MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

CFK main presidential competitor promises “responsible opposition”

Hermes Binner dialogue to build a better Argentina

The Argentine Socialist Frente Amplio Progresista’s (FAP) presidential candidate Hermes Binner assured that if he doesn’t make it to a second round after October 23rd, his party will be part of a “responsible opposition.”

“We will work to be part of a responsible opposition so we can build a better Argentina” said the governor of Santa Fe who according to the latest opinion polls could garner 14 to 16% of the vote.

The Santa Fe governor highlighted that there is a need to engage in dialogue with other provinces in order to “find a way to face to international financial crisis.”

“Just like we did in Santa Fe in 2009, when we created a multi-sector conversation and met with the Executive, lawmakers and sectors that represented workers and corporations. We found a way to help corporations from going broke and employees from being fired. We can do this on a national level, and we have already offered this to the President (Cristina Fernandez)” he explained.

At the same time, Buenos Aires City lawmaker Roy Cortina seemed optimistic towards Binner and the election results after the 23rd.

“For the next 15 days, the main discussion will be focused on Binner and the President (Cristina Fernandez), between the rise of a real alternative to the government or the continuity of the Kirchnerite agenda,” he said.

In a written statement he released earlier, he assured that “it doesn’t matter what the polls say. Those who are tired of authoritarianism and corruption will not be satisfied with the messages of resignation being transmitted by some opposition leaders. They want change, and that’s why they are going to vote for Binner and for the Frente Amplio Progresista’s candidates”.

Public opinion polls results released over the weekend, and published in the Sunday press, show President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner comfortably leading with 52% to 56% of vote intention.

This would be the best voting record of any Argentine president since the return of democracy in 1983.

Cristina Fernandez was first elected in 2007 and needs 45% of the vote or 40% plus a ten-point difference over her runner up to avoid a run-off thirty days later. All indicates CFK will be in Casa Rosada for another four years.

Under Argentine law presidents can be re-elected but are limited to two consecutive four-year periods at a time.