Buenos Aires Senate session sparks fierce Peronist infighting

A chaotic session of the Buenos Aires provincial Senate renewed a sharp split within the Peronist coalition. Vice‑governor and Senate president Verónica Magario repeatedly cut off speakers who exceeded their allotted time, notably silencing Senator Sergio Berni, who retorted, “Me extraña de Usted, que viene de una familia que sufrió proscripciones,” before his microphone was muted. Senator Mario Ishii was likewise interrupted after demanding the governor “caminar el conurbano” to see hospital conditions.

The session, the first in almost seven months, also revived debate over the federal “Zona Fría” gas‑subsidy law. Senators Valeria Arata and Fernanda Raverta warned that eliminating the benefit would raise household gas bills by 30‑50 % and hurt millions of families. Lawmakers from rival intra‑Peronist factions – the Kicillof‑aligned block, the Camporista/Cámpora wing and the Movement Derecho al Futuro – contested committee assignments and leadership posts, with a seat swap that displaced a Kicillofista deputy for a Camporista one.

Amid the legislative frictions, the broader provincial party is moving toward a primary (PASO) to settle the rivalry between Governor Axel Kicillof and the Kirchner‑aligned faction led by Máximo Kirchner. The Kirchnerist side announced a formal challenge and urged a PASO, while Kicillof supporters signaled they would also accept a primary if no agreement is reached. The internal conflict is being framed as a decisive test ahead of the 2027 presidential race.