Not even an hour after the first numbers became known, Buenos Aires Peronism went up in flames. La Cámpora, the mayors, and Axel Kicillof began to clash both publicly and privately, seeking those responsible for Fuerza Patria's defeat across the entire country, but especially in their own electoral stronghold: Buenos Aires Province.
The first to cast the stone was Mayra Mendoza, mayor of Quilmes and a prominent figure in La Cámpora. On social media, she wrote: “The suburbs will save the Homeland and Cristina was right.” This was a direct message to the governor, who had split the election despite Cristina Kirchner's warnings.
Declaraciones de Mayra Mendoza en X
Soon after, congresswoman Florencia Carignano joined in with an almost identical tweet: “Cristina is always right.” The phrase sums up the spirit of Kirchnerism: if there is a defeat, someone else is to blame.
Florencia Carignano
Kicillof, alone on stage
At the Grand Brizo hotel bunker, Kicillof led the closing event with a distraught expression. According to various media outlets: those present noted that the atmosphere was one of confusion and reproach. Sergio Massa, Juan Grabois, and Máximo Kirchner were there, but the governor was the only speaker.
Kicillof fue quien dio la cara tras la derrota.
He tried to downplay the blow with an ambiguous phrase: “The results are very close, just half a point against us,” he said, attempting to divert attention from the historic comeback achieved by La Libertad Avanza in Buenos Aires Province, which not only narrowed the percentage gap but managed to overturn the defeat. Behind him, Máximo watched him seriously, without applauding. LLA's victory in Buenos Aires—the province that for 20 years was Kirchnerism's stronghold—fell like a bucket of cold water.
Mayors on the offensive
Meanwhile, as Kicillof tried to process the result, the mayors of the suburbs took the opportunity to stake their claim. Gastón Granados, mayor of Ezeiza, was the most explicit: “National leaders need to understand that mayors are the ones who have the votes”.
Intendente de PBA, Gastón Granados
In recent weeks, several mayors had held private meetings with the governor—among them, Federico Otermin (Lomas), Federico Achával (Pilar), and Nicolás Mantegazza (San Vicente). The group aims to challenge the leadership of Buenos Aires PJ and build an alternative to the Kicillof-La Cámpora axis.
The crumbs of power in ruins
After Fuerza Patria's fall, Kirchnerism was reduced to a minefield of wounded egos arguing over who should take the blame for the defeat. La Cámpora seeks to distance itself from the failure, Kicillof tries to maintain his prominence, and the mayors are advancing as new players in the game.
The infighting is ridiculous, the differences are unclear. The dispute, at its core, is over the little power they have left after losing the last stronghold where Kirchnerism could guarantee its refuge. No one wants to take responsibility for a defeat that leaves them out of the game, having lost the battle even within the emblematic Buenos Aires Province.
Massa en el búnker kirchnerista tras la derrota eletoral.
In the coming hours, new clashes are expected. La Cámpora members blame the governor for splitting the election, the mayors demand greater influence, and the Massa supporters watch from the sidelines, calculating whether it is better to break away or negotiate.
The truth is that, after such a defeat, Kirchnerism faces its worst crisis in two decades. What was once a disciplined army has now become a disoriented pack, with empty leadership and no clear direction for proposals.
