Hernon Etchaleco: Argentinean legislative elections

The ruling Alliance’s top candidates for national legislative elections for October 14 yesterday said they will work in Congress to promote a voluntary restructuring of the country’s 128 billion dollar public debt. An economic slump lasting more than three years has fed fears that Argentina might default on its debt or devalue its Peso.

Terragno, official senator candidate, served as President Fernando De la Rъa’s Cabinet chief and is now a vocal critic of the government’s economic policy. He said yesterday that the President “cannot turn a blind eye” to elections results.

National strikes and protests against austerity measures have dogged De la Rъa, who has seen his personal popularity drop to about 16 per cent this month. Changes in President Cabinet are expected in case of a probable country-wide defeat for the ruling party.