Buenos Aires — There’s something about a crowd of students demanding change that brings unlikely figures together. That’s how it felt on a chilly Wednesday afternoon in Buenos Aires when Sergio Massa and Guillermo Moreno—two prominent but once rivaling figures within Argentina’s Peronist movement—found themselves shoulder to shoulder, chanting along to the familiar political anthems that have shaped generations.
As the massive university protest surged down the streets, voices rose against the looming veto of the newly passed university funding law. Amid the sea of faces, Massa and Moreno’s unexpected embrace reminded onlookers of one undeniable truth: Peronism, in all its complex, sometimes contradictory forms, continues to unite even the most disparate elements when the call for collective action arises.
The Moment Peronism Came Alive Again
In moments like these, you see the visceral force of Argentine politics. Massa, dressed casually, sipping mate, stood among a mix of students and activists, joining them in a chant that harkened back to the days of Evita and Perón. The chant was simple but powerful: “Traigan al gorila de Milei para que vea, este pueblo no cambia de idea.” (“Bring Milei here so he can see, this people won’t change their beliefs.”)
It’s easy to dismiss political protests as theater, but for those who gathered on this day, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. This wasn’t just about university funding. It was about the preservation of a future that felt increasingly uncertain. Massa, with a twinkle of recognition in his eyes, leaned in to speak to Moreno—two men who had once clashed in their presidential ambitions but now stood united, not by policy or ambition, but by something deeper: the shared legacy of Peronism.
Moreno, never one to shy away from the dramatic, responded by leading the crowd in another anthem, this time with arms raised: “Vamos a volver.” It was a call for the return of Peronism to the seat of power, a future that both men seemed to acknowledge with a nod to the past.
The Real Story Behind the University Protest
But beneath the camaraderie, the protest itself reflected a very real and tangible struggle. As Argentina grapples with inflation and budget cuts, university students and staff have found themselves at the forefront of the fight for public education. With the government preparing to veto a recently approved law that would increase university budgets and adjust salaries to match inflation, the anger on the streets was palpable.
Sergio Massa, always a tactician, tweeted earlier in the day in support of the protest: “Proteger la universidad es cuidar el sueño de millones de jóvenes y el futuro del país.” (“Protecting the university means safeguarding the dreams of millions of young people and the future of the country.”) His words reflected the growing sentiment among many Argentines that public education is not merely a right but a lifeline in an economy that offers few certainties.
For Guillermo Moreno, the protest was more than a political gesture; it was personal. Having spent years as the outspoken Secretary of Commerce, he has long positioned himself as a champion of the working class. Now, alongside Massa, he saw an opportunity to reignite the embers of a political ideology that had, in many ways, defined his career.
The Subtle Power of Political Theater
When you see politicians chanting alongside everyday people, it’s easy to be cynical. But here’s the thing about Peronism: it’s not just about power—it’s about belonging. Peronism has always been more than a political ideology; it’s a promise, a reminder that even in the face of economic hardship, there is a shared belief in the potential of the collective.
That’s why the protest’s symbolic weight, particularly in the embrace between Massa and Moreno, wasn’t lost on anyone. It was as if two roads—once diverged—had finally come together again, meeting in the heart of a movement that is as much about history as it is about the future.
What’s at Stake Now?
The government’s plan to veto the university funding bill is a hard pill to swallow for many. The law, which would have linked university budgets and wages to inflation, offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak economic landscape. As the protestors’ chants echoed through Buenos Aires, it became clear that this wasn’t just a battle for policy—it was a battle for the soul of public education in Argentina.
Massa, always careful in his words, had this to say about the issue: “Es un momento de retirada del gobierno.” (“This is a moment of retreat for the government.”) He wasn’t wrong. As the country faces continued economic challenges, the need for leadership that can bridge the gap between the people and policy has never been more pressing.
Peronism’s Enduring Legacy
The reunion of Massa and Moreno, once presidential candidates on opposing sides, now chanting in unison, feels like a reminder of the enduring power of Peronism. It’s a reminder that, in Argentine politics, the past is never really past. It lingers, shaping the present, and defining the future. For all the divisions within Unión por la Patria, the rallying cry of Evita and Perón still resonates.
As the protest wound down, the crowd’s energy didn’t dissipate. It’s clear that, for these students and educators, the fight for public education is far from over. And for Massa and Moreno, the moment of solidarity may have been brief, but its impact will likely echo long after the streets have emptied.
The Road Ahead
For those watching from the sidelines, the future of Argentine politics remains uncertain. But for the crowd of students, activists, and political veterans like Massa and Moreno, the message was clear: this fight is far from over. As the sun set on another day of protest, one thing remained constant—the chant of “Vamos a volver” rang in the air, a promise not just of political resurgence, but of a people determined to shape their own destiny.
