Argentina's Macri seeks deal with opposition over economic crisis

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri, under pressure over a misfiring economy, has called rival party leaders together to thrash out a series of policy measures to stabilise the crisis six months ahead of presidential elections.

Macri sent an invitation to the country's main political and social leaders to join negotiations on agreeing a 10-point plan to get the economy under control.

"Clearly, we have had problems agreeing on basic issues of our economic development," Macri wrote in his letter to leaders, including his leftist arch-rival Cristina Kirchner.

"Therefore, every time an election campaign approaches, there are many doubts about our future."
Daniel Kerner, Latin American specialist with Eurasia, said in a note that the move is partly aimed at easing investor concerns, though "the main driver behind Macri's move is to weaken opposition candidates," especially Kirchner "who will not join the discussions."