The State Department is preparing this Monday (22) to ask for a prison sentence for Argentine Vice President Cristina Kirchner for alleged corruption when she was president (2007-2015), a penalty that, if confirmed, could deprive her of political rights.

Second Working Session of the 6th BRICS Summit with South American Presidents (Jose Cruz/Agência Brasil) – Photo: José Cruz/Agência Brasil/ND

Kirchner, who has political immunity due to her positions as Vice President and President of the Senate, has been on trial since 2019 along with twelve other people in a case that accuses her of running public works tenders in the province of Santa Claus. Cruz, his political homeland, in favor of businessman Lázaro Báez.

Lawyer Sergio Mola opened the ninth and final prosecution hearing with a review of the details of the case, in which more than a hundred witnesses testified.

Mola believed that the accused had “drawn up a plan” whose purpose was to deceive the state through “discretion in the use of funds”.

The lawsuit, which began in May 2019, is looking into whether the targeting and price gouging of public works concessions took place in the province of Santa Cruz, the political home of the Kirchners.

During the hearing, the public ministry named Kirchner as the leader of an illegal association and charged her with fraud against the state, crimes that could carry up to 16 years in prison.

“There were systematic violations in 51 auctions over twelve years. The evidence base convincingly demonstrates illegal maneuvers. It is unbelievable that Cristina Fernandez (Kirchner) found nothing in the privacy of her office,” the prosecutor said in his closing remarks.

The crimes Kirchner is accused of—creating an illegal association and defrauding the state—are punishable by up to 16 years in prison and stripped of her political rights.

But for the sentence to be carried out, it must be ratified by the Supreme Court. Therefore, even if convicted, Kirchner will remain at large and may be a candidate in the 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections.

After the MP’s indictment is closed, the defense has ten working days to present their defense to the 13 defendants, which could take several months. The verdict should be announced before the end of the year.

Vice President Support

On Sunday (21), a public letter signed by more than 500 mayors expressed their support for Kirchner, whom they consider a “victim of prosecution.”

Deputies of the ruling Frente de Todos also released a statement in support of Senate President Kirchner, as well as a request published this Monday in the press signed by major political and cultural figures.

In two terms in office (2007-2015), the 69-year-old vice president has managed to overcome several dismissed lawsuits for alleged crimes, but she still has five trials to go.