Cristina Fernández De Kirchner on Axel Kicillof
TL;DR
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner publicly blamed Axel Kicillof for the coalition's significant defeat in the recent midterm legislative elections.
Key Points
She claimed Kicillof's decision to split the Buenos Aires Province election from the national midterms was a political error that hurt Peronism.
She lamented that the September provincial victory, which Kicillof led, allowed anti-Peronist forces to regroup for the national legislative vote on October 26.
Despite the criticism, she called for unity within the Peronist movement following the defeat.
Summary
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's position toward Axel Kicillof, following the opposition's midterm election loss, shifted to one of public blame and criticism. She issued a statement asserting that his decision to separate the critical Buenos Aires Province regional vote from the national legislative elections was a demonstrable political error. According to the former president, this strategic split allowed the anti-Peronist vote to regroup effectively for the later national contest, which resulted in a significant defeat for their coalition. She contended that she had privately warned against this electoral strategy earlier in the year, suggesting her viewpoint was vindicated by the outcome.
This public rebuke highlights an ongoing internal rivalry for control of the Peronist movement, which the election loss has exposed and exacerbated. While Kicillof, who previously served as her economy minister, suspended his agenda to show solidarity after her corruption conviction, his independent electoral maneuvering has strained their relationship. Her current legal situation under house arrest seems to have strengthened her role as the top ideological leader, enabling her to challenge the political decisions of her former protégé, who is also seen as a potential successor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner took a negative public stance, directly blaming Axel Kicillof for the opposition's midterm election defeat. She argued that his electoral strategy regarding the Buenos Aires Province vote was a significant political mistake that benefited their opponents. This indicates a relationship strained by political disagreements.
They made a prominent public appearance together at an anniversary event for the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo in an apparent effort to quell rumors of a split. However, observers noted a "tremendous coldness" between them during the event. This public show did not negate the subsequent strong criticism she directed at him.
She stated that Kicillof's choice to separate the provincial election date from the national one was an exception that proved devastating. She maintained that the earlier provincial win created a 'run-off effect' that allowed the anti-Peronist vote to regroup for the main legislative contest.
Sources6
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner writes letter against Kicillof and Milei after defeat
Cristina exploded with rage against Kicillof, but she also has to face the consequences for the defeat. : r/argentina
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's corruption conviction shatters Argentine politics
The case of false fiscal deficit
Analysis: Did Kirchner and Kicillof make up at the Abuelas' anniversary?
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.