Cristina Fernández de Kirchner faces house arrest over multi-million dollar fraud

Argentina's former president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, made her first public appearance on June 19, 2025, following her recent arrest and conviction. She addressed supporters in a recorded message at a rally in Buenos Aires, urging unity among her followers while proclaiming her innocence amidst claims of political persecution. Fernández has been sentenced to six years of house arrest for defrauding the state of an estimated $500 million, a ruling which has momentarily galvanized various factions of the Peronist movement to rally around her. Despite this temporary unity, the Argentine political landscape remains challenging, with a country suffering from severe economic issues and a divided Peronist party. Analysts suggest that the implications of Fernández's conviction, particularly as they relate to Peronism, highlight a broader disconnection between the party's past narratives and the immediate concerns of citizens, who are increasingly focused on economic hardship rather than historical political battles. The first electoral challenge for the Peronists will be in September during Buenos Aires elections, followed by legislative races in October. Fernández's arrest has emphasized the factionalism within the Peronist party, even drawing in groups that historically opposed her rhetoric and leadership style. Labor unions associated with the General Confederation of Labor have voiced their support but have left individual participation decisions to their members. The situation remains fluid as it is unclear how Peronist governors will respond to the central narrative provided by Fernández, especially in light of increasing support for President Javier Milei and his party, La Libertad Avanza, in various provinces of Argentina. Polling data reveals that a significant portion of the public views the Supreme Court ruling against Fernández as a fair decision, with only a small percentage believing her to be innocent or a victim of a political agenda. This indicates the challenging road ahead for Fernández and the broader Peronist movement, as they strive to reconnect with voters who prioritize economic stability and practical solutions over appeals to sentimentality or historical loyalty.