Laboratorio Lisandro de la Torre

Across the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, stands the Laboratorio Lisandro de la Torre. It might not appear as grand as some of the city’s architectural marvels, but its unassuming presence hides a tale of fierce intellect and political courage. Laboratorio Lisandro de la Torre carries the name of a man who dedicated his life to fighting corruption. He was a prominent figure in Argentine politics during the tumultuous 20th century. Lisandro de la Torre, born in Rosario in 1868, was a lawyer, writer, and a relentless advocate for ethical public service and transparency. He began his career in law, graduating from the University of Buenos Aires in 1890. His thesis, focusing on municipal governance, advocated for Congressional action to ensure municipal autonomy throughout the country, a concept later enshrined in the 1994 constitutional reform. De la Torre’s political life was marked by activism and unwavering principles. He was involved in the Revolutions of the Park in 1890 and 1893. He helped found the Unión Cívica Radical in 1891. Later, he parted ways with the party due to irreconcilable differences with Hipólito Yrigoyen. In 1912, he founded the Liga del Sur in Rosario, representing the rural bourgeoisie and small producers. This group transformed into the Partido Demócrata Progresista (PDP) in 1914. The PDP championed tax reforms targeting wealth, development of a national merchant marine, and industrial protectionist policies. De la Torre’s commitment to justice led him to investigate the Roca-Runciman pact of 1933. This pact granted British meatpackers privileges in Argentine beef exports. His investigation exposed a web of bribery and corruption. Tragically, on July 23, 1935, during a heated Senate debate on the pact, Senator Enzo Bordabehere, while defending De la Torre against the Minister of Agriculture, Luis Duhau, was assassinated. The event profoundly impacted De la Torre. He resigned from his position in 1937, retreating from political life. Overwhelmed by personal loss and political disillusionment, he died by suicide in his Buenos Aires apartment on January 5, 1939. The Laboratorio Lisandro de la Torre serves as a quiet reminder. It reminds us of his unwavering fight against corruption. It’s a place where science and research are hopefully carried out with the same integrity that De la Torre embodied.