By Alejandra Garcia on June 11, 2025
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner waves to supporters after the Supreme Court decision
In a decisive moment for Argentina’s political landscape, the Supreme Court has upheld former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s conviction in the Vialidad case, ratifying her six-year prison sentence. Given her age, she may request house arrest instead of serving time in prison.
The ruling also establishes Fernandez’ perpetual disqualification to hold public office. The decision represents a turning point in the judicial and political history of the South American country by confirming for the first time a criminal conviction against a former president. The three top court justices dismissed the arguments of the defense, which had questioned the impartiality of the process and the lacking strength of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The ruling takes place in the context of an electoral campaign and high political sensitivity. unions and social organizations in Argentina, as well as Latin American leaders have rejected the decision and expressed their support to the former Argentinian president.
Fernández, a key figure in Peronism, addressed supporters at the headquarters of the Judicialist Party in Buenos Aires, where she expressed gratitude for the people’s unwavering support and condemned what she described as restrictions on democratic participation imposed by the Milei administration. “They thought I was done, but they are mistaken,” she said, reaffirming Peronism’s role as a counterforce to the current government.
On previous weeks, when close allies raised the possibility of leaving Argentina in anticipation of the Supreme Court upholding the verdict, Fernández stood firm. “No way,” she declared. “I’m innocent.” For her, exile was never an option. Perhaps this moment—this battle—is her political destiny. Rather than retreat, she sees it as a call to action, a chance to propel Peronism forward and reaffirm its role in shaping Argentina’s future.
” love is stronger” supporters rally for Cristina.
The ruling has triggered widespread protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets to denounce what they see as political persecution designed to weaken Fernández’s influence ahead of the legislative elections. In Buenos Aires, roadblocks have sprung up at critical access points, while the government has announced plans to deploy federal security forces to clear highways and protect public buildings.
Internationally several Latin American leaders have publicly including Venezuela’s foreign ministry that said that “ the Argentine people have memory and courage, and sooner rather than later, they will defeat fascism as it did with dictatorships.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel posted on his X account, “We reaffirm our unwavering support for @CFKArgentina in the face of political persecution. Once again, the justice system is being used for political purposes as a tool of the right wing against progressive leaders in the region. Stay strong, Cristina.”
Supporters of Fernández argue that the ruling is part of a broader strategy to undermine opposition voices, particularly ahead of the Buenos Aires provincial legislative elections, where she was expected to run for office. “They can put me in jail, but this won’t solve the multidimensional crisis Argentina is facing—lack of food, lack of medicines, unfair wages,” she stated.
Amid economic instability, mass layoffs, and concerns over political freedoms, many Argentines see Fernandez as a symbol of resistance. Whether this moment serves to reinvigorate the Peronist political movement remains to be seen. As protests continue and tensions rise, Argentina finds itself at another critical juncture, with its democratic foundations at stake.
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – English