Perón and Peronism

How Juan Perón's governments from 1946 expanded workers' rights and state control of the economy, and why Peronism still shapes Argentine politics.

Juan Domingo Perón was president from 1946 to 1955, and again in 1973-74.

Policies

Workers’ rights: higher wages, pensions and paid holidays.
Nationalisation of railways, utilities and the central bank.
Import substitution and protection for industry.
State marketing board (IAPI) buying farm exports cheaply and selling abroad, transferring income from farmers to industry.

Eva Perón

Eva “Evita” Perón championed social programmes and women’s suffrage (1947).

Results

Workers’ living standards rose initially.
Exports fell as farmers were squeezed.
Inflation and deficits grew.

Legacy

Peronism remains Argentina’s dominant political movement, spanning left and right. Presidents like Néstor and Cristina Kirchner came from it.

Economic debate

Supporters credit Perón with dignity for workers; critics blame populist policies for long-term decline.

The squeezed farmer

Under Perón, a farmer sells wheat to the state board at a low price, while the board sells it abroad at higher prices to fund industry and wages.

Thinking Peronism is a single fixed ideology

It has spanned left and right over decades.

Key takeaways

Perón ruled 1946-55 and 1973-74.
He expanded workers' rights and nationalised industries.
Farmers were squeezed to fund industry.
Peronism still dominates Argentine politics.