Peronism grapples with profound disorientation since Juan Domingo Perón's death in 1974, worsened by recent electoral defeats and leadership crises. Intermediate leaders are turning to figures like Sergio Uñac to revive the movement. The author argues that without bold alliances akin to Lula da Silva's in 2022, Peronism will struggle to emerge as a viable alternative.
Since Juan Domingo Perón's death on July 1, 1974, Peronism has never been as disoriented as it is today. Javier Milei's wins in the 2023 presidential and 2025 legislative elections, combined with Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's conviction and the poor economic, social, and international management by Alberto Fernández and Sergio Massa, have triggered a leadership shake-up in the Justicialist Party's (PJ) intermediate and lower ranks.
In 1983, Peronism, led syndically, lost to Raúl Alfonsín's Radical renewal, which modernized campaigns with progressive discourse. From that defeat emerged 'La Renovación', fostering internal debates and democratization. On July 9, 1988, affiliates chose the Menem-Duhalde ticket over Cafiero-De la Sota, securing the presidency on May 14, 1989.
Under Menemism, rifts appeared: 'Chacho' Álvarez founded the Frente Grande, and José Octavio Bordón established the PAIS Party, merging into FREPASO in 1994. Menem and Duhalde urged resolving disputes within the PJ. After the Alliance crisis, Néstor Kirchner in 2003 ended the caudillo era, but his 2010 death led Cristina Fernández to policies that, per the analysis, squandered prior economic stability.
Kirchnerism, after two presidential losses, exhibits populist continuity and faces potential extinction. Axel Kicillof in Buenos Aires draws criticism for insecurity, narcotrafficking, and declines in education and health. In late 2025, leaders and unions see Sergio Uñac, former San Juan governor and national senator, as a renewal figure, as noted by Miguel Ángel Pichetto.
The author stresses: “If Peronism does not do something similar to what Lula da Silva did to beat Bolsonaro in 2022, when he allied with his worst enemy, it will hardly position itself as a superior alternative.” The call is to revisit Peronist strategies up to the 1945 Revolution's centennial.
