The broken mirrors of Kirchnerism

The article posits that the current state of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua represents a "broken mirror" reflecting the final decline of Kirchnerism's influence and ideals. It suggests that these nations, once aligned with the political movement, are now mired in crises that highlight a broader regional shift away from the populist policies championed by Kirchnerism.

In Venezuela, the narrative focuses on the US-led efforts to engineer a democratic transition following the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro. The article frames this as a move by the Trump administration to establish a political system aligned with American interests, particularly concerning oil, on the "material and institutional ruins" of the previous regime. It notes that while Maduro's arrest did not dismantle the dictatorship, his associates now reportedly cooperate with the US in exchange for potential impunity.

The situation in Venezuela is seen as having a direct collateral effect on Cuba, accelerating the end of the "vestiges of the Cuban revolution." With dwindling tourism due to fuel shortages and the closure of hotels, including Meliá's withdrawal from operations, the article suggests the experiment of attracting visitors to an inaccessible bubble has failed. This economic downturn in Cuba is presented as a consequence of the broader regional instability and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

Nicaragua, though deemed of lesser strategic importance to the US compared to Venezuela and Cuba, is also discussed. The article points to Daniel Ortega's consolidation of power, likening his rule to the Somoza family dictatorship he once helped overthrow. Ortega's recent announcement to annul all future elections signifies a further entrenchment of authoritarianism in the region, marking a stark contrast to the democratic aspirations once associated with movements like Kirchnerism.