Álvaro Alsogaray

Álvaro Alsogaray was an engineer with military training who became a leading advocate of market liberalism in Argentine politics. Born in Esperanza, Santa Fe, he served as industry minister after the overthrow of Perón and later directed economic policy under Arturo Frondizi and José María Guido. His advocacy of austerity became associated with his appeal to endure a difficult winter while the economy adjusted. ¹

His exchanges with the United States preceded his embassy appointment. In July 1962, as economy minister, he met John Kennedy to discuss Argentina's debt and recovery. He emphasized private enterprise and reduced state intervention; Kennedy warned that a program perceived as serving only privileged groups would lack political support. Alsogaray replied that the government also planned housing and cooperation with unions. ²

After supporting the 1966 coup, Alsogaray served as ambassador to the United States under Juan Carlos Onganía until 1968. He later founded the Unión del Centro Democrático in 1982, ran for president, and served in the Chamber of Deputies from 1983 to 1999. During Carlos Menem's presidency he defended privatization and advised the executive. He died in 2005. ¹