The Federal Chamber of Social Security has ruled that former president Cristina Kirchner must be reinstated her widow's pension, which was suspended by the national government due to her criminal conviction.
On Thursday, the Federal Chamber of Social Security in Argentina ordered the government to reinstate former President Cristina Kirchner's widow's pension, which had been suspended following her criminal conviction in the Vialidad case. The court highlighted that the suspension put Kirchner in a vulnerable position, depriving her of necessary income. The decision halts the government's resolution to revoke her pension pending the outcome of the current legal proceedings.
Historically, Kirchner has received substantial financial support from both her pension as a former president and her widow's pension from the late president Néstor Kirchner, totaling around 21 million pesos per month. However, in November 2024, following a ruling from the Criminal Cassation Chamber that confirmed her conviction to six years in prison, the national government led by Javier Milei canceled these payments. The government's actions raised questions regarding the protection of political figures and the implications of legal judgments on their livelihoods.
This ruling not only reinstates Kirchner's financial support but also raises broader concerns about the influence of judicial decisions on political figures in Argentina. It underscores the ongoing tensions between Kirchner's supporters and the current government, reflecting deeper political divides in the country. The outcome of her legal battles may have significant implications for her and her party's future in Argentine politics, as well as the dynamics of power and governance in a transitioning political landscape.
