Analysis of the Factors Driving the Progressive Emergence of New Right-Wing Movements in Argentina

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the path for which the neoliberal political current rises to power in Argentina. This rise went through several significant stages. In the first instance, all started through a government putsch in 1976 when, with military force, the army heads burst onto the national political scene. Subsequently, in a second stage, neoliberal policies are established and consolidated during the two presidential terms of Carlos Menem, who accesses the chair through democratic means using the political structure of the Peronist party. The last two phases took place in the 21st century: first, in 2015 when the Cambiemos political coalition brings Mauricio Macri to the presidency, who wins the elections with a moderate liberal and reformist speech. Finally, in 2023, Javier Milei comes to power, allied with former president Macri, presenting himself as a radical counterpoint to Peronism. His campaign strategy is characterized by his marked confrontation against the status quo, promoting a supposed "anti-politics" project and adopting the slogans of neolibertarian movement. In his speech, Milei flirts between the idea of anarchy-capitalism and elements associated with the authoritarianism of an ultra-capitalism with shades close to contemporary fascism.