The Transformation of the Argentinian Political System and its New Actors. The Construction of Pro as a National Political Party (2003-2013)

Abstract

After the crisis of representation in 2001, the Argentinian political system has been through deep transformations that have affected the distribution of political power known as imperfect bipartisanship, formerly dominated by the Partido Justicialista and the Unión Cívica Radical. In the last decade, third political forces to the traditional two-party predominance have conquered and retained control of subnational governments; for instance, the case of the Republican Proposal (PRO) stands out. This political network party has controlled the city of Buenos Aires, the second most important constituency in the country, since 2007; and, from this position, PRO has maintained opposition to the Presidency of Cristina Fernández. This paper describes and analyzes the strategies developed by the PRO to form national alliances in the electoral and legislative scenarios and, argues that PRO has opted out of a national coalition construction. Furthermore, the PRO decided to remain in the District of Buenos Aires, which meant a postponement of its nationalization strategy, but this resolution became the resource to overcome the Party’s threats: electoral volatility and co-option by national organizations.