Argentina's Supreme Court Upholds Corruption Conviction of Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner

On June 10, 2025, Argentina's Supreme Court unanimously upheld the 2022 corruption conviction of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, confirming her six-year prison sentence and imposing a lifetime ban from holding public office. This landmark decision marks the first time an Argentine ex-president has been formally convicted of corruption.

The conviction centers on fraudulent administration during Fernández de Kirchner's presidency from 2007 to 2015, specifically involving the irregular awarding of 51 public works contracts in the Santa Cruz province to businessman Lázaro Báez. These contracts, many of which were overpriced or incomplete, resulted in an estimated loss of $70 million to the state. Báez, a close associate of the Kirchners, founded Austral Construcciones in 2003, shortly before Néstor Kirchner assumed the presidency. The company rapidly became a major recipient of government contracts, particularly in Patagonia. Báez has been previously convicted of money laundering and other corruption-related charges.

At 72, Fernández de Kirchner is likely to serve her sentence under house arrest due to her age. She has denounced the ruling as politically motivated, accusing the judiciary of bias and alleging influence from powerful economic interests. Her legal team plans to appeal to international human rights bodies, citing judicial bias and procedural irregularities.

The ruling significantly impacts Argentina's political landscape by removing a key opposition leader ahead of the 2027 elections. Fernández de Kirchner, a central figure in the Peronist movement, commands substantial support among working-class Argentines. Her absence from the political arena may lead to shifts within the Peronist bloc, with figures like Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof emerging as potential leaders.

The Supreme Court's decision has also sparked widespread protests by Fernández de Kirchner's supporters in Buenos Aires, including road blockades and vandalism of media outlets critical of her. These events underscore the deep political divisions and potential for increased tensions in the country.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Argentina's political history, with potential long-term implications for the nation's governance and the future of the Peronist movement. The conviction and subsequent upholding by the Supreme Court highlight the judiciary's role in addressing high-level corruption and may set a precedent for future cases involving public officials.

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the corruption conviction of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner represents a significant turning point in Argentina's political and judicial history. As the nation grapples with the immediate repercussions, the long-term effects on its political dynamics and the Peronist movement remain to be seen.