Kicillof vs CFK: a new internal conflict over indefinite reelections in the Province

A new front opens in Buenos Aires's officialdom due to a bill proposing to allow indefinite reelection of legislators, councilors, and school counselors, excluding mayors. The movement, driven by a sector aligned with Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, triggered a response from Axel Kicillof's circle.

The internal dispute within the Peronism of the province of Buenos Aires added a new chapter. Legislators close to the vice president presented a project to restore indefinite reelection of legislative and municipal positions, which caused a strong political stir. The text seeks to reform article 13 bis of the Electoral Law and other regulations related to the municipal and educational structure.

The focus of the conflict lies in the fact that the proposal expressly excludes mayors, who can currently only be reelected once consecutively. This detail raised alarms in Axel Kicillof's circle, where the move is interpreted as a warning to the communal leaders who respond to him.

The reaction of "kicillofismo"

From the Right to the Future Movement (MDF), a space led by the Buenos Aires governor, they decided to respond with their own political move.  Senator Ayelén Durán, from the Sixth Electoral Section, presented a proposal that also aims to allow reelections, but includes mayors. The presentation was interpreted as a measured gesture, as so far the governor has avoided directly taking up this banner.

From the Executive, they emphasize that, although Kicillof supports the idea of reelections, he believes he should not directly promote it, given that his own reelection situation is limited. "It's a topic that has been discussed for some time at Buenos Aires political tables," they assure from La Plata.

Among the key points:

• The original proposal was driven by Senator Luis Vivona, a strongman from Malvinas Argentinas.
• The officialdom needs at least three non-party legislators to reach a quorum.
• The opposition warned that it will not enter the chamber if all the senators from Unión por la Patria are not present.
• From Juntos por el Cambio, they announced their rejection of any attempt to restore indefinite reelections.

Political tension and recent precedents

This new clash adds to other frictions between the Executive and the Legislative. Weeks ago, the governor managed to defuse a project that forgave municipal debts by sending a last-minute debt proposal with partial distribution for the municipalities, which forced the postponement of the original vote. "It was a tactical move that ended up being a political victory," indicated Kicillof's circle to Infobae.

Currently, more than 80 Buenos Aires mayors could not compete in 2027 if the current legislation is not modified. The pressure from this sector is increasingly strong, especially because the uncertainty directly impacts local political structuring.

Meanwhile, in the provincial Legislature, the possibility of unifying projects or negotiating an intermediate solution is being considered. The outcome will depend on the special session called for this Thursday and the officialdom's ability to align its own legislators.