Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Greets Supporters at Peronist Rally in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Former Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner made a surprise appearance on the balcony of the Patria Institute in Buenos Aires on Tuesday afternoon, greeting protesters from a university march and waving a diver from the National University of La Plata. The public appearance came after a massive march in support of her vice presidency took place in Plaza de Mayo.

Earlier in the day, Kirchner had shared a post on social media reminiscing about her and her late husband Néstor Kirchner's time as students at the National University of La Plata, highlighting the expansion of public universities during their presidencies.

While Kirchner did not join the rally in Plaza de Mayo herself, other prominent Peronist leaders such as Sergio Massa, Axel Kicillof, and Peronist mayors were present. The CGT labor union also contributed a column to the mobilization.

Why this matters: The public show of support for Cristina Fernández de Kirchner comes amidst ongoing legal challenges and corruption allegations against the former vice president. The rally demonstrates the continued influence and popularity of Kirchner and the Peronist movement in Argentine politics.

The march in Plaza de Mayo was a significant display of solidarity for Kirchner, who has faced scrutiny and legal battles in recent years. In 2022, she was convicted in the 'Vialidad' case, where she was accused of receiving and paying bribes in public works contracts between 2008 and 2015 during her presidency, as highlighted in a recent US State Department report on corruption in Argentina under former President Alberto Fernandez.

Despite the controversies surrounding her, Kirchner's appearance at the Patria Institute and the massive turnout at the rally indicate that she still commands a loyal following among Peronist supporters. "Cristina's presence today shows that she remains a powerful figure in Argentine politics, regardless of the challenges she faces," remarked a rally attendee.

Key Takeaways

• Cristina Fernández de Kirchner made a surprise appearance at a protest in Buenos Aires.
• The protest was in support of Kirchner's vice presidency amid ongoing legal challenges.
• Kirchner shared a post reminiscing about her and her late husband's time as students.
• The rally demonstrates Kirchner's continued influence and popularity in Argentine politics.
• Kirchner was convicted in the 'Vialidad' case for receiving and paying bribes in public works.