In Argentina, the memory of Juan Domingo Peron and his last two wives (Evita and Isabel) continues to dominate the Argentine political scene, with every possible political party calling themselves the 'true heirs' of Peron and the enactors of his legacy. Kind of like international communism in miniature (although Peron never felt it necessary to say "Yo no soy peronista").
So, who exactly are the peronists? let's see:
Current president Nestor Kirchner? He's a peronist.
Former president and ultra-neoliberal Carlos Menem? Peronist.
The Montoneros, quasi-communist guerrilla group? Also peronists.
The Triple A (Argentine Anticommuist Alliance), secret police/death squad under the military dictatorship? Peronist too.
Peron, of course, didn't call his philosophy (such as it was) 'peronism' but 'justicialism', with the focus on social justice. Essentially it entailed strengthening the labor unions, giving aid to the poor, and breaking down the social restrictions which had dominated Argentine society since it's inception.
Twenty years in exile with Franco, though, seemed to have changed his mind a bit. During his brief third presidency, Peron exhibited far more right-wing attitudes towards the economy and far harsher reproach for social dissent, which some believe paved the way for the military dictatorship that followed soon after his death.
Of course, every professor, political analyst, and cabdriver has his own views on the subject:
Professor 1: Peronism is what your parents are. Do you have parents? Then they're peronists. When you have kids you'll be a peronist too.
Professor 2: Peronism is about social justice. But, since this is Argentina, scratch the skin and we're all fascists.
Cabdriver 1: Peronism is the Boca Juniors (Argentina's most popular soccer team) of politics.
Cabdriver 2: Peronism is whatever the hell you want it to be.
Cabdriver 3: Peronism is helping the poor and the workers...all these bullshitters just call themselves peronists to win votes.
So there you have it, I guess.
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