Argentina’s federal appeals court has upheld the guilty verdict for former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, confirming her six-year prison sentence for defrauding the state. Kirchner, who served as president from 2007 to 2015 and as vice president from 2019 to 2023, was convicted for corruption related to public works contracts during her time in office. While the ruling stands, she still has the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Kirchner, a powerful political figure, survived an assassination attempt in 2022, which sparked large public demonstrations in her support. Despite the conviction, she was recently chosen to lead the Peronist opposition party, replacing former President Alberto Fernandez, who faced charges earlier this year.
As Argentina approaches its 2025 legislative elections, a new bill in Congress that seeks to prevent individuals convicted of corruption from holding public office could impact Kirchner’s political future if it is passed.
(Reuters)