Riding on a wave of popularism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AS THE focus of a personality cult, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela outdoes even the late Juan Peron in post-Second World War Argentina. Mr Chavez does not encourage such comparisons. He much prefers to be likened to the 19th-century liberator Simon Bolivar.
Half a century separates the South America strongmen, and lately, Peronismo has been viewed in the West through Lord Lloyd-Weber's rock-opera prism. Since its 1973 revival was cut short by Peron's death, his party in Argentina has suffered schisms over corruption. By contrast, the Chavez regime seems to have cut graft.
Like Peron, Mr Chavez relies on the army and the middle and working classes for support. While Peron reached the disaffected masses through the labour unions, Mr Chavez appeals to them directly. He hears complaints from anyone who clamours through the crowd, and then has a minion jot down notes for future action.
Peron was more aloof, and the charisma of his wife, Eva, a radio star, bridged the gap between his military austerity and the people. While Mr Chavez frequently tours with his second wife, Marisabel, also a blond radio personality with political acumen, the former paratrooper is clearly in charge.
Peron's downfall came when the Catholic church turned on him, and a military coup sent him into exile. By proposing a Moral Ministry, Mr Chavez risks alienating the church with a militant moral sector to rival its authority. The rich already loathe Mr Chavez for rejecting market values, but their voices are drowned in the cheers for his populist showmanship. His nationalism is just as ardent as that of Peron.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments