Introduction

The 2015 Argentine presidential election saw Mauricio Macri emerge victorious, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. While many factors influenced the outcome, this article delves into the reasons behind Macri's win, focusing on the political climate, policies, and the lesser evil doctrine. (Keyword: Argentine presidential election, 2015)

Political Climate and the Lesser Evil Doctrine

The 2015 election in Argentina was marked by a divided electorate. The first round saw a significant victory for Daniel Scioli, a representative of the Peronist party, with 37% of the vote. In the runoff election, the gap narrowed, with Macri emerging as the victor, securing 51.34% of the vote against Scioli's 48.66%. (Keyword: Macri's victory)

Given the divided landscape, the concept of the lesser evil doctrine played a crucial role in shaping the votes. It is a political principle that advocates for voting for the candidate one least dislikes, rather than the one one most supports. This doctrine is often invoked when the alternatives are perceived as equally bad or worse. In Argentina, this principle guided many voters to choose Macri, who represented the opposition to the long-dominant Kirchnerist regime. (Keyword: lesser evil doctrine)

Policy and Political Allegiances

The 2015 election was not just about personalities but about policies that resonated with the electorate. Two specific policies—known colloquially as the “cepo cambiario” (foreign exchange control) and the “vulture funds” (foreign creditors)—were central to the decision-making process.

The policy of the “cepo cambiario” was a form of foreign exchange control that aimed to stabilize the national currency. However, its implementation was seen as an overreach of government power and a step towards authoritarianism. Scioli had defended this policy, indicating plans to retain it as a permanent measure. This stance was unacceptable to many voters, who feared the erosion of democratic principles and economic freedom. (Keyword: cepo cambiario)

The issue of the “vulture funds,” or foreign creditors, added another layer of complexity to the election. The Kirchner administration had engaged in a protracted legal battle with these funds, leading to international isolation and economic strain. Macri’s promise to resolve this issue in a manner that avoided further economic damage was a critical factor in his victory. Scioli, on the other hand, proposed a strategy that would have further deepened the rift with international financial institutions, potentially leading to more long-term economic instability. (Keyword: vulture funds)

Conclusion

The 2015 Argentine presidential election was a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. Macri's victory marked a shift towards more liberal economic policies and away from the statist and protectionist approaches of the Kirchnerist regime. While Macri's administration faced numerous challenges, the decision to choose him over Scioli was driven by a combination of policy priorities and the application of the lesser evil doctrine. This election serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in democratic governance.

Keywords:

Argentine presidential election, 2015 Macri's victory lesser evil doctrine cepo cambiario vulture funds