The Plaza de Mayo square in Buenos Aires city was turned into a colorful scenario where social and political organizations as well as people gathered to celebrate the national holiday and express their support to the Kirchner’s administration that started when Nestor Kirchner -late husband of Cristina Fernandez- took office in 2003.
VOX POP 2
“I have been taught at home to be humble. Cristina not only encourages love, she teaches us to be humble every day”.
Off 2
Nestor Kirchner was elected following the devastating 2001-2002 crisis, with Argentina declaring the biggest debt default in history and reaching current Europe-like unemployment rates.
The creation of 5-million jobs over the past decade; the promotion of youth activism; the expropriation of energy company YPF from Spain’s Repsol or social inclusion policies such as the Universal Child Allowance -a cash transfer paid to poor families on condition their children attend school and receive regular medical checkups-, are some of the measures thousands here vindicated.
VOX POP
“There are more jobs; more social protection and inclusion; there are responses to diversity and to minorities; there is Latin American integration and a new start with the Middle East. That is thanks to Cristina and Nestor”.
Off 3
As activists held large banners showing the names and images of Cristina and Nestor Kirchner, the 60-year old president showed up at the Plaza de Mayo square to address the nation.
Defending what she called “Argentina’s won decade”, she recalled how the sovereignty dispute with the UK over the Malvinas Islands has been put back in the international scenario.
SB 1
Juan Recce
Peoples for Malvinas organization - Head
“In these 10 years, Argentina managed to install the Malvinas cause strategically at a regional and global level. Argentineans are becoming aware of the significance Malvinas have for the future decades”.
Off 4
Still, the ruling Victory Front Party has been gripped by corruption allegations in recent weeks. Local media have accused Nestor Kirchner of involving in a money laundering scandal, just five months ahead of the legislative elections when the government will battle to keep control of the Congress.
SB 2
Araceli Ferreyra
Lawmaker - Ruling Victory Front party
“The IMF chief being investigated, that is where corruption is. Corruption lies among the sectors that destroyed us, that used our resources and took them leaving us in poverty and unemployment. Things have changed and people know it. Media corporations lie shamelessly and every time an electoral year comes they try to destroy everything in their path”.
Off 5
The demonstration lasted for more than 12 hours with music concerts, mapping shows and fireworks closing Argentina’s National Day celebrations.
PTC (already approved and done)
In a key electoral year, despite corruption allegations, the National Government has gained the support of thousands of Argentineans. Supporters of the ruling party say that Kirchnerism has allowed the South American country to recover from its 2001 collapse - Argentina’s worst social, political and economic crisis in history.