Cristina Kirchner Backed as Presidential Candidate Amid IMF Criticism in Argentina

National deputy Máximo Kirchner said his party wants former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to run, calling her “the most qualified” candidate and condemning the International Monetary Fund’s influence. He criticized IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s recent visit to Vaca Muerta, arguing the loan program was imposed without consulting any political forces and has caused “suffering and restrictions” for ordinary Argentines.

In Lanús, local councilor Daniel Dragonia of Fuerza Patria echoed the sentiment, stating that “Cristina arrasa, en todos los barrios de Lanús nos preguntan por ella.” He urged the release of the former president, describing her detention as illegal and warning that she could defeat both President Javier Milei and former President Mauricio Macri if allowed to run.

Both officials framed the push for Kirchner’s candidacy as a response to perceived judicial persecution and economic hardship linked to the IMF program.