Buenos Aires. The Argentine government announced on Thursday that it canceled the allowances that Cristina Fernández received in her capacity as former president and widow of former president Néstor Kirchner after the main criminal chamber confirmed a six-year prison sentence against her for corruption, which which caused the frontal rejection of the Peronist leader.
The decision of far-right President Javier Milei – executed by the National Social Security Administration – was announced to journalists by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, who indicated that it will mean a monthly saving of about 21.8 million pesos (about 21,400 dollars).
Lawyers said that the measure is unconstitutional since the sentence that Fernández received is not final and, on the other hand, the law does not contemplate the possibility of annulling said assignments alleging that circumstance. They predicted that the measure will be reversed in the judicial courts.
Fernández, who governed between 2007 and 2015 and was vice president between 2019 and 2023, attacked the president’s measure, which she described as illegal.
“Take advice! The pension of former Presidents is not granted for good performance, but for the merit of having been elected by the people as Presidents of the Nation,” said the former president on her X account, formerly Twitter. He then pointed out that the poor performance of a president can only be judged by Congress through an impeachment trial, during the exercise of his mandate.
“Only the people, through their representatives, can revoke the honor and merit of having been elected President of the Nation. What part do you not understand Milei? Basic Constitutional Law. To think that there are people who voted for you believing that you knew a lot,” said the leader.
Fernández also defended her right to receive a pension as Kirchner’s widow (2003-2007). He pointed out that Zulema Yoma, widow of President Carlos Menem (1989-1999), also does the same, who “left the world with criminal cases on weapons smuggling, bonuses for officials and other herbs, and even convicted in the second instance.”
The day before, the highest criminal court ratified the prison sentence and perpetual disqualification from holding public office imposed on Fernández by a federal court in 2022, which found her guilty of fraudulent administration during her mandate. The ruling does not imply that the leader of Peronism loses her freedom or must refrain from aspiring to public office in the coming months, since she will appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court, which may take years to rule.
Adorni pointed out that the benefit provided by law for former presidents “is granted on an exceptional and extraordinary basis as compensation for honor, merit and good performance in office” and that the sentence that convicted her of fraudulent administration “represents the opposite of the honor, merit and good performance.”
“Retirement for former leaders is a privilege that should not exist in Argentina, even more so if the person receiving it is condemned for defrauding from the highest spheres of power millions of Argentines who saw their hopes disappear at the hands of politics,” the spokesperson stated.
Adorni, who admitted that Fernández could fight the measure in court, pointed out that the former president will continue to receive a retirement and pension “according to her contributions and not the additional one for privileges” without specifying the amount.
Fernández, 71, maintains that he is the victim of political and judicial persecution. The former president, considered the main political figure of the last two decades, has been proclaimed head of Peronism, the main force of the opposition, and an undisputed reference of Kirchnerism, the center-left current of that political force.
Milei, who came to power in December and is a staunch anti-Kirchnerist, has celebrated the court ruling adverse to Fernández.
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#Assignments #received #president #withdrawn #Cristina #Fernández
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To what extent do the legal arguments supporting the revocation of Cristina Fernández’s allowances outweigh the potential risk of setting a dangerous precedent for future political persecution in Argentina?
## Interview: Pension Stripped From Cristina Fernández – A Matter of Justice or Political Persecution?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are joined by two distinguished guests to discuss the recent controversial decision by Argentine President Javier Milei to revoke the allowances granted to former president Cristina Fernández following her corruption conviction. Let’s delve into the legal, political, and ethical implications of this decision.
**Section 1: Legal Implications and Procedural Fairness**
**Guest 1: Dr. Maria Sanchez, Constitutional Law Expert**
* **Host:** Dr. Sanchez, the government argues that the revocation of Fernández’s allowances is justified due to her conviction.
However, legal experts have challenged this, stating it’s unconstitutional since the sentence is not final and the law doesn’t explicitly allow for such a measure. What are your thoughts on the legal basis of this decision?
* **Host:** Can you elaborate on the potential legal challenges Fernández could mount against this decision? What are the chances of the courts overturning Milei’s
action?
**Section 2: Political Context and Potential Motivations**
**Guest 2: Julio Ramirez, Political Analyst**
* **Host:** Mr. Ramirez, this decision has sparked intense political debate. Many see it as a politically motivated move by Milei, who is a staunch opponent of Kirchnerism.
How do you see this decision fitting into the broader political landscape of Argentina?
* **Host:** Fernández argues that this is an attack on the institution of the presidency itself, and that she is
being targeted for her political beliefs.
Do you agree with this assessment, and what
potential consequences could this have for Argentine politics?
**Section 3: Ethical Considerations and Public Opinion**
**Both Guests:**
* **Host:** This situation raises important ethical questions. Even if legally sound, is it right to strip a former
head of state of their privileges based on an unfinalized conviction?
Where do you stand on this ethical dilemma?
* **Host:** Public opinion seems divided on this issue. What are the main arguments on both
sides of this debate, and how might public sentiment influence the outcome of this legal
battle?
**Section 4: Future Implications and Lessons Learned**
* **Host:** This case has highlighted the complexities surrounding the treatment of former
leaders who are convicted of crimes. What kind of precedent could this set for the
future in Argentina?
*
**Host:** Are there any lessons to be learned from this situation, particularly in terms of promoting
transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Dr. Sanchez and Mr. Ramirez, for sharing your insightful perspectives on this complex issue. We appreciate your willingness to engage in this important discussion. This case certainly raises important questions about justice, politics, and the treatment of former leaders in Argentina, and we will continue to follow its developments closely.
**
