The Past Perfect Subjunctive of Peronism

An editorial in La Nación uses the grammatical concept of the past perfect subjunctive, or "pretérito pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo," to frame a critique of Argentine Peronism. The author notes that this tense, often used to lament missed opportunities or actions not taken, reflects a recurring pattern in the nation's political discourse.

The piece contrasts two fundamental models for the country: liberal democracy, rooted in the national constitution and Alberdi's principles, versus corporatist populism. This latter model, the editorial argues, has deeply influenced Argentina's institutions, often diverging from foundational republican tenets. Decades of stigmatizing the market and individual initiative have led to an expanded state intervention, with "shameful" results.

The editorial posits that the current political landscape is not merely a contest between different leaders or factions, but a clash of foundational proposals. It suggests that Peronism, in particular, tends to repeat its historical errors by disregarding past experiences. The piece concludes by referencing Jorge Luis Borges, implying that Peronists often fail to learn from history, a recurring theme when discussing Argentina's persistent crises.