Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
Continuously Trapped in Populism
On November 11, 2024, Argentina was the only country to vote against a UN resolution affirming indigenous rights, positioning itself in stark contrast to the 167 nations in favor. From the UN podium, President Javier Milei delivered a fiery speech denouncing the resolution, describing it as part of an “ideological agenda” detached from reality. “We are at the end of a cycle. The collectivism and moral high ground from the woke agenda have crashed with reality, and they don’t offer credible solutions for the world’s problems” he asserted.
This moment underscored a larger truth about Argentina: its political landscape thrives on populist polarization and extremes. Over decades, this has translated into a pattern where pressing issues, like the Mapuche land disputes in Patagonia, are wielded as ideological weapons by opposing factions.
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
For Milei’s right-wing government, the Mapuche communities represent a fabricated threat. Officials frequently paint them as impostors staging indigenous identity to make false ancestral land claims, labeling them “terrorists” and criminalizing their efforts to reclaim or occupy land. This narrative has fueled aggressive state actions and public distrust, further alienating these groups from mainstream society.
The left-leaning administration of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner offered a different rhetoric but similarly opportunistic behavior. Positioning itself as a champion of indigenous rights, it framed the Mapuche as rightful stewards of the land and highlighted their struggles to gain public sympathy. Yet, these overtures often masked ulterior motives, leveraging their plight to stir unrest and advance political agendas while avoiding tangible solutions to their systemic challenges.
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
Caught in this political tug-of-war, the Mapuche remain invisible beyond their utility as symbols in ideological battles. Their struggles with poverty, systemic neglect, and exclusion endure, unaffected by the changing faces of government.
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
Marco Vernaschi’ series In Limbo focuses on the Pacil-Antriao, Melo, and Quintriqueo communities, kinship-based groups known as Lof, led by figures called “Logkos.” These communities live in Neuquén, near Lake Nahuel Huapi, an area celebrated for its exclusive resorts and scenic beauty. In stark contrast, Mapuche settlements lack even basic infrastructure, struggling with poverty, inadequate healthcare, and the absence of clean water or electricity.
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
Nestled in forests and at the base of mountains near Villa La Angostura, the Mapuche face daily battles against state authorities and private interests. Their lives are defined by protests, legal disputes, and occupations—efforts to retain their heritage and secure their future. As political tensions escalate, the outlook grows bleaker, leaving these communities entrenched in a cycle of neglect and conflict, their aspirations for justice and recognition met only with indifference.
Marco Vernaschi • IN LIMBO
