Argentina Elections: President Mauricio Macri's party scores midterm victories

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A big election win for Argentina's President Mauricio Macri. His center right coalition scored a major victory in Sunday's midterm polls. CGTN's Joel Richards has this story.

This is a familiar site when it comes to Argentina election nights in recent years - celebrations lead by Mauricio Macri's trademark dance. Two years after winning the presidency, Macri strengthened his position across the country in Sunday's midterm elections.

MAURICIO MACRI ARGENTINE PRESIDENT We realized that many things can change. We realized that we could, we were encouraged by change. We overcame fear and resignation, and reality accompanied us and is accompanying us.

The center right coalition Let's Change won the five largest provinces and took 41% of the vote nationwide.

Analysts like Mariano Vila says this represents a cultural shift.

MARIANO VILA LLORENTE Y CUENCA CONSULTANCY In this election, the first difference is that we are thinking in a new Argentina, For that reason, this election is very improntat not only for the government but also for Argentina the country.

JOEL RICHARDS BUENOS AIRES These elections results essentially give the government the green light to move ahead with reforms in a number of key areas. On Monday morning, President Mauricio Macri outlined his priorities for the second half of this term in office.

With stronger presence in Congress, Macri's government will now focus on reforming taxes, education and labor legislation.

The elections had been overshadowed by the disappearance of activist Santiago Maldonado, whose body was identified on Friday. There was widespread indignation and accusations of a government cover-up. Authorities reportedly say it appears he drowned, and there was no sign of violence.

But just as crucial was the fate of former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner who was running for senator in Buenos Aires Province. She was defeated by the government's candidate.

LUCAS ROMERO SYNOPSIS CONSULTANTS The government has been able to capitalize on a majority of Argentines who feel strongly against the ex-president. This let the government gain good results not only in the Buenos Aires Province where the ex-president was candidate, but also across the country.

Nevertheless, Fernandez de Kirchner will have a seat in the senate which will give her immunity against corruption charges. In her return to the political stage, it's expected she will help opposition efforts against government reforms, austerity measures and tariff hikes which Argentines began to feel on Monday when the cost of fuel increased by 12%. Joel Richards, CGTN, Buenos.