This article examines the evolving role of the deceased in political life, particularly in Argentina, where leaders and political parties invoke the memories of the dead to construct narratives of power and legacy. It reflects on a historical shift from the intimate and silent remembrance of the deceased by families to a more public and politically charged engagement with their memories. The piece notes that the French Revolution was pivotal in altering Western death culture, transforming how the dead were perceived from personal loss to public symbols meant to educate and inspire civic virtue.

The narrative also traces how this phenomenon has escalated over time, with the memories of historical figures becoming tools for political rhetoric. As political factions retrieve the stories of the deceased, this often leads to contentious debates about their legacies, shaping contemporary social and political landscapes. The article emphasizes that the dead no longer rest in peace but become active players in the ideological battles that define the public sphere.

In conclusion, the article argues that this politicization of memory poses ethical questions about respect for the dead and the authenticity of the narratives constructed around them. It suggests that the ongoing invocation of the dead acts as a litmus test for current political struggles, continuously battling public perception and memory in the quest for power.