Klishtina from a porteño viewpoint

'DB' is one of my closest friends in the world. He's a Porteño (i.e born in the centre of Buenos Aires, Argentina). He's an intelligent dude and his political viewpoint is always sharp, as even though he's solidly part of the BsAs middle class his leanings are kinda left wing. However due to the ongoing influence of Perón, simple 'left' and 'right' classifications do not fully explain the political map of Argentina. All in all an interesting mix, and we often end up picking at each other on politics (over a glass of red wine when I'm in Buenos Aires, but usually via mails).

So with that preamble, here are DB's views on the Klishtina press conference of yesterday and how things look going forward. I'd like to point out that I agree with some of this, disagree with other parts. Just a different viewpoint for you from a local political watcher with brains.

Translation, Otto.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I think Cristina is boxed in. The "damn oligarchy"* are out for more. They haven't only achieved the downfall of Res. 125 (ottonote; the agro export tax law) but are now asking for more and are getting stronger for 2011 (ottonote; next Presidential election). They are taking advantage of this weak moment to get more benefits. This looks very dangerous to me now that the majority of the urban middle class support the agro cause. Cristina has got to a point where everything she says, even if it's marvellous, is received badly by "the people".

The idea of a press conference was a good one. Almost two hours of open agenda. she's a good speaker, she's knows about all issues, you can tell she works hard. But it's too late. I repeat; everything she says now irritates "the people".

As expected, she was weak on the issues of the INDEC, the Bullet Train, Moreno, etc. She didn't answer many questions, subtly avoiding them or changing the subject. She knows how to talk without saying anything.

My feeling is that this gov't has no ideas. There's no plan. They run after problems, and it's all trial and error. On top of that she has lost the respect of "the people". The oligarchy hated Juan Perón, but they always respected him. With Cristina and hate her and don't respect her.

There's also a lot of bad feeling about how Brazil has long-term state policies and is doing so well. I still remember when Lula took office (2002?**) how everybody here laughed and said, "Brazil is going to hell under that working class illiterate." But Brazil keeps whipping out a_s in everything, even in culture now.

My optimistic side thinks that this agro crisis has done some good to the government and the country. We now debate issues like "the tax system", the "economic model" etc. Things that haven't been seriously debated since the 1960's with Frondizi, Perón etc. We are going to reach 200 years as a country but it seems like we haven't been born yet. This crisis could mean that in 2011 it's clear what we want as a country. Until now nobody has ever cared. The politicians are afraid because they only have four years left to steal. The economic powers only want to make more money without caring how they do it. I think this is changing.

* Comes from a phrase used by Kirchner fanatic, Luis D'Elia, and used ironically by DB. Not precisely translated because this is a family show, folks.
** Lula became President on 1st January 2003