From the “Heavy Legacy” to the Perfect Storm: the Construction of a Negative Political Identity during the Cambiemos Administration (2015–2019)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to understand the manner in which, during the Cambiemos government in Argentina between 2015 and 2019, a “negative political identity” was consolidated. By means of a content analysis of political speeches and journalistic notes, we have constructed a periodisation of this government. Our analysis demonstrates that the structuring axis of its speeches, alliances and symbols was primarily shaped by the antagonism with Kirchnerism, rather than by the consolidation of a positive identity based on representative adhesion or on the appeal to a shared tradition. In conclusion, the construction of this negative political identity, based on a strong polarisation, is crucial for understanding both the fluctuations of the period and the outcome of a government that, after four years in office, failed to be re-elected.