During a court appearance, former president Cristina Kirchner claimed that prosecutor Carlos Stornelli had solicited a bribe through Marcelo D'Alessio, implicating Gustavo Sáenz as the "money courier" in the case. Kirchner's allegations were made in the context of the ongoing Cuadernos de los Coimas trial, suggesting a conspiracy to discredit Stornelli. Sáenz, who was previously the mayor of Salta, reacted strongly to this accusation, labeling Kirchner's statements as false and unfounded.

In his testimony regarding the case, Sáenz denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no request for a bribe was made at a breakfast meeting where D'Alessio and Stornelli allegedly met in January 2019. The evidence brought forth includes a recording made by retired agricultural producer Pedro Etchebest, claiming it supports the narrative that Kirchner's allegations are an attempt to undermine the prosecutorial efforts in the corruption scandal. Sáenz's defense serves to distance himself from the turbulent political drama surrounding the case, as he continues to navigate the implications of such allegations on his political career.

This situation exemplifies the ongoing tensions within Argentine politics, particularly between Kirchner's faction and the current provincial government. Kirchner's attempts to discredit Stornelli and the claims made against Sáenz are indicative of the larger battle for political legitimacy and narratives amidst accusations of corruption affecting prominent figures in the country. As the trial progresses, the fallout from these allegations could have meaningful repercussions not only for those directly involved but also for the broader political landscape in Argentina.