Peronism rallies around Sergio Massa as presidential candidate in Argentina

In a Succession-like ending, Peronism’s complicated internal struggle to choose its next presidential candidate was resolved just 24 hours before the deadline for candidates to register — with centrist Economy Minister Sergio Massa anointed as the unified choice backed by both President Alberto Fernández and Vice President Cristina Kirchner, even though the two are not on speaking terms. 

The decision came just a day after several Peronist sources leaked another choice, left-wing Interior Minister Eduardo de Pedro — a loyal ally of Mrs. Kirchner — as the final choice for Argentina’s powerful VP.

But the key players in the ruling coalition remained silent, and negotiations continued behind closed doors. Eventually, President Fernández agreed to withdraw a rival presidential candidacy he was promoting (that of Daniel Scioli, a former ambassador to Brazil) in exchange for a joint ticket with Mr. Massa and cabinet chief Agustín Rossi as his running mate.

Argentina’s mandatory, open, and simultaneous primaries — known by their Spanish acronym PASO — will take place on August 13. The winners of each coalition will face...