Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Underside of Neoliberalism
Every administration—whether military or civilian, Conservative,
Radical, or Peronist—had exhibited symptoms of political corruption.
Impunity had always been the handmaiden of corruption, as the judi-
ciary historically lacked the institutional power and independence to
bring corrupt ministers and legislators to justice. Argentina did how-
ever have one mechanism to expose corruption in high places. The
print media (as opposed to the more regulated television media) acted
as stewards of public oversight, and one could always find a full range
of political discussion and analysis in the news kiosks throughout the
cities. Powerful governments such as those of Perón in the early 1950s
and of the military in the late 1970s effectively muzzled and intimidated
the press, but few other administrations were so successful. Certainly,
Menem wanted a more pliant press, but he did not get it.
