Economic Policy during Illia’s Period in Office, 1963–6

Abstract

President Illia’s government was the first traditionally organised political party since 1943 that did not depend on the presence of charismatic leaders. The 1943–5 military government was succeeded by another that boasted widespread popular support and which was essentially the political expression of President Perón. After its removal from power in 1955, a military government was installed until Arturo Frondizi took office in 1958; his leadership, well-known for its rhetoric, was capable of firing the imagination of certain sectors of society. However, the ambitious objectives for economic change which he put forth forced him finally to call upon the support of sectors of society other than those which had originally supported him. This act of political alchemy meant the schism of his own party. After the military interim (1962–3) which followed Frondizi’s period in office, Illia took over. He was nominated by the UCR, a well-organised party without any strong leaders.