Andrés Asiain, director of the Scalabrini Ortiz Center for Economic and Social Studies in Buenos Aires:

“Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s announcement to cede the presidential candidacy to Alberto Fernández shook up Argentine politics. There seems to be several reasons behind the decision: on one hand are personal issues linked to her private family life while in office; and on the other hand, disarticulation of the axis of Mauricio Macri’s campaign, which is focused on confrontation with CFK. Another reason is to expand the spectrum of unity within Peronism—the new candidate has dialogue with various sectors. Another reason, no less important, is to build ties with parts of the large local business groups disenchanted with Macri but with misgivings about CFK.