Thousands gather in support of Argentina's government

LONDON

Thousands of Argentines gathered Wednesday in the capital Buenos Aires in support of President Alberto Fernandez.

Supporters of the ruling Frente de Todos coalition mobilized in Plaza de Mayo in front of the Casa Rosada presidential building to mark the anniversary of the return of former President Juan Domingo Peron on Nov. 17, 1972 after 17 years of exile following a coup in 1955 in which he was overthrown.

President Fernandez took the opportunity to rebuff criticism from the opposition, saying “victory is not winning, but never giving up," in reference to midterm legislative elections which his ruling coalition lost on Sunday.

"We got the message that was given to us. There is a lot to do. I have no doubt about it, and there are many who expect this government to do more than they did,” he added.

Referring to the general election, Fernandez said: “We have to do what is necessary to ensure a resounding victory in 2023. No one has beaten us. Only the one who loses the will to fight is defeated."

The president also followed up on the need to reach an agreement with the opposition, although he excluded former President Mauricio Macri and far-right libertarian politician Javier Milei but will leave the door open for others.

“I have asked that we can build some basic policies together. If Macri doesn't want to talk, let him be alone with his friends doing business. If Milei does not want to talk, let him stay locked up with his colleagues, who deny diversity and deny state terrorism. We have nothing to talk about with them," said Fernández.

The opposition criticized the celebratory nature of the mobilization after the ruling coalition's defeat.

President Peron was exiled to Spain following a coup d’état against his government in 1955.

He later returned to Argentina on Nov. 17, 1972 and won the 1973 elections.

Each year on Nov. 17, those sympathetic to Peron in the country mark the day known in Spanish as 'Día de la Militancia.'

Peronism, an Argentine political and social movement based on the ideas and legacy of Peron, has been deeply interwoven into Argentina's political landscape ever since he first came to power in 1943.

It continues to play an important role in the country's politics, unifying many sectors of society as a social movement.

As a political party, it is widely regarded for championing workers’ rights, supporting labor unions and focusing on national industry.