and that he could have done better, but he needed time," she said.

"Nobody can put a country on its feet in four years, after how he found it. We opened our doors to the world after many years of being almost forgotten," she said, referring to the years when Argentina was a market pariah following a 2001 default.&nbsp;

There are "two models of government at stake here. Alberto and Cristina represent greater equity," said another voter, Liliana, a 64-year-old architect in the capital. "I'm excited to see the end of a country that only benefits a small group."

The populist Kirchner, 66, who is facing trial in one of several graft cases stemming from her time in office, voted in the southern city of Rio Gallegos before flying to Buenos Aires to join celebrations.

Kirchner has long been a polarizing figure who succeeded her husband Nestor Kirchner as president in 2007 and remained in power until 2015.

The return to power of protectionist Peronists comes amid a lengthy recession and a debt crunch, raising market fears of a possible default on a $57 billion IMF loan.

The peso fell 5.86 per cent in the week before the elections, and the week ended with the dollar at 65 pesos.

"The markets will be negative" in their reaction to a Fernandez triumph on Monday, said Nicolas Saldias, a senior researcher at the Wilson Center.

Peronist candidate Alberto Fernandez won Argentina's presidential election in the first round on Sunday, official results showed, bringing to an end the crisis-plagued rule of market-friendly incumbent Mauricio Macri.

Peronist candidate Alberto Fernandez won Argentina's presidential election in the first round on Sunday, official results showed, bringing to an end the crisis-plagued rule of market-friendly incumbent Mauricio Macri. Fernandez, a 60-year-old law professor, had 47.36 per cent of the votes -- crossing the threshold for outright victory -- after 75 per cent of the votes had been counted, with center-right incumbent Mauricio Macri trailing at 41.22 per cent. To win outright, Fernandez required 45 per cent, or 40 per cent with a 10 point margin over his nearest rival. His win also caps a remarkable political comeback for his running mate, ex-president Cristina Kirchner, who will be his vice-president. Thousands of ecstatic Fernandez supporters cheered and danced outside his Frente de Todos party headquarters in Buenos Aires. "It's a great day for Argentina," a smiling Fernandez told reporters after exit polls and his own party's tallies, had given him victory. Macri, 60, whose popularity has fallen sharply in the last year as Argentina battled recession and market turmoil, said after he voted that competing "visions of the future are at stake" in the vote. The interior ministry said turnout in Sunday's general election was over 80 per cent after a campaign dominated by the crippling economic crisis affecting Latin America's second-biggest economy. Macri had called for a massive turnout, which analysts saw as his main hope of closing a large opinion poll deficit on Fernandez and forcing a second round. Fernandez vowed to end sharp divisions between his Peronist movement and supporters of the business-friendly incumbent. "The days of 'Us' and 'Them' are over," the moustachioed leftist leader said after voting in the swanky Puerto Madero neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. "We are in an enormous crisis. Everyone has to take responsibility for what's ahead." The election comes amid high tensions in the region, with massive protests in neighbouring Chile and Bolivia, as well as recent unrest over inequality in Ecuador. Voter Maria Marta Rosauer, 54, said she would give Macri "another vote of confidence." "I voted with the conviction and the certainty that he did things well and that he could have done better, but he needed time," she said. "Nobody can put a country on its feet in four years, after how he found it. We opened our doors to the world after many years of being almost forgotten," she said, referring to the years when Argentina was a market pariah following a 2001 default. There are "two models of government at stake here. Alberto and Cristina represent greater equity," said another voter, Liliana, a 64-year-old architect in the capital. "I'm excited to see the end of a country that only benefits a small group." The populist Kirchner, 66, who is facing trial in one of several graft cases stemming from her time in office, voted in the southern city of Rio Gallegos before flying to Buenos Aires to join celebrations. Kirchner has long been a polarizing figure who succeeded her husband Nestor Kirchner as president in 2007 and remained in power until 2015. The return to power of protectionist Peronists comes amid a lengthy recession and a debt crunch, raising market fears of a possible default on a $57 billion IMF loan. The peso fell 5.86 per cent in the week before the elections, and the week ended with the dollar at 65 pesos. "The markets will be negative" in their reaction to a Fernandez triumph on Monday, said Nicolas Saldias, a senior researcher at the Wilson Center.

Alberto Fernandez wins Argentina presidential election

In South America, Argentina's Peronist Alberto Fernandez has swept back into the power on Sunday by defeating Mauricio Macri in the election results. Watch this video to know more.

South America: Argentina's Peronists swept back into the power

President Mauricio Macri suffered a crushing defeat as Argentines voted in party primaries on Sunday ahead of October's general election.

Given that all of the recession-hit South American country's major parties have already chosen their presidential candidates, the primaries effectively served as a nationwide pre-election opinion poll.

Centre-left nominee Alberto Fernandez led by around 15 points after partial results were revealed as centre-right, pro-business Macri admitted it had been "a bad election."

The first round of the presidential election will be held on October 27, with a run-off -- if needed -- set for November 24.

With 87 per cent of polling station results counted, Fernandez had polled 47.5 per cent with Macri on a little more than 32 per cent and centrist former finance minister Roberto Lavagna a distant third on just 8.3 per cent.

"For those who didn't vote for me, I promise to work hard so they understand me," said Fernandez to thousands of cheering supporters in Buenos Aires.

"We're going to begin a new stage. We always fix the problems that others create."

Macri had been hoping to earn a second mandate, but his chances appear all but over.

