An Argentine federal court on Wednesday upheld the six-year prison sentence and lifetime ban from public office imposed on former President Cristina Kirchner, as reported by La Nacion.
Kirchner, who was initially convicted in 2022 on charges of embezzling public funds, appealed the verdict. However, the federal criminal court confirmed the original ruling. Kirchner, 71, plans to take the appeal to Argentina’s Supreme Court; she will remain free pending a final decision.
The allegations stem from Kirchner’s presidency (2007–2015) and the term of her late husband, former President Néstor Kirchner (2003–2007). Prosecutors claimed the couple funneled public construction contracts to an ally without competitive bidding, with some of the inflated payments allegedly redirected to them. The scheme reportedly cost the state around $1 billion. Kirchner has denied all charges, asserting that the investigations are politically motivated.
Kirchner remains a polarizing figure in Argentina, with a strong base of support but ongoing legal challenges, including investigations into money laundering and corruption. She previously served as vice president under Alberto Fernández and was seen as a dominant influence in his administration.
Following the court’s decision, current President Javier Milei, who criticized Kirchner’s faction during his campaign, commented on the ruling. “Today we can confirm without any doubt that Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is guilty of corruption,” Milei posted on X.
