Argentine president calls for unity after mass resignations

LONDON

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez called for unity within his coalition party on Thursday, one day after several ministers offered their resignations from Frente de Todos coalition in the aftermath of a heavy defeat in Argentina's primary election.

Just after midday in a Twitter thread, Fernandez acknowledged the primary election loss, saying his government coalition heard the message from the polls and went on to say that "we must act with all responsibility".

Fernandez also appeared to reaffirm his position, saying his administration will "continue to develop in the way that I deem appropriate”.

The president also took the opportunity to thank the support from leaders, union leaders and social movements while noting challenges related to promoting employment and guaranteeing education and health of Argentine people.

After several officials offered their resignations on Wednesday, the president pledged to continue "guaranteeing the unity of the Frente de Todos based on the respect that we owe each other".

On Wednesday, Argentina's Peronist coalition was hit hard as the interior minister Eduardo de Pedro offered his resignation alongside other party officials - appearing to suggest a potential split within the Frente de Todos party after the primary election loss.

According to the local daily, Perfil, after De Pedro offered his public resignation, Fernandez held a meeting with different officials in the aftermath until around 10 pm at his office.

De Pedro is reportedly a close political ally of Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner with suggestions of a split between officials loyal to the president and vice president.

In his resignation letter, De Pedro said it was "the best way to help”.

The resignations offered by ministers include Eduardo De Pedro (Interior), Martin Soria (Justice), Roberto Salvarezza (Science), Tristan Bauer (Culture), Juan Cabandie (Environment).

Other officials also offered their resignations such as Luana Volnovich and Fernanda Raverta, amongst others.

On Sunday, the Peronists lost the midterm primaries to the opposition alliance in most districts which are usually understood to provide a strong indication of how citizens will vote ahead of the midterm election in November.

The primary election result could potentially impact the government's Senate majority in November's midterm elections.