Argentina government seeks deals with governors to suspend PASO primaries

The Casa Rosada is accelerating negotiations with allied governors in ten provinces to secure backing for President Javier Milei’s re‑election strategy and to push a legislative move to suspend the Primary, Open, Simultaneous and Obligator­y (PASO) elections. The talks, reported to involve provinces such as Entre Ríos, Mendoza, Chaco, San Luis, Buenos Aires, San Juan, Santa Fe, Neuquén, Chubut and Jujuy, also include discussions with Río Negro and Santa Cruz. In exchange for provincial support, the government is offering public works projects, funding and debt restructuring, while also seeking approval of the national budget.

Analyst Osvaldo Granados highlighted the broader economic context, citing external pressures such as U.S. tariff threats, the war in Iran and high oil prices, and noted the imminent visit of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, which underscores the fiscal dimensions of the negotiations.