A brewing internal power struggle within the Buenos Aires Province’s Peronist Party could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election. Moreno Mayor and national party Vice President Mariel Fernández is weighing a challenge to incumbent provincial party leader Máximo Kirchner, citing a lack of inclusion in key decision-making processes. The move comes as the larger Peronist movement, currently the main opposition force in Argentina [[2]], grapples with internal divisions and searches for a path forward.
Moreno, Argentina – A potential challenge to the current leadership of the Buenos Aires Province’s Peronist Party is brewing, as Moreno Mayor Mariel Fernández is considering launching her own slate in an upcoming party election. The move comes after Fernández felt excluded from internal discussions, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Fernández Eyes Leadership Role in Buenos Aires Province
Fernández, who also serves as Vice President of the Buenos Aires Province Peronist Party and the national Peronist Party, is weighing a bid to lead the provincial party, currently headed by Máximo Kirchner. She had initially hoped to participate in internal party deliberations, but those efforts stalled amid ongoing disputes between factions aligned with Kirchner and Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof.
Despite maintaining a working relationship with Governor Kicillof even while aligning with the Kirchner wing in their dispute, Fernández’s ambitions extend beyond simply navigating the internal party dynamics. The lack of a voice in key decisions prompted her to explore a more direct challenge.
Mariel Fernández y CFK.jpeg
Tensions rose after the recent national list closures, when, at the direction of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, several Peronist mayors were left without representation, despite many seeking prominent roles in the campaign. This decision further strained relations between Fernández and the more hardline Kirchner faction.
Emilio Pérsico, a leader of the Evita Movement, is currently working to gather the necessary endorsements to support a potential Fernández candidacy. Pérsico’s efforts are focused on building support at the grassroots level, particularly in La Matanza, where his partner, Patricia Cubría, challenged incumbent Mayor Fernando Espinoza in a recent internal election.
“Se Viene Mariel”
Beyond a potential run for the provincial party leadership, Fernández is also laying the groundwork for a possible gubernatorial bid in 2027. A campaign plan is already in development, slated to begin rolling out in February.
Signs of this ambition are already visible across the province, with graffiti appearing in multiple districts proclaiming “Se Viene Mariel” – “Mariel is coming.”
se viene mariel
Negotiations for Unity
Meanwhile, the Kicillof-led Movimiento Derecho al Futuro (MDF) and La Cámpora, along with other Kirchnerist sectors, are negotiating a joint slate, though discussions are reportedly tense and largely confidential. Many party leaders have expressed frustration at being excluded from the internal deliberations.
The official party rolls were expected to be published on Thursday, but remained unavailable as of deadline. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of a circulating list of affiliations and a corresponding website, prompting a legal challenge to have them removed. The next key date is February 3rd, when endorsements for candidates are due, with a final deadline for submitting slates on February 8th.
