Buenos Aires, (EFE).- Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015) is expected to surrender to authorities on Wednesday to begin serving a six-year prison sentence for corruption, in what promises to be a decisive week for the influential political figure and her supporters.
Dozens of backers have gathered outside her Buenos Aires home, with a massive march to the federal courts planned for the day of her surrender.
The growing mobilization has raised tensions within Argentine President Javier Milei’s government and the judiciary, which is reportedly considering granting Fernández house arrest to avoid unrest.
The 72-year-old former leader was convicted in 2022 of fraudulent administration in the awarding of public works contracts during her presidency and that of her late husband, Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007).
Thousands of supporters expected in streets
Supporters continued to gather on Monday in front of Fernández’s home in the Constitución neighborhood of Buenos Aires, voicing strong opposition to the ruling.
“This is about defending democracy and the rights won by the national and popular movement, which Cristina represents,” said Camila Etcherbay, a labor ministry employee and member of the Justicialist Party. “Defending her means defending all of us.”
“I’m not just here for Cristina,” added Santiago Taich, an administrative worker. “I’m here for our wages, for labor rights, for healthcare. This is about defending everything this government is trying to take away.”
The show of support has galvanized the Peronist movement, with many warning of political motives behind the sentence.
Fernández had been expected to run for provincial deputy in upcoming elections, but her ban from holding public office following the court’s ratification makes that impossible.
House arrest, a possibility
Due to her age and past assassination attempt in 2022, Fernández has requested to serve her sentence under house arrest, a legal option available to those over 70.
The request is currently being evaluated by Federal Criminal Court No. 2.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court last Tuesday upheld the original sentence, confirming her guilt in steering lucrative roadwork contracts to a politically connected businessman in Santa Cruz province, a stronghold of the Kirchners.
Boasting strong grassroots support, Fernández’s looming imprisonment marks a dramatic turn for one of Argentina’s most polarizing and powerful figures.
Whether she will begin serving her sentence in prison or under house arrest remains uncertain, but the political temperature continues to rise ahead of Wednesday’s court appearance.
“This has unified the people in her defense,” Taich said. “And defending her is defending our rights.” EFE
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