Cristina Kirchner Returns to Political Spotlight, Alleges Judicial Persecution and Slams Milei

Key Takeaways

Former Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner vehemently denounced alleged judicial persecution, linking it to a potential Supreme Court ruling in the “Vialidad” case that could impact her political future.

During a rally in Corrientes, Kirchner launched a sharp critique of President Javier Milei’s administration, dismissing his economic plan as an “inefficient remake” of past failures with an inherent expiration date.

The speech served as a call for Peronist unity and reorganization, with Kirchner defending her past presidencies’ achievements and stressing the necessity of a strong national political project for Argentina’s prosperity.

Former Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner re-entered the political fray with a powerful speech in Paso de los Libres, Corrientes, where she officially backed Martín “Tincho” Ascúa’s gubernatorial bid. Her address was dominated by defiant accusations of judicial persecution and a scathing critique of President Javier Milei’s government, marking a significant moment in the country’s turbulent political landscape.

Kirchner’s appearance came amidst intense speculation surrounding a potential Supreme Court ruling in the high-profile “Vialidad” corruption case, in which she has been sentenced to six years in prison and disqualified from holding public office in a second-instance verdict. Alluding to these legal challenges, Kirchner stated, “They aimed a gun at my face because they want me imprisoned or dead.” She challenged her political adversaries, questioning, “If I am finished, why don’t they let me compete?” She further asserted, “In the end, those who are afraid are them. Only people with fear and hatred work that way.” This rhetoric highlights her ongoing claim of “lawfare” – the use of the legal system to politically disqualify opponents – a theme echoed by Ascúa, who proclaimed, “Cristina is the leader of the people who is being subjected to persecution.”

The former president did not hold back in her criticism of Javier Milei’s administration. She characterized his economic project as an “inefficient remake” of failed past policies, specifically citing the “tablita” of Martínez de Hoz and Cavallo’s convertibility plan. “It’s like yogurt,” she quipped, “it has an expiration date. The difference is that it doesn’t have the date, but it will expire.” Kirchner lambasted the government’s management, declaring, “I have never seen such a level of foolishness and ignorance as is heard daily.” She starkly contrasted this with her own presidencies, highlighting that during her 12.5 years in office, Argentina achieved its lowest unemployment rates and the highest worker participation in national GDP, surpassing the traditional Peronist 50-50 split.

Beyond her attacks on Milei and claims of judicial targeting, Kirchner used the platform to rally Peronist forces. She urged militants to “not cry over spilled milk, but to reorganize.” While she confirmed her own candidacy for a Buenos Aires provincial legislature seat, her message subtly navigated the internal disputes within the Justicialist Party, particularly the recent friction with Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof over the splitting of provincial elections. Although she didn’t directly address the internal conflict, she stated, “Peronism is something else; one has to be in the place that serves best.” Her re-emergence follows a recent reconciliation meeting with Kicillof, suggesting efforts towards party cohesion ahead of crucial elections.

Martín Ascúa, the Corrientes gubernatorial candidate, strongly echoed Kirchner’s sentiments, dedicating his speech to her defense and a fierce condemnation of Milei. He declared, “If you have the guts, compete in the polls with Cristina, and we will win and put the chainsaw in your ass,” directly referencing Milei’s signature symbol. Kirchner’s return to the public stage and her combative discourse signal her continued influence within the Peronist movement and her determination to challenge the current political direction of Argentina, even as legal uncertainties loom over her future.

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