Half a century later: Perón's legacy continues to divide Argentina

Half a century after his death, the figure of Juan Domingo Perón continues to be one of the most influential and divisive in Argentina. Although the vast majority of present-day Argentinians never had the opportunity to meet him in person, the political legacy he left behind continues to shape the scene of the South American country. As the founder of Peronism in 1945 and the only Argentine president elected three times, Perón remains a significant political reference in the nation. Over the years, Peronism has maintained its relevance even during periods of proscription and when non-Peronist leaders governed the country. Despite the recent victory of the outsider economist Javier Milei in the presidential elections, Peronism still holds a strong presence in Argentine political power, with significant representation in Congress and in numerous provinces and municipalities. The impact of Peronism extends beyond the purely political realm, reaching into the labor and social spheres as well. Demonstrations and mobilizations in Argentina are often filled with references to Perón and his wife, Eva Duarte, emblematic symbols of Peronism. This influence has deeply permeated the daily life of Argentinians, generating a deeply rooted sense of belonging or rejection towards this political movement. Historian María del Mar Solis Carnicer, an expert in Peronism, highlights that Perón's popularity was largely due to his ability to generate an "emotional attachment" among broad sectors of the electorate who had previously felt marginalized. Emerging from the military and political spheres, Perón built his support base from the Department of Labor, establishing a strong bond with workers, who became his main political support. Perón's meteoric rise in Argentine politics, ascending through various government positions until reaching the presidency in 1946, was marked by a series of policies aimed at the "democratization of well-being." Through the expansion of labor rights, the introduction of paid vacations, collective labor agreements, and industrialization, Perón significantly improved the living conditions of a large part of the Argentine population. However, despite his achievements in social justice and well-being, Perón also faced criticism for his authoritarian style and clientelistic practices. The centralization of power around his figure, the persecution of political opponents, and censorship of the press are aspects that generated rejection among sectors of Argentine society, fueling the division between Peronists and anti-Peronists, also known as "gorillas." Perón's legacy has endured over the decades due to his charisma, pragmatism, and ability to adapt to different ideological currents within Peronism. His figure continues to be used by political leaders of various tendencies, reflecting the complexity and diversity of this political movement in Argentina. Despite differences and criticisms, Perón's influence on Argentine history and politics remains undeniable, keeping alive a debate that has marked society for generations.