Argentina faces a critical political moment as the Supreme Court is expected to rule on confirming a conviction against Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in the “Vialidad” case, which alleges irregularities in public works contracts during her administration. Many see this process as part of a broader judicial strategy—often called “lawfare”—to marginalize popular leaders across Latin America.

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In response, the Patria Institute—a political organization closely aligned with CFK—and key allies have called an emergency meeting at the Buenos Aires headquarters of the Justicialist Party (PJ). Scheduled for Monday, the gathering will bring together lawmakers, allied parties, grassroots movements, and labor unions to coordinate resistance and prepare mass mobilizations defending democratic rights and opposing what they describe as a “judicial coup.”

If the Supreme Court upholds the sentence imposed by Federal Oral Court 2, Fernández de Kirchner would face at least six years in prison and a permanent ban on holding public office. This would bar her from running in the September Buenos Aires provincial legislative elections, where she is a leading candidate.

“Confirming this sentence would shatter the democratic progress Argentina has made since the return to democracy in 1983,” warn CFK’s closest allies. “It would reopen a dark chapter of political bans and exclusion, undermining the foundations of democracy.”

Cómo impacta la candidatura de Cristina Kirchner en un contexto de desazón y apatía https://t.co/3iPTV4gtva

— Página|12 (@pagina12) June 8, 2025

This tense political drama unfolds amid deepening polarization in Argentina. The country continues to wrestle with economic instability, inflation, and social unrest. Meanwhile, right-wing forces led by President Javier Milei, backed by former President Mauricio Macri and major economic sectors, push an agenda aimed at reversing social gains and silencing opposition voices.

Last week, the Supreme Court rejected a defense request to disqualify Judge Ricardo Lorenzetti, one of the magistrates involved in the case, fueling further concerns about judicial impartiality voiced by Fernández’s supporters.

CFK’s announcement of her candidacy for the Buenos Aires legislature appears to have accelerated the court’s timeline, raising alarms that the judiciary is being used as a political tool to block her electoral comeback rather than letting voters decide at the ballot box.

The Patria Institute plans to unveil a robust defense strategy during Monday’s meeting, which will coincide with Fernández’s public appearance at a commemorative event honoring victims of political repression in José León Suárez—an important symbol recalling Argentina’s painful history with authoritarianism.

“People are demanding answers and guidance. Our first step is to listen and organize together,” said close advisers to CFK. They emphasize that the movement remains “on alert and ready to mobilize” ahead of the impending court decision.

El kirchnerismo planea una gran movilización en defensa de Cristina y busca sumar a los gremios https://t.co/kfzMRqyeQ1

— La Política Online | Argentina (@LPOArg) June 8, 2025

Critics frame this judicial process as part of a wider pattern across Latin America where courts are weaponized to undermine popular leaders—paralleling efforts seen against Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Bolivia’s Evo Morales.

“This is not about justice,” activists close to the former president insist. “What they fear is the political power Cristina Fernández embodies. After failing to disqualify her through congressional ‘Clean Record’ laws, they are now turning to the judiciary to imprison her. They want to prevent her from competing in free elections at all costs.”

As Argentina approaches crucial elections, this case exposes the fragility of its democratic institutions and highlights the ongoing struggle between popular movements and entrenched conservative elites.

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