Local governability through the prism of communal intervention (Buenos Aires, 1954)

Abstract

The debate on the building of political power during the Perón Era (Argentina, 1946-1955) provides a solid basis for an analysis of the phenomenon in the municipal sphere. In this context, the article analyzes the ‘bottom up” politics employed in situations of conflict stemming from communal interventions enforced in 1954 across three regions of the province of Buenos Aires presided over by incumbent intendants (Carlos Casares, Bartolomé Mitre and Luján). Using media and government sources, the aim is to study the relationship between the provincial and municipal authorities with an emphasis placed on aspects of the political roles played by the local government. To do so, the article examines the motives and rationale provided for the interventions and focuses on the local governability, both in terms of representation and participation. To what extent did the local conflict and rupture in political alignments contribute to the dynamic the governability acquired in the communes, and ultimately, in the enforcement of the intervention? In light of such tension, how did militants and local leaders pool their allegiances to the Peronist Movement and channel their efforts toward local figures with social capital sustained by bonds woven into the very fabric of the municipality?