Just hours after Sergio Urribarri made public his withdrawal from the presidency battle within the Victory Front, ANSES chief Diego Bossio followed suit by officially stepping down from the race to become the party’s candidate for Buenos Aires governor.
Like the Entre Ríos governor, Bossio opted to transmit his decision through an open letter to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who had expressed her desire for fewer candidates in the upcoming presidential and gubernatorial elections.
«I am from Tandil, the centre of Buenos Aires, the province I love and which has an enormous potential. I humbly believe I had prepared myself to govern it. I visited every corner of that immense space, but the heart does not lie and it is telling me I must make a choice,» the official wrote, alluding to CFK’s request for a «humility bath» from candidates.
«That is why, President, I am telling you that I will withdraw my governor candidature. I do this as a gesture to you and all peronism. That is why I am deciding to step to one side, putting everything my team and I have worked towards at the colleagues who will be candidates’ disposition.»
Bossio went on to thank Cristina for her support in the campaign, while also making clear his own support for the head of state and his own work in the social security organisation.
«I am making this decision even after the unequivocal backing you have given me to face this competition, and your confirmation that your words were not aimed in my directions. I am infinitely thankful for the opportunities you have given me,» he affirmed.
The Buenos Aires primary elections will take place on August 9. Although Bossio has stepped down, figures such as Cabinet chief Aníbal Fernández, lawmaker Julián Domínguez and La Matanza and Lomas de Zamora mayors Fernando Espinoza and Martín Insaurralde are among those still in the running for the government-aligned Victory Front ticket.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald