For ten days, the address Juncal, 1411, has been more popular in Buenos Aires than the Obelisco, a meeting point for demonstrations of all colors, or Casa Rosada, the seat of power in Argentina and one of the places that tourists most compete to take pictures. On this corner of the Recoleta neighborhood lives Cristina Kirchner, the country’s current vice president and former president for two terms (2007-2015).
Ever since a prosecutor asked for 12 years in jail for the former president, accused in four corruption cases, Kirchner has staked his entire defense on her popularity, and her opponents are amazed at how high her popularity remains after so many years.
Who passed by on Wednesday afternoon (31), saw her kissing the belly of a pregnant woman and autographing the arms and shoulders of young militants _one of them went straight to tattoo the idol’s signature. Depending on the time of day, traffic can move smoothly. However, in moments of great concentration _lunchtime, late in the day and sometimes late into the night_, everything is blocked, drivers have to go around the block, shops, cafes and restaurants close their doors for fear of confusion and chants are heard. , battle cries, music and fireworks.
Last Saturday, there was a confrontation when the city government, which is in the opposition, ordered barriers to contain supporters and try to ensure that the neighborhood slept peacefully. It was worse, even more protesters arrived, who walked to occupy the Vicente López square, where street vendors and barbecue stalls were installed. It is still surrounded by buses that brought Kirchnerist militants from various parts of the city’s outskirts who show no signs of wanting to leave the address.
Buenos Aires has a reputation for being anti-Peronist, especially in its wealthier neighborhoods, such as Recoleta. Opposition candidates, such as former president Mauricio Macri and the current head of government of the city, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, usually win elections there. However, moments like those of demonstration of love for Peronism expose the contradictions of its residents. There are many K marches that fill the streets, the mass demonstrations on the anniversaries of Perón, Evita or on commemorative dates such as the day of loyalty (17 October). Not to mention the need to have Perón’s body removed from the Chacarita cemetery to avoid confusion.
The pro-Cristina camp is even more impressive because it is opposed to the enormous wear and tear of the Peronist president Alberto Fernández and the extremely serious economic crisis that the country is experiencing, with more than 70% annual inflation and 40% of the population below the poverty line.
Even with the prospect of opposition growth in the 2023 election year, Peronism does not cease to surprise and confuse as a persistent phenomenon and apparently shielded from the worst storms.
