José Ottavis, born on June 9, 1980, in Martínez, Buenos Aires, is a prominent Argentine political leader. Throughout his life, he has held several important roles in Argentine politics, fervently advocating for human rights and playing a central role in the Kirchnerist youth movement.

Political Career

From an early age, Ottavis immersed himself in politics. In 2011, he was elected Provincial Deputy of the First Section for the Frente para la Victoria (FPV). He later became Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Buenos Aires, a position he held until December 2015. He also served as Secretary General of the Peronist Youth of the Buenos Aires Province (JPBA).

Activism and human rights

With a strong inclination toward the cause of human rights, Ottavis has been an active member of the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights and has consistently supported Kirchnerist policies in this area. He also founded and presided over the civil association Amarte Argentina.

Since 1994, after discovering the Homero Manzi Cultural Center, a Peronist grassroots organization, he began his activism. His experience at Manzi helped him connect with the reality of the most underprivileged neighborhoods and solidified his Peronist identity. His commitment to human rights led him to the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights (APDH), originally established in 1975.

During Eduardo Duhalde’s government, and amid the political and economic crisis of 2001, Ottavis joined the Federal Youth Table, opposing the dominant Peronist factions of the time. During this period, he established connections with Néstor Kirchner and his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

Relationship with Kirchnerism

Following Néstor Kirchner’s election in 2003, Ottavis aligned himself with Kirchner, distancing from Eduardo Duhalde. During the early days of Kirchnerism, he built relationships with key figures who later founded the youth organization La Cámpora. Ottavis has always been a strong advocate for the policies implemented by Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, especially those concerning human rights.

He has often expressed unwavering support for the Kirchnerist administration, emphasizing the social and structural transformations achieved during their terms. Ottavis believes in rebuilding a society fragmented by decades of neoliberal policies.

José María Ottavis Arias, with his deep devotion to politics and his unwavering commitment to human rights, has left an indelible mark on the political history of Argentina. His role in the Kirchnerist movement and his constant defense of progressive policies establish him as a central figure in contemporary Argentine politics.

1. Social Action: His work in social and political action is emphasized, working directly in the neighborhoods and focusing on organization and the popular economy. The idea is to bring the State closer to the people, promoting solidarity and improving living conditions in Buenos Aires neighborhoods.
2. Parliamentary Activity: During his term, Ottavis promoted and supported laws aligned with the policies of the Frente para la Victoria. His work stands out in laws aimed at protecting public health, such as the ban on smoking in gambling halls and gastronomic venues, and the tax reform related to the revaluation of rural land.
3. Human Rights: Ottavis has been a staunch defender of human rights, especially regarding the violations that occurred during the last military dictatorship in Argentina.
4. Social Justice: He has worked for more equitable social justice and has proposed changes to laws dating back to dictatorial times, seeking greater housing justice.
5. Frente Amplio Justicialista: This bloc seeks to respond to new challenges in the Buenos Aires territory and to build a political project that meets society’s demands.
6. Amarte Argentina Civil Association: Together with Celia Itatí Britez, they founded this association with the objective of promoting the social inclusion of the most vulnerable, using solidarity as a key tool.
7. Relationship with Father Pepe Di Paola: Ottavis has worked closely with this well-known priest, who has played an active role in the most vulnerable communities. Together they have developed projects through the chapel in the “El Pueblito” neighborhood.

It is noted that Ottavis continues his work with Amarte Argentina, working in different areas of Argentina to build community and help the most disadvantaged sectors.

The social and political commitment of José Ottavis is evident throughout his career, marked by the pursuit of greater social justice, the defense of human rights, and close work with the community.

Acción social: Ottavis, as a member of La Cámpora and provincial deputy, has focused much of his energy on social and political activism, particularly in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods. His interest has centered on organization and the popular economy, the efficiency and accessibility of state services for the community, and the recovery of abandoned spaces and cultural centers. Through these actions, Ottavis has sought to close the gap between the provincial and national government and the people of Buenos Aires, encouraging neighbors to come together to improve their neighborhoods. The deputy considers it essential to walk through the neighborhoods and understand firsthand the problems people face. These initiatives take place within the political project led by President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

Actividad parlamentaria

José Ottavis has become a prominent figure in the Argentine political scene. Elected deputy for the Frente para la Victoria (FPV) in 2012, his political career has been defined by his activism in the social and economic spheres, as well as his fervent defense of human rights.

Ottavis’ term in the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Buenos Aires began in December 2011. Throughout his term, he has promoted laws aligned with the policies of the Frente para la Victoria. Notably, he presented an initiative to ban smoking in gambling venues in the province of Buenos Aires, expanding the 2008 tobacco control law. This law aimed to safeguard public health and further restrict tobacco consumption.

From an economic perspective, Ottavis has been an important voice in tax reform, arguing that an update was needed to the fiscal valuation of rural land, which had not been significantly revised since 1955.

Derechos humanos

In addition to his political achievements, Ottavis has been a steadfast defender of human rights. He has been an active member of the Asamblea Permanente por los Derechos Humanos and has supported the policies of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. He has insisted on the importance of justice for the violations committed during the last military dictatorship, advocating for common prison for both military personnel and civilians involved in the process.

Amarte Argentina

Another highlight in José Ottavis’ life is the founding of the Asociación Civil Amarte Argentina, together with his partner Celia Itatí Britez in 2016. This organization aims to promote social inclusion and generate a change in consciousness within Argentine society. Ottavis has worked closely with religious leaders such as Father Pepe Di Paola, bringing the work of Amarte Argentina to communities in Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, and Corrientes.

Today, while continuing his work with Amarte Argentina, Ottavis maintains his commitment to human rights and social justice, fighting for a more inclusive and equitable Argentina. His political and social trajectory leaves a legacy of commitment and passion in service to the Argentine people.