Cristina Kirchner Begins House Arrest as Supporters Rally in Buenos Aires

Thousands of Argentines flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday to show support for former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who began serving a six-year house arrest sentence for corruption. The 72-year-old Peronist leader, who governed from 2007 to 2015, was convicted for a public works fraud scheme in Patagonia and banned for life from holding political office. Argentina’s Supreme Court upheld the 2022 ruling last week.

Kirchner remains one of Argentina’s most influential figures, despite being a polarizing force. Her leftist populist style stands in sharp contrast to the policies of current libertarian President Javier Milei. While Kirchner claims the charges are politically motivated, many of her loyal supporters believe the ruling was aimed at preventing her from running in future elections.

Demonstrators chanted and waved banners reading “Always with Cristina,” underscoring her enduring popularity among Peronist voters. "They knew she could beat them," said Laura Abal, 66, a protester, expressing frustration over what she views as a politically charged conviction.

Despite having just 20% voter support in recent polls, Kirchner continues to wield considerable influence over the Peronist movement, which has dominated Argentine politics for decades. Some analysts suggest that her house arrest could boost her political image, casting her as a martyr and allowing her to influence opposition strategy from her apartment.

In a post on X, Kirchner joked, “Can I go out on my balcony or not?”—hinting at the potential for public appearances that may violate her court-ordered restrictions.

Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni acknowledged the ruling, stating, “The arrest of a former president is not pleasant for any democracy,” but welcomed the enforcement of justice.