Australia and the World Past and Present

Néstor Kirchner assumed the presidency in Argentina in 2003. His wife, Cristina would also serve as President from 2007. They spawned their own political movement – Kirchnerism.

It is widely viewed as an offshoot of Peronism and is a form of left-wing populism.

It is unashamedly nationalist.

Both Néstor and Cristina had been part of Peronist Youth (Juventud Peronista).

Kirchnerism is anti-imperialist and advocates the redistribution of wealth. Key audiences are workers and the unemployed.

A concern with human rights is a key feature – notably Cristina’s denunciation of Argentina’s Dirty War and those responsible for abuses during this period of Argentina’s history.

Raúl Alfonsín, a civilian elected in 1983 after the fall of the military dictatorship, initially pursued justice for crimes committed during the Dirty War. His government put the top military leaders on trial, resulting in convictions in 1985. However, under intense pressure from the armed forces, including uprisings and threats of instability, Alfonsín’s government backed down from broader prosecutions and introduced the Amnesty Laws. The Supreme Court had ruled in 1987 that the laws were constitutional.

But times change and in 2005 the Supreme Court now declared them unconstitutional. Due to Cristina’s stance on this issue, she attracted support from groups such as the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo.

Cristina is strong supporter of economic protectionism.

For Cristina, the bogeyman is neo-liberalim as represented by the IMF. IMF-style austerity is anathema for her.

She had no qualms in adopting price controls as policy.

Kirchnerism sees an expansive role for the state in society – certainly in directing the economy.

Critics sometimes suggest that Kirchnerism represents the personalisation of politics. A cult of personality was built around both Néstor and Cristina during their presidencies.

Like its parent movement, Peronism, Kirchnerism relies on charismatic leaders. In this case, they happened to be husband and wife. Their leadership was not only personalised – it was dynastic.

This is not without precedent in Argentina. Juan Perón’s wife, Eva, was a political figure of sorts. Towards the end of her life she even announced her intention to run for the vice-presidency, although she soon after decided not to continue in this vein. She was facing health issues and would die the year after announcing her candidacy.

Kirchnerism is an offshoot of Peronism. A form of left-wing populism – Argentinian style.