Source: Tiempo Audiovisual

Guillermo Moreno is one of the most debated figures within contemporary Peronism. Former Secretary of Commerce during the governments of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, he has been known for his confrontational style and his strong defense of interventionist economic policies. His role in the Kirchner administration, where he promoted price control policies and market regulations, allowed him to solidify himself as a leading figure of Kirchnerism, but it also earned him numerous critics.

Recently, Moreno has resurfaced in the political scene with a critical discourse towards progressivism and current trends within Peronism. He presents himself as a defender of a more orthodox Peronism, less influenced by globalist trends, advocating for a return to the doctrinal roots of the movement. In this interview, he shares his opinions on the direction Argentina should take in the face of a constantly changing global landscape, with an emphasis on nationalism, reindustrialization, and the role of technology in social development.

Guillermo Moreno: "Progressivism thinks poorly and acts worse"

In an exclusive interview, Guillermo Moreno shares his vision on the global landscape and the future of Argentina. He believes that the rise of nationalism in the face of globalization is inevitable, and Peronism must adapt to this new context. "I don't think the world is heading towards individualism, but towards nationalism," he asserts. Throughout the conversation, Moreno criticizes the progressive agenda that has dominated the movement in recent years, calling for a return to the doctrinal roots of Peronism, centered on the needs of the majority and not just on the rights of minorities.

According to the former official, the idea that work is obsolete and concepts like universal income are "European nonsense." From a Catholic perspective, he argues that work is the pillar of social order, explaining the crisis in the West: "By the sweat of your brow, you will eat bread until you return to the earth," a principle he believes has been forgotten or distorted in the progressive political agendas of the West. Moreno argues that progressivism, in trying to adapt to postmodern trends, has severely undermined the intellectual foundation of a workers' party like Peronism, distancing it from its doctrinal roots.

He also criticizes the prevailing optimism about technological innovation, arguing that artificial intelligence does not create new value but merely accelerates the circulation of existing knowledge. In his opinion, true progress comes from human labor, not from automation divorced from productive work. "Artificial intelligence is nothing but 20th-century knowledge circulating faster," he states, challenging the belief that technology alone can drive social advancement without a solid foundation in work and productivity.

"Progressivism thinks poorly and acts even worse," he states firmly. For Moreno, the left’s agenda has prioritized the rights of minorities over the needs of the majority. The clearest example, he says, occurred during Alberto Fernández's administration, when non-binary identification documents were issued in a context of widespread impoverishment. Moreno sees this as a fatal mistake for the future of popular movements, as it ignores the economic and social realities of the very people it claims to represent.

Source: Personal interview.

Guillermo Moreno on the decline of Europe in the new global order

In his analysis of Europe's role in the developing global landscape, Guillermo Moreno criticizes the declining influence of the continent, especially that of Germany, which he considers a victim of the new reality. He highlights how Germany, which previously benefited from globalization, now faces severe consequences from its excessive dependence on global markets, particularly for energy. According to Moreno, the clear consequence has been the destruction of the German industrial complex, especially in relation to China, as seen in the automotive industry. This decline in European influence is a clear sign of how the global power structure is changing, something that is also reflected in how other European nations, such as France, are reassessing their positions on globalization.

In France, Moreno highlights the change in the political climate under President Macron, who has abandoned his previous globalist stance. He notes: "Macron, who was once a symbol of globalization, now wears the flag on his soccer jersey," illustrating how European nations are reassessing their positions in light of the growing nationalist sentiment and global changes. This reconsideration starkly contrasts with the stance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose strategy he criticizes harshly: "Zelensky is everything that should not be done; he destroyed a country. He lost his country." According to Moreno, Zelensky's approach represents the pinnacle of surrender, relying on the rest of the world to defend a country without considering the long-term consequences. Today, Ukraine faces the loss of nearly 20% of its territory and the surrender of its natural resources as a direct result of this strategy.

As European leaders like Macron reevaluate their positions, Moreno draws a distinction between European and American nationalism (including Latin America). He explains: "European nationalism is exclusive, xenophobic," while "American nationalism is inclusive, based on the mixing of peoples." Moreno aligns the latter with the core principles of Peronism, which has historically celebrated diversity and social unity. This contrasts with the more insular and ethnocentric forms of nationalism found in Europe today.

The Middle East and the changing role of Israel

As the interview progresses, Moreno offers his unique perspective on Argentina's historical relationship with Israel and the changing dynamics in the Middle East. He reaffirms Argentina's support for Israel, stating: "Peronism has always supported Israel. Argentina, under Perón, was the first country in Latin America to recognize the State of Israel." In addition, he expresses his solidarity with Israel through the phrase "Comrade Netanyahu," a traditional Peronist expression that highlights his support for Netanyahu in the internal Israeli debate between nationalism (Netanyahu) and global social democracy.

However, Moreno also addresses the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. "The Middle East can no longer be an international energy supplier in this context. Europe will be supplied by Russia," he states, underlining how changes in the region's power dynamics are altering global structures. According to Moreno, this shift transforms the strategic importance of Middle Eastern countries and influences global power structures, marking the end of their role as key players in the global energy market. The future of peace in the region, Moreno argues, is intrinsically linked to preventing either China or Europe from gaining a competitive advantage through oil supplies. "Peace in the Middle East is linked to oil production, enough so that neither China nor Europe gain a competitive advantage," he notes. This new reality requires countries in the region to adapt to a world where their energy resources are no longer as relevant in global geopolitics.

Benjamin Netanyahu is also aware of the change in the role of the Middle East, recognizing that Israel has lost its hegemonic position in the region. "Netanyahu understood that Israel's hegemony in the Middle East has ended," he explains, citing the rise of Saudi Arabia as a new pro-Western actor in the region. This shift in alliances is a key development in the broader geopolitical change in the Middle East. "He traveled to Moscow more times than to Washington," says Moreno, highlighting the reorientation of Israeli foreign policy towards Russia and the diminishing influence of traditional Western alliances.

"The New Order embraces the classic ideals of Peronism"

Returning to Argentina's role in the new global context, Moreno asserts that Argentina must focus on its industrialization process and distance itself from China, aligning with Western efforts for reindustrialization. The real market for Argentina is in Hispanic America, not in engaging in disputes with the United States over the USMCA. The real challenge is to compete with Brazil in the industrial market, a competition that will require pushing China out of the region.

During an interview on the progressive broadcaster Futurock, while Moreno defended Donald Trump's industrialization project, claiming it was the same economic agenda he pushed during his time as Secretary of Commerce, he was interrupted with the argument: "Argentina is not the United States.To which he responded emphatically: "So why are you social democrats if this is not Europe?"

When asked if Argentina should respond to Trump’s tariffs as Mexico and Canada did, Moreno answered without hesitation: "There is no need to get involved in their trade disputes. Argentina must focus on industrial competition with Brazil," positioning himself as a leader in the West's reindustrialization effort. He connected Argentina's industrialization with Trump’s plans for the United States, in terms of "nations with industrial memory."

As the October elections approach, Guillermo Moreno is optimistic about the Peronist victory, convinced that his leadership is key to guiding the country towards a more prosperous and self-sustainable future. Despite criticizing Javier Milei's economic policies as misguided, he also acknowledges the failures of the last two governments, reinforcing his conviction that Peronism must return to its roots to successfully face the challenges of the future.