Last night, after Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner confirmed that she will not run for president this year, Chief of Staff Agustín Rossi said that he is becoming “closer” to deciding to stand as a candidate. 

“My decision is getting closer to being a candidate. I think that the best thing that can happen to the [ruling coalition] Frente de Todos (FdT) is to have a broad, plural, open space where whoever feels competent to run can do so,” he said in an interview on news channel C5N.

Rossi, a longtime Peronist politician who has served in various roles throughout his career, was appointed on February to serve as President Alberto Fernández’s Chief of Staff. 

Last night, CFK’s announcement sparked a wave of uncertainty among FdT followers, who were expecting her to say whether she would run or appoint someone else and back them. So far, she has only said that it’s “essential” to draw up a “government program that will enamor Argentines again.”

However, she did not mention any names. 

If he confirms his candidacy, Agustín Rossi would be joining a group of men who have said they would be willing to compete in August’s primary election. Among those expected to run are the Argentine ambassador in Brazil, Daniel Scioli, the social leader Juan Grabois, and the Interior Minister Eduardo “Wado” de Pedro. 

Economy Minister Sergio Massa has not made any formal announcements about his electoral intentions yet, although his name is frequently mentioned among FdT supporters and adversaries alike.