Background on Cristina Kirchner and Relevance
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner served as the President of Argentina from 2007 to 2015. She has been a prominent figure in Argentine politics for decades, previously serving as the First Lady from 2003 to 2007 alongside her husband, Néstor Kirchner. Her political career has been marked by both support and controversy, with her policies impacting various sectors of Argentine society.
Conviction and Current Status
In June, Kirchner was convicted of six years in prison and permanent political ineligibility for fraudulent administration during her presidency. She is currently serving her sentence under house arrest.
Court’s Recent Ruling
On Tuesday, an Argentine court ordered Kirchner and eight other convicted individuals to collectively pay approximately $535 million as part of a corruption case. The sum, equivalent to 684.99 billion Argentine pesos, was determined based on an analysis by official state experts regarding the damage caused to the public treasury.
Payment Details
The court’s ruling does not specify how much each individual must pay. The total amount should be deposited with the court within ten business days, extending the deadline to August 13 due to the judicial recess.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Should the defendants fail to comply, the court will seize their assets and auction them off, according to the document.
Kirchner’s Assets and Wealth
In her most recent declaration to the Anti-Corruption Office in 2023, Kirchner reported a personal wealth of nearly 250 million pesos (approximately $195,000 USD currently). She also owned several real estate properties, which she transferred to her two sons a few years ago.
Other Convicted Individuals
Alongside Cristina Kirchner, the following individuals were convicted in this case:
- Lázaro Báez: A prominent Argentine businessman.
- José López: A former government official.
- Nelson Periotti: A former government official.
- Mauricio Collareda: A former government official.
- Raúl Daruich: A former government official.
- Juan Carlos Villafañe: A former government official.
- Raúl Pavesi: A former government official.
- José Santibáñez: A former government official.
Their sentences ranged from 3.5 years to six years in prison.
Next Steps
Kirchner’s defense team has yet to announce whether they will appeal the recent ruling.
