Fact Check: The Argentine president was once under the thrall of a mystic named Jose Lopez Rega
What We Know
José López Rega (1916-1989) was a significant figure in Argentine politics, serving as Minister of Social Welfare under both Juan Perón and his wife, Isabel Perón. He is often referred to as "el brujo" (the warlock) due to his alleged involvement in occult practices and his close relationship with Isabel Perón, which some sources characterize as having a "Rasputin-like" influence over her presidency (Wikipedia). López Rega's influence reportedly grew after Juan Perón's death in 1974, during which he became a de facto power broker in Isabel's administration, controlling social welfare programs and public funds (Fact Check).
López Rega's mysticism and alleged use of astrology and the occult have been subjects of speculation and controversy. He was known to have a keen interest in esotericism, which he reportedly used to manipulate political outcomes (LATIN AMERICAN TRENDS). His role in the government was marked by significant political repression, including his involvement in organizing the Argentine Anti-Communist Alliance, a paramilitary group that engaged in violent political repression (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that the Argentine president was under the thrall of a mystic named José López Rega is supported by various sources that highlight his influence over Isabel Perón. The Wikipedia article provides a comprehensive overview of López Rega's life and political career, noting his rise from a bodyguard to a powerful political figure, which lends credibility to the assertion (Wikipedia).
However, the portrayal of López Rega as a "mystic" or "Rasputin-like" figure can be seen as sensationalized. While there is evidence of his interest in esotericism and occult practices, the extent to which these influenced Isabel Perón's decisions is less clear and may reflect broader political narratives rather than objective reality (Fact Check).
The CIA document from 1974 discusses López Rega's travels for "pseudo-religious purposes," indicating that his mysticism was a topic of public speculation at the time (LATIN AMERICAN TRENDS). This suggests that while he was perceived as having mystical influence, the actual impact of this on political decisions may be exaggerated.
Sources like the article from Americas Quarterly provide additional context about López Rega's life and the political environment of the time, but they also emphasize the sensational aspects of his character (Americas Quarterly). Overall, while there is a basis for the claim regarding López Rega's influence, the characterization of him as a mystic should be approached with caution due to potential biases in the sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that the Argentine president was once under the thrall of a mystic named José López Rega is supported by credible historical accounts of López Rega's significant influence over Isabel Perón during her presidency. His reputation as a mystic and his alleged use of occult practices to manipulate political outcomes are well-documented, although the extent of this influence may be subject to interpretation. Nonetheless, the claim accurately reflects the intertwining of politics and mysticism in this period of Argentine history.
