So Farewell Nestor Kirchner. Chaves of Venezuela talked of you in terms that made you out to be a 21st version of San Martin, or, even Bolivar. One of your men in the Argentine parliament gave you a similar eulogy suggesting that the whole country should mourn the passing of one of its great political figures.
I ‘ve never thought it fair to pass damning judgement on those who have died as it’s hard for them to hit back but I’d like to say just this. Some stocks rose in Europe and the US within minutes of the news that you had died. While you were alive you were never particularly fair on your sworn ennemies, not least the anti-Kirchner Clarin newspaper group that thanks to you and you wife –now widow but still President-was subjected to outrageous harassment and intimidation, just short of the burning of its offices. (Historians will remember that that is what other Peronists did decades ago with La Prensa.)
Opinion polls show that your star and that of your wife’s has been rising -popularity as irrational but understandable as the decisioun of the Argentine Football Federation to appoint Maradona as coach of the national team in last summer’s world cup.
You have escaped further the consequences of further investigation into how you amassed your fortune and came to power.Like Peronists before you, and Generals for that matter, you have managed to pack the Plaza de Mayo in death as in life, and your widow will surely now be hopeful of securing sympathy votes for an enduring family dynasty much as the Ghandis tried to do in India, and the Bhuttos in Pakistan. On the other hand , this could be a huge opportunity for civilised Argentines to draw a line under the corruption of the past, engage in democratic dialogue,honour freedom of the press, and relegate Peronism in all its forms to the dustbin of history.
I love the fighting spirit of your blog! So what is it in the Argentinian psyche that allows Peron, Maradona, and now probably Kirchner, to be perceived as near deities and their dark side never seriously questioned? Or is it just mass illogical popularity that appears to thrive in Latin America now currently best represented by Chavez? Given this climate, do you really think that democratic dialogue is possible on the continent?
The markets don’t always get it right. A prime example being the fall in Brazilian bonds and stocks after Lula’s election in 2002. Highly optimistic that Argentina will be a more business friendly environment. All depends who wins the power struggle in Peronism. If union boss Hugo Moyano, it will be a distater.
Legacy of Nestor: deterioration of political institutions and political discourse, public institutions (such as Central Bank and INDEC)and judiciary. Clarín is not the only media K had in his sights. La Nación was also being targeted, in the Papel Prensa struggle.
Very good article.
I am argentinean living abroad, and can speak on behalf of family and friends who are not right now mourning Nestor K. Not that any of us desired this end for him, but certainly his contribution to the country was just more poverty, more hunger and more crime. No plans for the future, just media, politics and a permanent going back to the past. In my opinion both him and wife should put the attention to create jobs, improve education, and make our wonderful country grow. Then you can go back in history and do whatever you want. First present and future.
I am really hopeful the millions people sitting today at home, like me, atonishly looking the mourners on TV, can find a better person to lead the country to a brighter future, for every body’s sake.
Thank you