Schiaretti in Córdoba: once again a candidate in his homeland, where he will come in second place again

After several months of speculation, everything indicates that Juan Schiaretti will once again head a ticket in Córdoba, this time in the October legislative elections. In the Panal, they already know that the former governor is preparing to lead a group that admires him, although he no longer projects himself beyond the Suquía. This way, the first point of cordobesismo's own political enigma is solved.

Cordobesismo's timing aligns with the polls, although they aren't looking for hard numbers but rather soft impressions that feed the veteran leader's ego. "What's coming is qualitative," those close to provincial power explain while they wonder how the return of the "Gringo" will impact the current administration. The question, of course, is not only whether Schiaretti polls well, but whether anyone else notices him amid the current national political polarization.

Those around him warn that he won't run unless he feels confident, although the mere fact of hesitating already anticipates his initial lukewarmness. "He's the one who risks the most," his close associates say, as if running in a province where he's already known—and defeated—were a heroic act. They get excited about suburban barons and look favorably on the Buenos Aires internal race, believing that from there he is also being pushed, when in reality no one is pushing him because he doesn't get in the way.

The crusade of the center: more uncomfortable than bold

Schiarettismo's bet is to expand the Córdoba model's borders to the country, although never leaving its provincial comfort zone. "With someone of Gringo's experience, those are good ingredients to get into the fight," they repeat, getting their hopes up with old recipes that no one wants anymore. This isn't about bad faith, but about a lack of timing: the country is debating extremes and they insist on selling a light product.

Every trip outside Córdoba reinforces his image at home, as if the outside serves to reflect exactly the picture that suits him best. The request for him to be a candidate is enough to inflate the hopes of those who see an epic in moderation that no one else buys. The so-called "center cooperative" seeks leadership and they believe the former governor can offer it, ignoring that, in politics, standing in the middle is an invitation to be run over.

"In terms of image, he's ten points above, on average, any other leader in Córdoba," said a confident consultant, but with the calculator turned off. Even so, he acknowledged that La Libertad Avanza is strong on social media and that "there's a battle on TikTok and Instagram with libertarian influencers that Cordobesista Peronism still isn't fighting." In that arena, Schiaretti is fighting with an old cell phone, while his rivals steamroll him with a sharp algorithm.

Competing for the center may sound logical over coffee, but that bet collides with reality. In short, the "Gringo" wants to be the beacon of the middle just when politics has become a fielded battle of extremes.

The second place: desired in defeat

With the first name almost settled, the second spot on the list began to move pieces with more enthusiasm than conviction. Vice Governor Myrian Prunotto doesn't seem interested, although from the ruling party they don't rule out convincing her with an elegant transfer to Buenos Aires. In politics, nothing is definitive, but some plans are made with more resignation than enthusiasm.

The case of Natalia de la Sota generates greater resistance, especially in sectors that don't forgive her current gestures toward Kirchnerism. "Aligning with Massa and Kirchnerism made her cross a line that left her among the leaders with the worst image in Córdoba," admitted a Schiarettista without a filter. Even so, those close to the deputy insist that she will be a candidate "of Peronism," as if that solved anything.

Within cordobesismo, they believe that including her could balance an anti-Kirchnerist and anti-Milei formula, although it seems more like a forced equation than a solid strategy. In a scenario where liberalism sets the agenda, trying to build from balance is a polite way to fall off the radar. If being moderate is a problem, trying to reconcile extremes becomes a high-risk sport.

Meanwhile, the possibility of including Diana Mondino raises more questions than answers, especially because of her recent ties to the national government. "I don't think she's desperate and would pay such a price to take a seat," warned someone who knows her well. If even the names being mentioned would rather not be mentioned, it's because the campaign feels more like an obligation than an adventure.