Cristina Kirchner's Message on the Anniversary of the 1976 Coup: "They Will Not Be Able To"
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is marking another anniversary of the 1976 coup with a powerful message, emphasizing the enduring importance of memory, truth, and justice. In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, the former president declared, «The persistence of MEMORY, the massiveness of TRUTH, and the demand for JUSTICE… TODAY more relevant than ever. No matter how much they want, they will not be able to.» Her statement, accompanied by eight images from the day's mobilization, underscores the continued relevance of these principles in Argentine society.
A United Front Against Negationism
For the first time in nearly two decades, various organizations and political groups are marching together under a unified banner. Their primary goal is to challenge the negationism promoted by the current government led by Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel. This united front highlights the deep concern over attempts to downplay or deny the atrocities committed during the dictatorship.
The Partido Justicialista's Strong Condemnation
The Partido Justicialista (PJ) has released a strong statement condemning the Milei administration, accusing it of «authoritarian tendencies» and an «attempt to destroy the State.» The PJ warns of the detrimental impact of the government's policies, particularly the rising poverty rates, job losses, and declining purchasing power affecting Argentinians nationwide. In contrast, the party remembers Néstor Kirchner's pivotal decision to establish March 24th as a national holiday to commemorate Memory, Truth, and Justice.
Under the title “Human rights are neither left nor right, they are human rights,” the PJ's statement includes a list of demands, such as the reopening of the Human Rights Secretariat, the preservation of memory sites, and the strengthening of the National Bank of Genetic Data. According to ámbito.com (2025), these demands reflect the peronist party's commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability for past injustices.
Provincial Leaders Stand Firm
Echoing the sentiment, Axel Kicillof, the governor of Buenos Aires province, used his X account to express his unwavering stance: «Hate speech, complicity, and oblivion have no place in the people of Buenos Aires, who know that they are 30,000 and that Never Again can the events of the last civic-military dictatorship be repeated.» He is emphasizing the importance of remembering the 30,000 disappeared during the dictatorship era and preventing such atrocities from ever happening again.
Vice Governor Verónica Magario added, «Faced with the negationist attacks of the national government, we reaffirm our commitment to the struggle of Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo and human rights organizations, which is also the struggle for the truth of all the Argentine people.» She is underscoring the ongoing fight for truth and justice in the face of government attempts to deny or minimize the past.
The Significance of Memory, Truth, and Justice
The events surrounding this year's Day of Remembrance highlight the ongoing tension between different narratives of Argentina's past. While some advocate for moving on and focusing on the future, others insist on the importance of remembering and learning from the past to ensure that such events never happen again. The debate over historical memory is intertwined with current political and economic realities, making it a central issue in Argentine society.
The Role of Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations such as Madres de Plaza de Mayo and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo continue to play a crucial role in advocating for truth, justice, and reparation for the victims of the dictatorship. These organizations have worked tirelessly for decades to uncover the truth about what happened during the dictatorship and to bring those responsible to justice. Their efforts have helped to keep the memory of the dictatorship alive and to ensure that its victims are not forgotten.
Cristina Kirchner's Enduring Influence
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's continued presence in Argentine politics and her strong stance on human rights issues reflect her enduring influence and leadership within the Peronist movement. Her message on this year's Day of Remembrance serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting the past and working towards a more just and equitable future.
In conclusion, as Argentina continues to grapple with its past, the principles of memory, truth, and justice remain central to its national identity. The events of this year's Day of Remembrance demonstrate the ongoing commitment of various sectors of Argentine society to upholding these principles and ensuring that the atrocities of the dictatorship are never forgotten. According to ámbito.com (2025) The collective actions and statements from political leaders and human rights organizations underscore the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy for human rights in Argentina.
