Broad Progressive Front: The Rise and Evolution of Argentina's Centre-Left Coalition
The Broad Progressive Front (Spanish: Frente Amplio Progresista, FAP) was a significant centre-left political coalition in Argentina. Established in 2011, the FAP brought together various progressive and social democratic parties with a shared vision of creating a transparent and advanced welfare state. Though its existence was relatively brief, it played a pivotal role in challenging the existing political landscape of the early 2010s.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 28, 2011
- Dissolved: June 13, 2013
- Primary Leader: Hermes Binner
- Political Position: Centre-left
- Ideologies: Progressivism, Social Democracy, and Democratic Socialism
- Successor: Broad Front UNEN (later replaced by Progresistas in 2015)
- Headquarters: Santa Fe Province
The Formation of the FAP
The FAP emerged following the V Extraordinary National Congress of the Socialist Party (PS) on June 11, 2011. For several years, the PS had sought to establish a national Progressive Front to unite centre-left forces, but faced internal and external tensions.
The party was caught between two primary influences: its existing relationship with the UCR (with whom it formed the Progressive, Civic and Social Front in Santa Fe) and the pressure from other centre-left groups, such as the South Project Movement. These latter groups sought a "third alternative" to move away from traditional Argentine bipartisanship. This pressure culminated in the official creation of the FAP in June 2011.
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Electoral Performance in 2011
The coalition made its electoral debut during the primary elections on August 14, 2011, with Hermes Binner as the presidential candidate. The FAP quickly gained momentum, securing 2,125,000 votes—approximately 10.30% of the total—ranking fourth overall.
By the general presidential elections on October 23, the FAP saw significant growth. Hermes Binner secured second place with roughly 17% of the vote, totaling 3,700,000 votes. In doing so, the FAP surpassed Ricardo Alfonsín (who received 11%) and established itself as the primary opposition force to the Front for Victory.
Coalition Membership and Ideology
The FAP was a diverse assembly of parties ranging from the centre-left to the left wing. Its ideological spectrum included Parliamentarism, Socialism of the 21st century, and Left-wing nationalism.
| Party | Leader | Ideology | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socialist Party | Rubén Giustiniani | Social democracy, Democratic socialism | Centre-left |
| Authentic Socialist Party | Mario Mazzitelli | Social democracy, Democratic socialism | Left-wing |
| Freemen of the South Movement | Humberto Tumini | Progressivism | Centre-left |
| Generation for a National Encounter | Margarita Stolbizer | Social democracy | Centre-left |
| Popular Unity | Víctor De Gennaro | Left-wing nationalism, Socialism of the 21st century | Left-wing |
| New Party against Corruption, for Honesty and Transparence | Luis Juez | Córdoba regionalism | Centre-left |
Policy Proposals
The FAP advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of social and institutional frameworks. Their platform focused heavily on civil liberties, human rights, and economic sovereignty.
Social and Civil Rights
- Support for Same-sex marriage, Gender identity, and Assisted reproduction laws.
- The eradication of femicide and the promotion of gender equality.
- Universal and free access to reproductive health and sex education.
- The removal of the ban on blood donations from gay men.
- Drug liberalization and policies to reduce maternal death.
Governance and Economics
- Transitioning to a Parliamentary system.
- The complete nationalization of YPF (the state energy company).
- Implementation of participatory budgeting.
- Analysis of external debt and the revision of subsidies.
- Recognition of the Argentine Workers' Central Union (CTA).
- Strengthening the Union of South American Nations.
Dissolution and Legacy
The Broad Progressive Front ceased to exist in June 2013. Several of its members joined forces with the Civic Coalition ARI and the Radical Civic Union to form a new coalition known as Broad Front UNEN. Following the eventual failure of the UNEN project, the original FAP constituent parties regrouped under the Progresistas coalition in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the leader of the Broad Progressive Front?
The primary leader and presidential candidate for the FAP was Hermes Binner.
What was the political position of the FAP?
The FAP was a centre-left coalition that integrated progressivism, social democracy, and democratic socialism.
How did the FAP perform in the 2011 presidential election?
The FAP finished in second place, with Hermes Binner receiving approximately 17% of the vote (3,700,000 votes), making it the main opposition to the Front for Victory.
What happened to the FAP after 2013?
The FAP was dissolved in 2013 and succeeded by the Broad Front UNEN. Later, in 2015, the member parties regrouped to form the Progresistas.
What were some of the FAP's key social proposals?
The FAP proposed several progressive laws, including same-sex marriage, gender identity, assisted reproduction, and universal access to reproductive health.