In a significant ruling announced on June 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Argentina validated the corruption conviction of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, imposing a six-year prison term that prevents her from holding public office for life. This pivotal decision not only intensifies the political climate in Argentina but also comes in the wake of an assassination attempt on Kirchner three years prior, along with her recent aspirations for a political revival.
Following the court's announcement, demonstrations erupted around Buenos Aires, where supporters of the left-leaning Kirchner shut down major highways in protest. At the same time, prominent labor unions indicated their readiness to initiate national strikes in response to the verdict, reflecting the sharp polarization embodied by Kirchner's leadership.
The Supreme Court's ruling denied Kirchner's last-minute appeal against her conviction, which had found her guilty of defrauding the state during her two presidential terms from 2007 to 2015. However, legal experts suggest that due to her age, the 72-year-old former president may not face substantial time in prison, as Argentine law often permits house arrest for seniors. A lower court will review her case to determine whether she will be placed under home detention.
During this judicial process, it is possible that Kirchner could be held in a police facility temporarily until her home detention is approved by a judge, as explained by constitutional law scholar Andrés Gil Domínguez of the University of Buenos Aires. Kirchner's case represents a crucial chapter in Argentina’s ongoing struggle with corruption and political instability.
Following the court's announcement, demonstrations erupted around Buenos Aires, where supporters of the left-leaning Kirchner shut down major highways in protest. At the same time, prominent labor unions indicated their readiness to initiate national strikes in response to the verdict, reflecting the sharp polarization embodied by Kirchner's leadership.
The Supreme Court's ruling denied Kirchner's last-minute appeal against her conviction, which had found her guilty of defrauding the state during her two presidential terms from 2007 to 2015. However, legal experts suggest that due to her age, the 72-year-old former president may not face substantial time in prison, as Argentine law often permits house arrest for seniors. A lower court will review her case to determine whether she will be placed under home detention.
During this judicial process, it is possible that Kirchner could be held in a police facility temporarily until her home detention is approved by a judge, as explained by constitutional law scholar Andrés Gil Domínguez of the University of Buenos Aires. Kirchner's case represents a crucial chapter in Argentina’s ongoing struggle with corruption and political instability.
