Argentina's Peronists under pressure after primary defeat

FILE PHOTO: A woman casts her vote in a polling station during primary legislative elections, in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 12, 2021. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's ruling Peronist party was on the defensive on Monday after a bruising congressional primary result saw the center-left coalition lose ground in a number of key seats, including the battleground of Buenos Aires province.

The chief of staff, Santiago Cafiero, defended the government, saying that its ability to lead the country was not at risk and that the party would take on board the message from the polls.