Buenos Aires Governor Kicillof pushes to drop mayoral term limits

Governor Axel Kicillof of Argentina’s Buenos Aires province is campaigning to repeal the 2016 law that caps mayors at two consecutive terms. The proposal, presented by senator Ayelén Durán, would allow roughly 80 of the province’s 135 mayors – many aligned with Kicillof – to seek re‑election in 2027. Kicillof argues that “it is very uncommon at the local level for citizens not to be able to vote for candidates they know” and says the restriction limits democratic choice. He distinguishes the municipal debate from discussions on gubernatorial or presidential re‑election and leaves the final decision to the provincial Legislature.

The initiative faces opposition from former governor María Eugenia Vidal, who helped enact the term‑limit law, and from parties such as La Libertad Avanza. Kicillof has also used public appearances to criticize President Javier Milei’s economic policies, calling for a “reconstruction of Argentina after Milei” that would prioritize workers, social programs, and infrastructure projects such as new health centers and water‑treatment plants. He highlighted a party‑wide campaign that has registered over 19,000 members and political‑training courses across the province.