Roberto Basualdo

Who is Roberto Basualdo?

Roberto Gustavo Basualdo is an Argentine politician, formerly of the Justicialist Party. He sits in the Argentine Senate representing San Juan Province for the Front of Production and Labour.

In 1976, Basualdo began a motor racing career, competing in the Cuyo district and gaining five championships. In 1990 he and his father started a company, Roberto Basualdo S.A., which sells perfumes and cleaning products. He became involved in politics as a Justicialist in 1993, standing as running mate to Olga Riutort in the 1995 election for governor. In 1999, he stood for the mayoralty of San Juan and in 2001 he was elected a national deputy.

Basualdo is a dissident Peronist opposed to the mainstream of his party in the province but is closer to the national leadership of the PJ. He set up his own party, the Life and Commitment Movement. In 2003, he stood for the governorship of San Juan, losing to the Justicialist José Luis Gioja by 41.5% to 30.8%, with incumbent governor Wbaldino Acosta third with 19%. He backed Adolfo Rodríguez Saá for the presidency in that year.

He was elected to the Senate in 2005.