Since La Libertad Avanza arrived at the Casa Rosada, the PRO has been torn between showing itself as a critical ally and not losing its identity. The strategy is clear: support the economic direction but mark differences on republican issues. This tension is felt internally and explodes in the City of Buenos Aires, where Jorge Macri applies a tough hand that echoes the Casa Rosada, while voices like María Eugenia Vidal’s raise the alarm over institutional aspects.
Vidal, who shared a locro with Buenos Aires officials on July 9, is one of the harshest critics of President Javier Milei. In an interview with Luis Novaresio, the former governor confessed that she voted for the libertarian in the runoff because she had no other choice, but today she is not convinced about a reelection. For her, economic growth has specific winners but has not become widespread, and the key to a possible second term will be whether people feel the effort in their pockets, beyond the cold numbers.
Vidal acknowledges that the PRO supported key economic laws but warns that this is not a blank check. Institutions remain the president’s pending issue, she insists. Meanwhile, in the City, Jorge Macri advances with a public order policy that leaves no stone unturned: he has summoned social organizations that assist homeless people, turned his attention to scrap trucks coming from the province, and evicted more than 800 homes reported as squatted. All within the framework of a macro agreement with the Nation that, according to Buenos Aires Justice Minister Gabino Tapia, allows for local decisions to move forward.
“The PRO differentiates itself by managing for the benefit of the neighbor,” Tapia assured during a virtual meeting of the Pensar Foundation, where the ordering of public space was debated. The official highlighted that the current administration made the political decision to enforce the rules, in contrast to the resignation of previous administrations. And he cited as an example the end of pickets, facilitated by national policy in areas under federal custody, such as Congress or the Casa Rosada.
But not everything is rosy. The yellow party’s internal strife heats up: while Vidal criticizes, other sectors of the PRO seek to show themselves closer to Milei. In the City, the Buenos Aires PRO emphasizes its conviction to end practices outside the law. The premise is simple: those who do not comply must be sanctioned. And so, between fines for windshield washers, penalties for double parking, and recovery of more than 60 kilometers of sidewalks for street vendors, the PRO seeks to demonstrate that its management is different.
The thin line between tough-on-crime and republican values becomes increasingly fine. And meanwhile, the PRO continues to flirt with the Casa Rosada, but without losing its own identity. How long can it maintain the balance?
Para mí estos fachos del PRO se hacen los re picantes entre ellos pero siempre terminan cagando al pueblo. Vidal y Jorge Macri, lacayos del FMI, criminalizan la pobreza con su mano dura. Ojalá se extingan de una vez. ¡Abajo la represión, arriba la justicia social de verdad!
para mi vidal y jorge macri son los unicos q entienden la mano dura los zurdos del gobierno se hacen los boludos pero despues vienen los desalojos y las multas q se vayan todos a la mierda menos los nuestros viva la libertad carajo