A PRESIDENCY MARKED BY CONTROVERSIES

Falkland Islands

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been fixated on Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands, even naming a new ministry of Falkland Island Affairs. Argentina claims it inherited the islands from Spain, while Britain argues it has historically ruled the islands. The islanders overwhelmingly voted to remain a British territory in a 2013 referendum.

Alberto Nisman

Prosecutor Alberto Nisman died in his home from a gunshot wound to the head in January. He was about to deliver a report condemning the government for obstructing his investigation into a 1994 bombing at a Buenos Aires Jewish centre. Many believe he was murdered. Fernandez has stated she believes “rogue spies” intentionally misled Nisman into accusing her.

Fight with farmers

In 2008, Fernandez introduced a tax on agricultural exports, including soy. The farmers retaliated by staging a two-week strike that shut down Buenos Aires. The protests turned violent. Four months later, Fernandez was forced to drop the proposal when Congress voted it down.

Fudging the numbers

The Fernandez government has been accused of manipulating economic data. The government’s consumer price index is artificially low. Private economists estimate inflation at more than 25 per cent, while the government has said it is about 15 per cent. The government has also claimed the poverty rate is now at 5 per cent, lower than Germany, Norway and Denmark.