Supreme Court upholds prison sentence for Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
- Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has been convicted for corruption, leading to permanent disqualification from public office.
- The ruling incited protests throughout Buenos Aires, with supporters voicing their discontent.
- This verdict represents a critical judicial and political shift in Argentina amidst an election year.
In a significant ruling, Argentina's highest court upheld a six-year prison sentence for former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. This decision, which was unanimous, barred her from holding public office due to a corruption conviction involving the manipulation of government contracts aimed at enriching friends. Fernández had directed these contracts to Lázaro Báez, a businessman linked to her, resulting in a financial loss for the state. This ruling sparked immediate backlash from her supporters, leading to protests across Buenos Aires, as many viewed the court’s action as politically charged. The circumstances surrounding this conviction date back to her presidency from 2007 to 2015, during which her government faced allegations of excessive spending and corruption. In December 2022, she was initially sentenced, but her appeals and political protections delayed any imprisonment. Following the ruling, the Supreme Court noted that the decision was crucial for protecting Argentina's democratic integrity. The fallout from this ruling bears significant implications for the current political landscape in Argentina, especially with President Javier Milei, who has openly supported the court's decision. Fernández de Kirchner represented a long-standing political power in Argentina, and her conviction dramatically alters the influence of her Kirchnerist movement, complicating the dynamics of upcoming elections. In recent developments, Fernández expressed her intent to challenge the ruling, describing the justices as ‘puppets’ of economic power interests, signaling her determination to maintain her political presence despite the legal setbacks. Moreover, her legal team is expected to push for house arrest rather than prison time due to her age and health concerns. The public reaction to the ruling, marked by protests and vandalism, underlines the deep divisions within Argentine society and the ongoing battle over the legacy of her governance.