Juan Domingo Perón's Election as President of Argentina
1946 · Buenos Aires, Argentina
Juan Domingo Perón was elected President of Argentina, marking the beginning of a significant era in Argentine politics characterized by Peronism.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Elected as President of Argentina
On October 28, 2007, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was elected as the President of Argentina, marking a significant moment in the country’s history as she became the first woman to be elected to the presidency through a democratic process. Her election followed the presidency of her husband, Néstor Kirchner, who served from 2003 to 2007.
Background
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was born on February 19, 1953, in La Plata, Argentina. She pursued a career in law and politics, becoming a prominent figure in the Justicialist Party, which is part of the broader Peronist movement. Her political career began in the provincial legislature of Santa Cruz, and she later served as a national senator.
Néstor Kirchner’s presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize Argentina’s economy following the severe economic crisis of 2001-2002. His administration focused on economic recovery, reducing unemployment, and restructuring national debt. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was a key advisor and political partner during his tenure.
The 2007 Election
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner announced her candidacy for the presidency in July 2007. Her campaign focused on continuing the economic policies of her husband, promoting social welfare, and strengthening Argentina’s regional influence. She ran as the candidate of the Front for Victory, a faction of the Justicialist Party.
The election took place on October 28, 2007. Fernández de Kirchner won decisively, securing 45.3% of the vote, which allowed her to avoid a runoff. Her closest competitor, Elisa Carrió, received 23% of the vote.
Significance and Aftermath
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s election was significant for several reasons:
Gender Milestone: She became the first woman elected as President of Argentina, following Isabel Perón, who served as president after the death of her husband, Juan Perón, but was not elected to the position.
Continuation of Policies: Her presidency was seen as a continuation of Néstor Kirchner’s policies, focusing on economic growth, social inclusion, and human rights.
Challenges: Her administration faced challenges, including inflation, energy shortages, and tensions with agricultural sectors. Her government also dealt with issues related to media freedom and judicial independence.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner served two terms as president, from 2007 to 2015. Her tenure was marked by both achievements and controversies, and she remained a significant figure in Argentine politics, later serving as Vice President under President Alberto Fernández from 2019.
Her election in 2007 was a pivotal moment in Argentina’s political landscape, reflecting both the influence of the Kirchner political dynasty and the evolving role of women in leadership positions in Latin America.