It’s (Almost) Always the Economy: Economic Performance and Political Realignments in Argentina in 2019

Abstract

This article analyzes the last year of the Mauricio Macri’s administration in Argentina, and the accession of Alberto Fernández to power. We present a survey of the economic situation in 2019, the most important issues in the political agenda, and the political developments around the presidential election. We argue that the inability of the government to deliver on the economic front, and a realignment in the opposition, marked by Cristina Fernandez unexpectedly stepping down as presidential candidate, explain why Mauricio Macri was unable to get reelected.