Summary
Raymond Buve
Is God nog wel een Argentijn?
Raymond Buve surveys the current critical situation in Argentina. Recession, a total lack of budgetary discipline and large-scale tax evasion have all culminated in an economic and political crisis which will be extremely difficult to solve in the short run. This crisis results from the legacy of Juan Domingo Peron who in the 1940s transformed workers in the industrial and service sectors into a pivotal power force in Argentinian politics. Since Peron was ousted from office in 1955, society remained characterized by sharp social divisions and corruption. Tackling social unrest and at the same time satisfying foreign banks and donors will prove to be an almost impossible task for Argentina's new president, the Peronist Duhalde. According to the author, the crucial question is whether Duhalde, who only three years ago, in 1999, was massively beaten in presidential elections, will now be able to command the confidence of a frustrated and discontented population.