If Fernandez was to register the same result in October, he would be president as Argentina's electoral law requires a candidate to gain 45 per cent for outright victory, or 40 per cent and a lead of at least 10 points over the nearest challenger.

Political analyst Raul Aragon had said before the vote that "it would be very difficult to claw back a difference of five points due to polarization: there's no scope to claim votes."

Macri faces the unenviable prospect of having to somehow find three times as man

'It hurts'

"We've had a bad election and that forces us to redouble our efforts from tomorrow," said Macri, whose popularity has plunged since last year's currency crisis and the much-criticized $56 billion bail-out loan he secured from the International Monetary Fund.

"It hurts that we haven't had the support we'd hoped for," he added.

Fernandez had topped the most recent polls, boosted by his choice of running mate -- the corruption-tainted but still-popular former president Cristina Kirchner.

Around three-quarters of Argentina's 34 million eligible voters turned out for what was an obligatory vote, Interior Minister Rogelio Frigerio said.

Fernandez was a surprise nominee for the Peronist movement as Kirchner -- already president from 2007-15 -- was expected to run again.

However, she is embroiled in a dozen corruption investigations, the first of which has already gone to trial and is a controversial figure.

Adriana Lucheti, 60, who works in sanitation, said she had voted for Macri "so we can keep changing the 12 years of destruction from the previous governments that stole everything."

Kirchner's eight-year reign followed her late husband Nestor's single term as president.&nbsp;

Inflation and poverty

Argentina is currently in a recession and posted 22 per cent inflation for the first half of the year -- one of the highest rates in the world.

Poverty now affects 32 per cent of the population.

Backed by the IMF, Macri has initiated an austerity plan that is deeply unpopular among ordinary Argentines, who have seen their spending power plummet.

The peso lost half of its value against the dollar last year.

The Buenos Aires stock exchange actually shot up eight per cent on Friday amid expectation that Macri would do well in Sunday's vote.

The markets have little faith in Fernandez, who is widely seen as dependent on Kirchner, but that made a scant difference to voters.

"I'm going to vote for Fernandez and Kirchner because they're going to create jobs and secure public education. Macri represents unemployment and ignorance," said Josefina Sanchez, a 26-year-old who works for a metallurgy company.

President Mauricio Macri suffered a crushing defeat as Argentines voted in party primaries on Sunday ahead of October's general election. Given that all of the recession-hit South American country's major parties have already chosen their presidential candidates, the primaries effectively served as a nationwide pre-election opinion poll.

President Mauricio Macri suffered a crushing defeat as Argentines voted in party primaries on Sunday ahead of October's general election. Given that all of the recession-hit South American country's major parties have already chosen their presidential candidates, the primaries effectively served as a nationwide pre-election opinion poll. Centre-left nominee Alberto Fernandez led by around 15 points after partial results were revealed as centre-right, pro-business Macri admitted it had been "a bad election." The first round of the presidential election will be held on October 27, with a run-off -- if needed -- set for November 24. With 87 per cent of polling station results counted, Fernandez had polled 47.5 per cent with Macri on a little more than 32 per cent and centrist former finance minister Roberto Lavagna a distant third on just 8.3 per cent. "For those who didn't vote for me, I promise to work hard so they understand me," said Fernandez to thousands of cheering supporters in Buenos Aires. "We're going to begin a new stage. We always fix the problems that others create." Macri had been hoping to earn a second mandate, but his chances appear all but over. If Fernandez was to register the same result in October, he would be president as Argentina's electoral law requires a candidate to gain 45 per cent for outright victory, or 40 per cent and a lead of at least 10 points over the nearest challenger. Political analyst Raul Aragon had said before the vote that "it would be very difficult to claw back a difference of five points due to polarization: there's no scope to claim votes." Macri faces the unenviable prospect of having to somehow find three times as man 'It hurts' "We've had a bad election and that forces us to redouble our efforts from tomorrow," said Macri, whose popularity has plunged since last year's currency crisis and the much-criticized $56 billion bail-out loan he secured from the International Monetary Fund. "It hurts that we haven't had the support we'd hoped for," he added. Fernandez had topped the most recent polls, boosted by his choice of running mate -- the corruption-tainted but still-popular former president Cristina Kirchner. Around three-quarters of Argentina's 34 million eligible voters turned out for what was an obligatory vote, Interior Minister Rogelio Frigerio said. Fernandez was a surprise nominee for the Peronist movement as Kirchner -- already president from 2007-15 -- was expected to run again. However, she is embroiled in a dozen corruption investigations, the first of which has already gone to trial and is a controversial figure. Adriana Lucheti, 60, who works in sanitation, said she had voted for Macri "so we can keep changing the 12 years of destruction from the previous governments that stole everything." Kirchner's eight-year reign followed her late husband Nestor's single term as president. Inflation and poverty Argentina is currently in a recession and posted 22 per cent inflation for the first half of the year -- one of the highest rates in the world. Poverty now affects 32 per cent of the population. Backed by the IMF, Macri has initiated an austerity plan that is deeply unpopular among ordinary Argentines, who have seen their spending power plummet. The peso lost half of its value against the dollar last year. The Buenos Aires stock exchange actually shot up eight per cent on Friday amid expectation that Macri would do well in Sunday's vote. The markets have little faith in Fernandez, who is widely seen as dependent on Kirchner, but that made a scant difference to voters. "I'm going to vote for Fernandez and Kirchner because they're going to create jobs and secure public education. Macri represents unemployment and ignorance," said Josefina Sanchez, a 26-year-old who works for a metallurgy company.

Mauricio Macri suffers crushing defeat in key Argentina primaries

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