Governments have had different positions on the scope of the role of the first lady, traditionally occupied by the president's wife, although in some cases also by sisters or daughters.
Being in a gray area without any type of regulation or accountability, one can perform in different ways from being the companion to a more political role.
Recently in Chile, Gabriel Boric and his then partner, Irina Karamanos, eliminated the institutional role of this figure by closing the Sociocultural Directorate of the Presidency, which functioned as the first lady's office.
Following the mark left by Eva Perón in Argentine politics, all governments have defined the role of the first lady, highlighting Cristina Fernández, who had a previous political career and after being the first “citizen” won the presidency in two consecutive terms.
The recently inaugurated president, Javier Milei, has not been the exception and expressed that the figure seems like a gimmick and that the most appropriate thing would be to cancel the appointment of Fátima Flórez, a renowned artist, as first lady, arguing that it would not be fair to deprive the population of an exceptional artist.
However, she accompanied him to greet him from the balcony of the Casa Rosada and showed herself willing to “do good” in an interview.
The love relationship between Flórez and Milei became public during the election campaign, when the candidate faced criticism for not having a partner and for his close relationship with his sister and his dogs.
It is still premature to determine the functions that the figure of the first lady could assume, also considering that in Argentina there are other priorities, since it is going through an intense economic crisis, accompanied by an attempt at cultural transformation supported by the promulgation of an extensive decree of necessity and urgency and an omnibus law.
It is relevant to note that he had previously stated that his sister, Karina, a fundamental piece in the political assembly that led him to the presidency and whom he calls “The Boss”, would be the one who would occupy that role.
However, she assumed formal spaces, after modifying a decree from the Macri government, within the Executive Branch by taking charge of the General Secretariat of the Presidency.
At some point, she became the power behind the throne, watching over the firm and the president's back.
But what does the first lady's position tell us about governments and politics?
The first lady is a political actor and she has a lot of symbolism.
It is a significant advance that there is a questioning and debate about the role of the first ladies from different ideologies and for different reasons, Milei a libertarian liberal and Boric a social democrat committed to a gender perspective in his government.
Hence, the changes made could influence other countries in the region and are also a signal about the role of women.
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