Cristina Kirchner Addresses Educational Congress at UBA Amidst US Sanctions Fallout
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is currently scheduled to participate in an educational congress at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) this Saturday. This appearance comes on the heels of sanctions imposed by the United States, barring her entry due to alleged involvement in «significant corruption».
The former president is expected to be the keynote speaker at the Congreso Educativo Nacional «Imaginar y transformar», slated to commence at 13:00 hours at the Facultad de Ciencias Sociales of UBA, located on Santiago del Estero 1029. According to ámbito.com, this event occurs shortly after the US sanctions, adding a layer of complexity to her address.
Focus on Local Elections and Militancy
Sources suggest that Cristina Kirchner's message will likely hone in on the upcoming Buenos Aires legislative elections, particularly following the alliance presentations scheduled for the coming Wednesday and leading up to the list closures on March 29. Moreover, she is currently preparing to address her political base, two days ahead of the March 24 Día de la Memoria mobilization.
The legislative elections on May 18 in Buenos Aires are anticipated to feature various fronts, especially given the fragmentation within Juntos por el Cambio (JxC) and a divided Peronist movement. The PJ porteño, alongside its center-left allied parties, has registered the «Ahora Buenos Aires» front, moving away from the «Unión por la Patria» designation used in 2023 with Leandro Santoro.
Separately, Juan Manuel Abal Medina, former Chief of Cabinet, is reportedly working with support from Movimiento Evita and the CGT, and has registered the Seamos Libres party. Concurrently, negotiations for a unity agreement with the PJ porteño are reportedly ongoing.
US Sanctions and Allegations of Corruption
The United States Department of State announced sanctions against Cristina Kirchner and former Minister of Planning Julio De Vido this past Friday. The stated reason for these sanctions is their alleged «participation in significant corruption», which now prohibits their entry into the United States.
According to a statement signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both former officials «abused their positions by orchestrating and profiting financially from multiple bribery schemes related to public works contracts, resulting in the theft of millions of dollars from the Argentine government». These measures extend to the immediate family members of both Kirchner and De Vido and are enacted under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State's Appropriations Act, which allows for the barring of foreign officials from entering the US based on credible evidence of significant corruption or gross human rights violations.
Kirchner's Response and Accusations Against Milei
Cristina Kirchner has directly accused President Javier Milei of orchestrating the US sanctions that now prevent her from entering the country. She stated, «You couldn't contain yourself and immediately posted, leaving all your fingers marked that it was your request», directly addressing the president.
In an ironic post, she reminded Javier Milei that he is currently under investigation in the United States for a possible crypto scam. She also mentioned Donald Trump's crucial role in the IMF loan granted to Mauricio Macri's government in 2018 and issued a warning to the US President: «And now? Are they going to give another 20 billion dollars to the President of the crypto scam? Remember that he won't be re-elected either».
Implications and Reactions
The sanctions against Cristina Kirchner are currently sparking significant debate and political fallout in Argentina. Her supporters are currently denouncing the move as politically motivated, while opponents are currently highlighting the allegations of corruption. The ámbito.com report emphasizes the immediate impact of these sanctions on the domestic political landscape.
Analyzing the political landscape after US sanctions
- Impact on Elections: The ban could affect her influence in the upcoming elections.
- International Image: Sanctions might tarnish Argentina’s international relations.
- Domestic Policy: The allegations could reshape discussions on governance and transparency.
The situation is currently evolving, and the long-term consequences remain to be seen. The educational congress at UBA will likely provide a platform for Cristina Kirchner to address these issues and rally her supporters.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information currently available and subject to change as events unfold.
