About leadership

Argentinian politics, complicated as it is, has one feature that makes it distinct from the traditional Western political systems – divided broadly into social-democrats and conservatives, with all the variety of names and seasonal extremists. In Argentina, the political system is described using the last name of the leader of the governing party – in the last eight years it has been kirchnerismo (owing to late Nestor Kirchner and his widowed wife Cristina, the current president) and before that – duhaldismo (Eduardo Duhalde). It all started with a gentleman called Juan Peron. Such was his importance in the history of Argentina that all current major political movements claim to be descendants of peronismo, regardless if they are more to the left (like kirchnerismo) or right (the opposition).

The majority of North and South American countries (including Argentina) have presidential systems, with one person clearly in charge. Europe, on the other hand, seems to be more sceptical about strong leaders (the history of XX century has taught us a lesson) and trusts more in institutions. This is why it is difficult for a European to understand the rock star/ prophet following of some of the American leaders like Obama (before elections), Evo Morales in Bolivia, Hugo Chavez in Venezuela or Lula in Brazil – their personalities seem to overshadow the office they hold.  Cristina Kirchner does not have charisma of any of them, but the same rule applies to her as well; she is perceived to be personally responsible for everything that happens in the country. This is a double-edged sword, but her PR machine is in charge to make sure people hear more about the good stuff. Photo below shows her smiling face next to the information about the regeneration of the old football stadium in Mendoza - something nice to show to local football fans before October elections.