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Javier Milei and Victoria Villaruel at the July 9 Military Parade
The relationship between the president and the vice president in Argentina is historically complex. This dynamic not only defines the stability of the government, but also has very important implications for the national and international politics of the country. Over the years, we have seen how these relationships can shift from cooperation and alliance to tension and open conflict.
Factors Shaping the President-Vice President Relationship
The National Constitution of Argentina establishes a presidential system in which the president is the head of state and government, while the vice president is the first in the line of succession. Beyond this formal arrangement, multiple factors influence the dynamics between both roles.
Firstly, the political and electoral context plays a significant role. The choice of a vice president responds to political and electoral strategies, with presidential candidates selecting their running mates to attract voters from different sectors or strengthen political coalitions. This selection can create tensions if alliances are formed more out of convenience than ideological compatibility.
Additionally, personal and ideological affinity between the president and the vice president is a determining factor. Ideological and personal compatibility can result in a cooperative relationship, while ideological differences can generate disagreements. In some cases, vice presidents have taken on more active roles in government, while in others, they have had a more ceremonial presence, which also influences the management dynamics.
Historical Analysis
One of the most memorable cases is the relationship between Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Julio Cobos (2007-2011). During Cristina's first term, her vice president Julio Cobos became an opponent. The most famous conflict occurred in 2008, during the vote on Resolution 125 concerning mobile export taxes on agricultural products. Cobos voted against the government, casting the deciding vote in the Senate that rejected the measure, leading to a definitive break in their relationship.
The relationship between President Alberto Fernández and his vice president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has also shown increasing tensions. Although they started as allies, differences in economic management and internal policies have generated both public and private tensions. Cristina has openly criticized some of the president's decisions, highlighting the fracture within the government.
Another recent example is the relationship between Javier Milei and his vice president Victoria Villarruel (2023-present). Since the beginning of his term, the relationship has been tense. A notable conflict occurred with an Emergency Decree (DNU) issued by Milei. Villarruel called for a special session in the Senate to discuss the DNU, which could be seen as a betrayal by the president and generated a strong reaction against her. Additionally, the recent diplomatic incident with France related to comments made by Argentine football players further deepened the rift between them.
Historically, the relationship between President Fernando de la Rúa and his vice president Carlos "Chacho" Álvarez (1999-2001) also deteriorated rapidly due to management differences and corruption accusations. Álvarez resigned in 2000, further weakening De la Rúa's government and contributing to his downfall in 2001.
Another case is that of Carlos Menem and Eduardo Duhalde (1989-1995). Although they started as allies, the relationship deteriorated due to political and personal differences. Duhalde distanced himself from Menem and eventually became one of his main critics within Peronism.
Sociopolitical Factors
The relationship between the president and the vice president cannot be understood without considering the broader sociopolitical context of Argentina. Political polarization is a factor that exacerbates differences and internal conflicts within the government. Argentine politics is marked by high polarization, which can make tensions between the president and vice president more visible and conflictive.
Moreover, social movements and public pressure play a fundamental role in the presidential dynamic. Protests and social demands can influence the relationship between the president and the vice president, pressing the government to respond effectively to the needs and concerns of the population.
The media also impact the public perception of the president-vice president relationship. The media amplify conflicts and alliances, influencing public opinion and the perception of government stability.
Consequences and Implications
A conflictive relationship can lead to political and governance crises, affecting the government's ability to implement policies and maintain stability. Internal tensions can block important legislative initiatives and create an image of instability that can impact citizens' trust in their leaders.
In terms of foreign policy, the internal cohesion of the government influences Argentina's international representation. A solid relationship between the president and the vice president allows for more coherent and effective representation in the international arena. Conversely, internal conflicts can weaken Argentina's position in international negotiations and its ability to project an image of stability and cohesion.
Throughout history, we have seen how this relationship can vary from cooperation to open conflict, depending on a series of political, ideological, and personal factors. Understanding this relationship is essential to analyze Argentine politics and its impact on the international stage. History and contemporary examples show that the relationship between the president and the vice president can be both a source of strength and vulnerability for the country's governance.
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