First Lady or First Gentleman of Argentina (Spanish: Primera dama o Primer caballero de Argentina), also known as First Lady or First Gentleman of the Argentine Nation (Spanish: Primera dama o Primer caballero de la Nación Argentina), is a title typically held by the spouse of the president of Argentina, concurrent with the president's term in office. Although the first lady's role has never been codified or officially defined, she figures prominently in the political and social life of Argentina. The First Lady of Argentina is the hostess of the Quinta de Olivos, and on special occasions of the Casa Rosada.
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Role
The first lady or first gentleman is not an elected position, carries no official duties and brings no salary. Nonetheless, he or she participates in humanitarian and charitable work. Furthermore, many have taken an active role in campaigning for the president with whom they are associated.
Some facts about the first ladies and gentlemen of Argentina:
Juana del Pino y Vera Mujica, born in Uruguay and Regina Pacini, born in Portugal are the only two First Ladies of Argentina who were born in a foreign country.
Eva Perón (1919–1952), First Lady from 1946 until her death, was the most important and influential First Lady, known for her work in many charitable and feminist causes. Before her death, the Argentine Congress named her the "Spiritual Leader of the Nation".
Isabel Perón was the first First Lady to become the President of Argentina in 1974 after the death of her husband, Juan Domingo Perón.
Zulema Yoma, is the first First Lady of Argentina in the history of her country of Arab descent.
Zulema María Eva Menem, nicknamed Zulemita, was the first and only presidential daughter, officially known to act as a first lady.
Cristina Fernández, former First Lady from 2003 to 2007 was the first woman democratically elected President of Argentina.
Néstor Kirchner (1950–2010), former Argentine president, was the only First Gentleman of Argentina.
List
This list included all persons who served as first ladies or first gentlemen, regardless of whether they were married to the incumbent president or not, as well as persons who are considered to have acted as first lady by the official Casa Rosada website.