Peronism is a brand rather than a party. Its official vehicle is called the Justicialist Party (PJ). To the extent that it has an ideology it is a vague blend of nationalism and labourism, expressed in the PJ’s founding “three banners” of political sovereignty, economic independence and social justice. This has not prevented Peronist presidents swerving between radically opposed policies.Do you suppose the Evita for whom Argentina is asked not to cry - Eva Duarte - had Eleanor Roosevelt as an inspiration, perhaps a role model? The timing works out right.
Rather than ideas, Peronism embodies a consistent set of political emotions and practices. Perón declared in 1951: “The masses don’t think, the masses feel and they have more or less intuitive and organised reactions. Who produces those reactions? Their leader.” His second wife, Eva Duarte, touched the hearts of the masses.
Ms Fernández (President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner) has proved to be an accomplished disciple: she has ruthlessly pursued popularity by postponing inevitable economic belt-tightening, by exploiting her widowhood and by associating herself with Pope Francis, an Argentine who has Peronist roots.
Its exercise of power is characterised by the strong leader and by control of the Argentine street. Almost all Peronist presidents have concentrated power in their own hands, brooking no internal rivals.
World famous Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945, wife Eleanor's active role was well-known and widely reported. Juan Peron was elected Argentine President in 1946.
