Roberto M. Levingston, Argentinian general and politician, 36th President of Argentina (d. 2015)

Roberto Marcelo Levingston Laborda (January 10, 1920 – June 17, 2015) was a distinguished Argentine Army general who served as President of Argentina from June 18, 1970, to March 22, 1971. His brief but consequential tenure as head of state occurred during the tumultuous era known as the Revolución Argentina, a military dictatorship that left a lasting impact on Argentine political and social history.

The Context: Revolución Argentina

The Revolución Argentina was a military regime that seized power on June 28, 1966, through a coup d'état that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Arturo Illia. This authoritarian military government, initially led by General Juan Carlos Onganía, aimed to establish a new, long-term political order in Argentina, fundamentally altering the country's political, economic, and social structures. It was characterized by the suppression of political parties, trade unions, and civil liberties, leading to significant social unrest and opposition.

Ascension to the Presidency

General Levingston's path to the presidency was largely unexpected. He was a relatively obscure figure within the Argentine military hierarchy, serving as a military attaché in the United States when he was called upon to assume the nation's highest office. He was not the original leader of the Revolución Argentina. His predecessor, General Juan Carlos Onganía, faced escalating opposition and widespread social turmoil, particularly after landmark events such as the "Cordobazo" in May 1969, a major civil uprising involving students and workers. As Onganía's grip on power weakened amidst the rising tide of discontent, the powerful commanders of the three branches of the Argentine Armed Forces – the Army, Navy, and Air Force – decided to remove him. In a strategic move to restore perceived stability and reassert direct military control, they appointed General Levingston as the new de facto president on June 18, 1970.

Key Challenges and Policies of Levingston's Mandate

During his brief tenure of just over nine months, President Levingston's government grappled with immense and persistent challenges. The country was plagued by pervasive political instability, ongoing social unrest, and a volatile economic situation marked by inflation and recessionary pressures. His administration attempted to implement various measures aimed at economic stabilization, including wage freezes and price controls, but these policies largely failed to quell the widespread public and labor discontent. Furthermore, Levingston sought to define a long-term political strategy for the military regime, proposing a gradual return to constitutional rule, but his vision often clashed with the more immediate and authoritarian aspirations of the powerful military junta that had installed him. His leadership was increasingly marked by internal friction with the top military brass and a growing inability to effectively manage the escalating social and political crises.

The Abrupt End of His Presidency

The mounting internal opposition within the military, combined with the continued public and labor unrest across the nation, ultimately sealed Levingston's fate. His perceived inability to consolidate the military's authority, control the country's political trajectory, and address the pressing economic issues led to his swift removal from power. On March 22, 1971, the very commanders who had appointed him to the presidency forced his resignation. He was succeeded by General Alejandro Agustín Lanusse, who became the third and final de facto president of the Revolución Argentina, tasked with navigating the regime through its terminal phase.

Legacy

Roberto Marcelo Levingston's presidency is often viewed by historians as a transitional and largely unsuccessful period within the broader and complex context of the Revolución Argentina. His short and tumultuous time in office underscored the inherent instability and profound lack of popular legitimacy of the military regime, highlighting its struggle to maintain coherent control amidst widespread public dissatisfaction and deep-seated internal divisions within the armed forces themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roberto Marcelo Levingston

Who was Roberto Marcelo Levingston Laborda?
Roberto Marcelo Levingston Laborda was a distinguished Argentine Army general who served as the de facto President of Argentina from June 1970 to March 1971, during the period of military rule known as the Revolución Argentina.
When was Roberto Marcelo Levingston President of Argentina?
He held the presidency from June 18, 1970, until March 22, 1971, a tenure lasting just over nine months.
What was the "Revolución Argentina"?
The "Revolución Argentina" was a military dictatorship that governed Argentina from 1966 to 1973. It commenced with a coup d'état that overthrew the elected government and sought to establish a long-term authoritarian military state, suppressing democratic institutions and civil liberties.
How did Levingston come to power?
Levingston was appointed by the powerful commanders of the Argentine Armed Forces after they ousted the previous de facto president, Juan Carlos Onganía. This decision was made amidst increasing political instability and widespread social unrest, including major uprisings like the Cordobazo, which weakened Onganía's grip on power.
Why was Levingston's presidency so short?
His presidency was brief primarily due to his inability to effectively address the pervasive political and social unrest in the country, his failure to consolidate the military's authority, and growing friction and disagreements with the influential military junta that had originally installed him in office.
Who succeeded Roberto Marcelo Levingston as President?
Following his forced resignation, Roberto Marcelo Levingston was succeeded by General Alejandro Agustín Lanusse, who became the third and final de facto president of the Revolución Argentina, taking office on March 22, 1971.