Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP)
The Argentine peso rallied on Thursday at the opening, gaining 7.41%, after calls for calm by Liberal President Mauricio Macri and his main opponent in the October presidential election Alberto Fernandez, following three days of turmoil on the markets.
The local currency was trading at 57.89 pesos for one dollar, against 62.18 pesos Wednesday night.
In the wake of his heavy defeat on Sunday in the primaries, considered a dress rehearsal before the October 27 poll, President Macri announced Wednesday a series of measures to "give a boost" to the purchasing power of the middle class and popular and try to catch up.
Increase in the minimum wage, one-off bonuses, tax cuts and freezing of gasoline prices for three months: these announcements did not at first seem to reassure the economic circles, the currency continuing to plunge into the day.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mauricio Macri announced on Twitter that he had "a good and long conversation with Alberto Fernandez, and he pledged to collaborate in all possible areas to ensure that this electoral process, and the uncertainty it entails, affect the economy as little as possible. "
For his part, Fernandez said at a press conference soon after be "totally willing to help overcome this difficult moment."
These calls for calm seemed to bear fruit on Thursday.
The outgoing Liberal president, who is seeking a new term, was curtly defeated by moderate Peronist Alberto Fernandez on Sunday and his former cross-town president Cristina Kirchner, who has been charged with several corruption cases.
They obtained 47% of the primary vote, compared to 32% for the tandem composed of Mr. Macri, 60, and the Peronist leader Miguel Angel Pichetto.
If such a result were confirmed in the October elections, Mr. Fernandez, 60, would be declared winner in the first round: according to the electoral law, to be elected, one must obtain at least 45% of the votes or 40% and a 10-point lead on the second.
© 2019 AFP