The fight between Mauricio Macri and his cousin Jorge has reached a point of no return. The head of Pro seriously doubts the reelection plan launched by the Buenos Aires city mayor and, far from closing ranks, is exploring alternative candidates for the upcoming elections in the City of Buenos Aires. The historic yellow stronghold is at stake, and the former president is not willing to give up control.
Macri travels the country to strengthen the Pro brand, flaunts his ties to the establishment, and signals that he wants to build a national candidacy. But his true goal in 2027 is to retain the Capital, the district where his party has governed for nearly twenty years and his main source of power. Therefore, he is ready to fight and preserve his influence.
The differences between the cousins go way back: they clashed over team building and the management of the city’s «button panel» from the start of the administration. On May 18 last year, Pro’s defeat in the Buenos Aires elections — third place behind LLA and the PJ — finally broke the relationship. Operator Daniel Angelici tried to mediate but failed to reconcile them. «It seems the Tano has thrown in the towel,» they say within the party.
Weeks ago, Jorge Macri announced he would seek reelection in 2027. A risky move, because he does not have his cousin’s support. No leader close to Macri nor Pro’s top brass came out to back him. «We will work so that Pro continues governing the City. Who will be the candidate? That will be seen later,» said a source from the Macri camp.
Mauricio’s loyalists believe Jorge rushed. They say his figure does not guarantee victory and that polls show no improvement in his image or in the perception of his management. «Today no one believes he can be competitive,» warned a trusted leader of the former president.
At Uspallata, however, they cling to an Aresco poll that in June gave 56% approval for the administration, the peak of Jorge’s term. They also deny that the relationship is at its worst. But Macri has set his sights on officials close to his cousin and objects to areas such as Public Space.
«They won’t be able to bring Jorge down,» commented a historic Pro organizer. The city government has not yet decided whether to unify or split the elections, but they will keep the primaries. At the national level, Milei seeks to eliminate them.
In Macri’s inner circle, they insist they will not talk about candidacies until January or February. They do not rule out that Jorge might end up being the candidate if his numbers improve. «He launched his reelection, but he is alone,» stressed a Macri loyalist.
Annoyed, the former president is evaluating a Plan B. His aides mention Diego Santilli, Milei’s new Chief of Cabinet, as a possible unity token between LLA and Pro in the Capital. But those close to Santilli assure he wants the Buenos Aires governorship, not to return to the City.
Guillermo Dietrich, former Minister of Transport, is also mentioned, though he has not yet defined his future. And Fernando De Andreis, deputy and secretary general of the party, has raised his profile. Is Macri backing him?
In Pro, they sense that Santilli’s rise reinforces the chances of an alliance with the libertarians. They hope the Mileis will stop attacks against Macri, Lacunza, and Dietrich. «With Santilli’s appointment, we managed to calm Pro down; they were very emboldened,» they say in official offices.
Those around Jorge Macri believe he will negotiate terms with the Mileis. «We see Mauricio thinking more about national issues than the city,» they hint in Parque Patricios. But the libertarian strategists prefer to deal directly with the former president. They would only consider a pact if Pro guarantees it will not jeopardize a Milei first-round victory. In the Macri camp, they boast that the final decision lies with Mauricio. Since leaving the Casa Rosada, he enjoys acting as referee.
Para mí, Macri es un cagón de mierda que no se decide ni para cagar. Jorge es un traidor tibio como todo primo de él. Santilli al menos tiene huevos para bancar la derecha de verdad. ¡Basta de vueltas, carajo! La izquierda nos pudre todo y estos pelotudos discutiendo.
Para mí los Macri se están peleando por la Ciudad mientras nos siguen afanando a todos. Jorge es un lacayo del FMI y Mauricio un farsante. Santilli? otro vendepatria que quiere la provincia. Esto huele a más de lo mismo. Yo creo que la única salida es la lucha obrera, no estos gorilas de mierda. Ni uno más de estos patrones de cuarta.