Mauricio Macri wins Argentina presidency

Mauricio Macri has been confirmed as the winner in Argentina's presidential elections after his ruling party opponent conceded. With almost all votes counted, it was close: Mr. Macri led Daniel Scioli by 51.5% to 48.5%, about a 3% margin over the deflated Scioli, who had been handpicked by the outgoing president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Mauricio Macri with his wife Juliana Awada and her daughter Antonia meeting Pope Francis

Mr. Macri's victory is the first in more than a decade for Argentina's centre-right opposition and ends the 12-year rule of the Peronist Party. Said Mr. Macri, addressing thousands of cheering supporters,

“Today is a historic day. It’s the changing of an era.”

Daniel Scioli, from the Peronist Party and opponent of Mr. Macri

He danced on stage at a victory rally at his Buenos Aires headquarters and thanked his staff for their support. Although looking very much like an embarrassing grandfather at a wedding, Mr. Macri couldn’t care less – he’d produced an election result against a party that has dominated Argentine politics for more than a decade - a result that few would have predicted just a few months ago.

Juan and Eva Perón - the Peronist party is an Argentine political movement based on the political thought of former President Juan Domingo Perón and his second wife, Eva

Mr. Macri, who is currently mayor of Buenos Aires, campaigned on pledges to bring new investment into Argentina’s ailing economy, tackle crime and fight corruption. Economic reform will be his number one priority but it will not be easy. Argentina is divided. While most of the white, middle class supporters of Mr. Macri will hope for a more liberal, open economic climate, the working class, banner waving youth of the Peronist party will hope that warnings about welfare reform and government cuts do not materialise.

Congress Plaza, Buenos Aires at sunset

(All images - credit: Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licence)